"Some people finish the Trail..."

"...but never experience it." -Desperado

August 21, 2001

Hiked with Motorcycle Mama to the Secret Shelter.  It has two shelters, a privy, warm shower, and two donkeys.

New Jersey's "Secret Shelter"

Twinkle Toes, Marge, and Beat came along shortly after as well, so we had a fun evening just enjoying the great weather, watching the donkeys, and doing general over-all relaxing.

Desperado [this guy is a Trail legend!] showed up and gave out some soda, talked about the Trail, and gave advice.  Great guy.  There is Trail Magic all up and down NJ because of him.

Unfortunately, it appears that Desperado was murdered in June of 2012.  Many thruhikers remember his unselfish, giving nature.  He is missed by many.  RIP.

Some ground hogs and wild turkeys showed up.  Also, some deer came and ate apples.

This was one of my favorite shelters, mostly because of Desperado showing up, but also because it is in such a peaceful area with lots of wildlife around.  Having a shower there is cool too, but for some reason I didn't even use it.  I had just had a shower the day before, right?

At the Secret Shelter