AT Map, NJ, NY, CT
Early in the a.m. just at daybreak, I awoke on the picnic tables where I had camped for the night. Squirrel was in her squirrel bag under the shedroof at the end of the picnic area. Most everyone else was crashed in the bunkhouse or in their tents. Wandering Jew was up, having a bit of trouble with his stove, 'Sorry if I smell bad, but I just burnt my hair.' Ah, three days in a trail town and things get a little cattywonker for everyone. At least the kid had a good sense of self-deprecating humor. I'd been too long in a trail town. There was an ache to get back to familiar white blazes.
This hostel is yet again a wonderful experience of the Trail. They asked for a $3 donation per night. I only had twenties. I hoped one would do -- not too many places in this country where $20 could take such good care of wanderers. On my way out of town to the Trail and the bridge, I passed a car at the hiker parking. Bumper sticker: 'Not all who wander are lost.' Indeed.