Warmed up!

Among the thousands of arbitrary clusters of people or things that we make and cover with a thick layer of prejudice, New Jersey is one of the most puzzling. How did the small corner that has served as Manhattan's back yard for over three centuries become the image we associate with the entire State?

High Point State Park is certainly more scenic than the highest point in - to pick another State with serious self image problems - Delaware.

Yes, Delaware does have a high point. It's in the center of a shopping mall. 

New Jersey High Point Memorial

True, the New Jersey High Point Memorial was closed off by some worn sawhorse barriers declaring it off limits due to unsafe conditions, a electrical repair van was backed up to it, and the gent collecting his tools had dressed the part of a blue collar Joisey laborer on a hot summer day.

It was a good morning walk nevertheless, and - breaking the New Jersey's tradition for out of staters at their bridges -- I didn't have to pay a fee to get out of the park!

Hot and humid, though. I plan to see that spike again next Tuesday when I hike in from the south.