On The Boardwalk

Most everyone who has been to Myrtle Beach or some beach side area has taken a stroll on a boardwalk. Thus in my mind, long boardwalks have always been associated with the beach.

So it has been a surprise to me to discover that to thru hike the AT, one has to walk over miles of boards. Yes, miles!

Most of the time these are simple affairs consisting of two 2"X6"  boards nailed on to 4"X4" or large logs so that one can hike over swampy areas with dry feet. Both PA and NJ had

cumulatively several miles of such simple structures.

However the Pochuck Boardwalk Trail just outside of Vernon, NJ was a different affair. We were told by a local that he worked on its construction and that it is the most expensive project associated with the AT. You can do a Google search and read about it and see pictures.

As we walked over it, I realized it was a perfect spot for bird watching. However we had just come out of two days of rain and were weary and footsore as we walked it. So we could not stop and appreciate the project or its environment as they deserve.

Projects like that of the Pochuck make walking the AT much easier. They serve as one example of the extent to which state governments and the federal as well have gone to make sure Americans can enjoy the sights available along the AT.

Uncle