Date: 6/16/04
Starting Location: Wawayanda Shelter
Destination: Fitzgerald Falls
Miles: 13.8
Total Miles: 1370.2
New York, New York! That's right, start spreading the news. I finally made it back to my home state after a quick 3 days in New Jersey and just over 3 months on the AT. My 9th state started out with my first ever rattlesnake sighting thanks to Footloose who nearly stepped on it while hiking a few feet ahead of me. Fortunately, like all good and nice rattlesnakes should, Mr. Timber Rattler just slithered away not to be bothered any more without so much as a rattle.
Spent the heat of the afternoon eating 3 ice cream cones and napping in the shade at a new trailside creamery—I'm really getting used to the abundant trailside luxuries so close to the trail in these Mid-Atlantic states, especially since I know it won't be long before they disappear for the remainder of the trail. 4 miles after the creamery, this lazy short day came to an end with dinner at the foot of Fitzgerald Falls and Footloose and I tenting just a little bit away. I'm hoping the sound of the falls will rock me to sleep.