A short, but tough day. Really hot and humid for the three steep climbs and descents into Bear Mt., NY. Sadly, the humidity also meant that Footloose and I were unable to see New York City from any of the several open rock vistas.
William Brian Memorial
It may have rained, but it was still an amazing day. It started off with breakfast by the falls and several short but very steep rock scrambles. One long downpour later, our string of trail magic continued on as an older man waiting in his car at the crossing of NY17 offered to bring us to the cafeteria down the road to eat and then drive us back.
Fitzgerald Falls
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…
Wawayanda
A very hot, very humid day and I was nowhere near 100%. I felt tired and overheated all day despite lots of great trail magic, including many jugs of water. I resisted the pull of the hostel in Vernon even on such a tough, long day after a good long break with ice cream and cookies at Heaven Hill Farm just a few hundred yards off the trail at an afternoon road crossing.
Secret Shelter
Another long day that unfortunately started with a nasty headache, something that thankfully happens very infrequently out here compared to home. I guess not enough sleep lately probably caught up with me. I finally caught up with Footloose again tonight, and had more trail magic today than any other day on the trail so far thanks to incredible trail angels like Desperado.
Brink Road
What an exciting first day in New Jersey, my 8th state! Quite a few rocks still laying around ala PA, but nice trail, lots of nice views from grassy ridges (a welcome change from Pennsylvania), a smell of spring and blooming mountain laurel in the air, and my first bear sighting since Shenandoah. I crossed the 1300-mile mark today on my first day out with the new ULA backpack.
Delaware Water Gap Zero Day
Great breakfast at the Trail's End Cafe with Amy this morning after picking up my new replacement backpack from the post office. By 12:30, Gretchen and Jamie were there to meet me for a fun-filled day off of mini-golf, eating, and catching up with each other. Lots of fun, but far too short and I wish Alison could have been here with us too. I can't wait to see them again at the end!