Date: 2018-09-09
From: Arden Mountain, NY

To: Long House Creek, NJ
Miles today: 17.5

Up and on the trail at 7:14. Rainfly was dry and I was happy. Chilly out though. The remnants of a tropical storm are to come through later today so I am on a rain alert. After crossing the old two lane Orange Turnpike the trail climbed. There under large white pines was a large campsite with a bed of pine needles. That was the campsite I was looking for last night. Oh well, maybe next time. After crossing the outlet of Little Dam Lake I took a break. Shortly White Beard came across. He is section hiking the trail. After talking he headed out and so did I, passing him shortly. Then I met Sobos Bobsled and her husband Treeman. With them was a girl SlowMo. They started before I did and are taking their time walking home to North Carolina. I hiked with them for about two miles then went on as they took a break. Two Nobos from Florida came by. They asked if I was cold walking in shorts and a sleeveless shirt. I said no because I burn hot. They were all bundled up, even had the hoods of their jackets over their heads. They said they are sure they are the last of the Nobos and plan to stop in Connecticut then finish next year. About 1 p.m. I reached NY 17 and headed up the hill to the Bellvale Creamery. There I got a hot fudge sundae. Afterwards I crossed the road and stopped at a hot dog vendor. For $5.50 I got two hot dogs, chips, and a Pepsi. The vendor reminded me heavy rain is coming. I had to get going and headed back to the trail. I wanted to get over Prospect Rock before the rains hit. The first two miles of the trail were easy and I covered them quickly. Then the route went over smooth outcrops of bedrock for a mile or so. Three elderly men came from the opposite direction and all said hello. The last one asked in a low voice how far it was to the road. I said three miles. He said that's comforting because one of the other guys fell and hit his head. He needs to get to the hospital he said. It's a difficult and slippery area even without the rain. At a high point I could see a flag on a hill about a mile away. After dropping off the rocks and going through the woods the trail began climbing again up and onto more open rock face. Then after a mile from where I first saw it, there was an American Flag on top of Prospect Rock. At 1,433' Prospect Rock is the highest place on the AT in New York. It was sprinkling for an hour now. The views from the mountain were beautiful but I can see the potential of rain starting at any moment. I continued on the trail over the rock and through the stunted pines that found cracks in the rock to grow. At 5:06 p.m. I left New York and entered New Jersey. I knelt and gave thanks then celebrated with a 50 cent bag of Fritos I got at back at the hot dog vendor. It was sprinkling lightly still. I headed out hoping to get two more miles in. My destination was Long House Creek. I needed water and wanted to get the tent up before the rain. After about 45 minutes I came to a stream but it was just dark puddles. Then another hill and the trail went down. Another stream I hoped as the rain slightly increased. I could hear it on the trees. But at the bottom just a dry rocky wash. Another hill and then way down. The light rain slowed. Then I saw a bridge. Water! This was Long House Creek! I crossed the bridge then found a grassy area off the trail. I got the tent up and threw all my gear in. The rain was getting steadier and heavier. 6 p.m. I got my two water bottles and went back to the bridge. After filling the bottles and while walking back to camp I thought what a good day I had. I pushed to get here. I had the tension of trying to beat the rain. I had the desire to cross the state line. Slight disapointment at two streams. Then, as the rain increased a stream and a campsite. And finally, got set up just as the rain became serious. A very good day. Tomorrow Heartrock is to visit me in Vernon. Heavy rains tonight and tomorrow as I push eight wet miles to Heaven Hill Farm and Deli where we'll meet.