Date: 2014-06-13
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: moderate rain

Day 93-June 13, Wildcat Shelter to William Brien Memorial Shelter, 19.6 miles. Happy 3-month Trail Anniversary to us! Today was a day of diversity in both weather and hiking conditions. We were the first ones out of camp on a rainy morning at 6:45. The steady rain held off for a bit but then it got serious. The terrain was lots of ups and downs. Jim said it was New York's version of the Roller coaster section that we did in Maryland. The up portions of this morning's hike all went to rocky outcroppings. Some of these outcroppings required us to throw our sticks up to the top of the rocks and then use our hands to help get us up and over the rock obstacle. Now add in that it was raining, at times down pouring, and it was work. Our umbrellas got a work out this morning and we are so glad we have them. It stopped raining around 11 AM which made us very happy. The trail took a steep descent so the trail could cross the NYS Thruway (I-87) and entered Harriman Park and then we started to enjoy our day. Harriman SP is a beautiful place and the trail was in good condition. We continued going up and down but it was all manageable. The most fun we had today came at a spot called the Lemon Squeezer. This spot was formed by 2 huge boulders with a narrow cut between them. The trail went through this 18" cut and I had to take off my pack and push it ahead of me through the slot. Jim was able to sling his pack over one shoulder and make it through. We were feeling pretty good about the Lemon Squeezer when we looked up-trail and saw this rock wall with a white blaze on it! Yikes! There was also a sign pointing the way to the blue blazed trail labelled "Easy Route". Of course we had to follow the white blazes so we walked to the base of the wall and checked out our options. Jim threw his sticks to the top of the rocks and tried to go up the left side. That didn't seem to be the best route so he came down and gave the right side a try and was successful. Now it was my turn. I hoisted my pack up to Jim and then "busted a move" and got myself up to the top of the wall! That was a confidence builder. The sun tried to come out a couple of times during the afternoon and when we finally got to this shelter we were able to get the tent dried out. However, while making and eating dinner in the shelter a rain shower came through. We are really hoping for some sun tomorrow! It has been a long, hard day but we feel good about our efforts! Wildlife update: 1 lethargic black snake, 1 box turtle, 4 deer and lots of red efts. Last night there must have been 16 people at Wildcat Shelter and most of them thought they were doing the 19+ miles to get to this shelter. The weather must have discouraged them for coming this far because the only other people here are 2 section hikers-Lightning Bolt and Rain Man The Mountain Laurel continue to be a highlight as we walk through the woods. Today the bright green ferns made a nice contrast to the dark bark of the trees as we hiked in certain sections. Tomorrow we have 16+ miles to get to the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center where we'll camp. All is well.