Date: 2015-06-15
From: Wawayanda Shelter 

To: NY 17A
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day this has been! About 4 miles into today's hike Little Prince and I made it to the NJ/NY border. I know this only because the rocks/bolders I stepped on told me so, and I have pictures to prove it. My first thoughts were of accomplishment, excitement and amazement that I had made it through another state. NJ was beautiful but rockier and more challenging than I expected and the deli's on every corner never materialized. Still feeling the thrill if seeing a large bear my first evening I'm New Jersey.I did years of planning for this adventure and for some reason thought NJ, NY and Connecticut were going to be like "pieces of cake". Today New York surprised me and it was not with anything sweet. As soon as I crossed the border the trail seemed to grow big menacing protrusions of rocks. Again, I could only laugh hysterically while slipping and falling and butt blazing my way up and down. It was also raining in earnest and the trail was wept and slippery. We only saw one or two other hikers all day. We reached Prospect Rock which is the highest point of the AT in NY and is supposed to have clear and spectacular views of Greenwood Lake on a clear day. Today was not a clear day. It was thick with fog but hot and muggy. For me today's hike was the most difficult overall without counting Lehigh Gap and Knife's edge. I will never forget those climbs as long as I live, but today was challenging all day long. It took us an embarrassing 10 hours to hike/climb 10 miles. Our goal has been 10 miles before noon because we start so ridiculously early in the morning. Of course I wasn't mentally prepared for this which doesn't help, and I have discovered that rain on the trail as a game changer, at least for me. After huffing and puffing and climbing up and down and getting lost because the rocks are not as well blazed as the sections with trees we came to an actual step ladder going straight up the rock face. Thankfully it was anchored securely and after my initial shock I was able to make my way up quite easily. I wish there were more of these on the trail.The day grew hotter as we slapped at annoying and hungry mosquitoes while making our way across the exposed ridge line. We came across a large American flag someone had planted right on the rocks. It was a nice to see. At the same time we heard loud sirens from the town below that sounded like some sort of emergency warning system. The sky was dark with storm clouds and had a look of doom about it. Little Prince said it could be a warned for tornadoes or something. Not sure if he was serious but it did make me pick up my pace for a bit.Another bit of excitement was the rattling and spotting of two very large rattlesnakes coiled up between two rocks right next to the white blazes on the trail. Normally I carry my camera in a pouch on my waist for easy access but because of the rain it was nestled safely in my pack. I quickly dropped my pack, grabbed my camera and started my amateur photography session. No worries because they never moved and posed for me while I took about 20 pictures. Finally I stepped aside the trail and continued my journey quite content.I continued butt blazing whenever I was fearful of the slippery down climbs. I have several bumps and bruises from this effort. Our goal was to reach Wildcat shelter which would have been a 12 mile "walk in the woods" instead of 10. Ha ha Bill Bryson. I was very fatigued, sore and cold and shivering. When we reached the bottom at Hwy 17A I spread out my tyvec and curled up in a ball for a little rest. I must have looked pathetic because Little Prince asked me if I would like to try and find a room instead of hiking the two miles which probably would have taken two hours in my condition. I just smiled so I guess he took that as a yes because within 20 minutes a shuttle driver picked us up and drover us to Anton's on the Lake in Greenwood, NY.Talk about serendipity. One of my worst days turned into an amazing spot in a resort town with beautiful lake views complete with geese, a big green lawn, free laundry, China tea cups, nice shampoo and conditioner, multiple restaurants to choose from, but the best of all was Robert, an amazingly generous host who does everything. We waited outside at a little table with chairs as he personally cleaned our room. I took my boots and socks off and they were nimb, cold, pasty white and pruny. I could barely step on the ground without wincing. My hot shower was very long and felt luxurious. It was my first shower in 7 days. My hair had not been brushed in about 5 days and the back was full of knarly knots. I washed my hair 3 times and it was still sticky. Little Prince said he saw a caterpillar go down the drain when he took his shower. We ordered food from a brand new restaurant, Four Brothers Pizza, with an extensive menu. Best of all it was delivered right to our door. My eggplant parmesan, garlic bread and salad was all that I imagined it would be and then some. The next great surprise on today's menu was Robert announcing he for an extra 35 dollars we could stay another night AND he would slack pack us the next day for no charge. I wanted to cry with tears of joy but was able to keep myself under control. This meant he would drive us to the trail where we left off and we would only carry water, snacks and rain gear and camera of course. He told us to text him when we wanted to pick us up. I had visions of all the extra miles I could hike. Life is good right now. Really good. Getting my energy back and looking forward to tomorrow. Today reminds me of my death defying climb up and over Lehigh Gap in Pennsylvania and how it ended with a camping spot with lounge chairs to view the valley and sunset fashioned out of large stones just like in the Flintstones. I continue to be amazed and overjoyed at what this trail and journey has thrown at me. Sometimes I feel it is laughing at me and mocking and challenging me to prove my worth, but when I need it the most it always provides comfort and miraculous moments I will never forget.