Date: 2006-07-07
From: Bear Mtn

To: Greymoor Friary
Miles today: 8.9

WWoke to a beautiful morning on Bear Mountain. Ate breakfast at the overlook and watched the morning light reflect off the city skyline. I wondered if anyone in the city could pick out Bear Mountain in the distance while drinking morning coffee. While descending the mountain There is a great view of the Hudson and Bear Mountain Bridge just a couple miles away. Crossing the Hudson is another big milestone for me. It's the in and out of the Northeast. Can't get to New England without that bridge. I'm still a long way from home but feel like the final part of the hike has begun. I stopped by the lake at the foot of the mountain to look back at where I'd come from. The mountain is tiny by Tennessee standards but perfect for New York. I rested my pack on a picnic table, leaned back, and watched the hawks circling the peak. I've been away for a long time and I've come a long way. Endless climbs in North Carolina, snow in the Smokies, beautiful spring views in Virginia, ridges and rain and rocks in Pennsylvania. Got a little misty thing about where I've been and the work I've done to get this far. To this point in the hike I haven't thought very far ahead. The goal is too big and too far away. Now it's within reach. I'm not in foreign territory anymore. I've changed my tune. A few days ago I thought the trip was going too fast, that I'm too close to home and not ready for it to end. Now I'm even closer but there are a lot of very hard miles between here and the end, the hardest miles of the trail. I can't say I'm looking forward to the end, but I'm looking forward to getting home. I want to be with Andrew in our little city with our cozy routines. When I began the hike I loved the distance between me and everything familiar. Now that the distance is shorter the miles feel longer and heavier. Tonight we're staying in a field at Greymoor Friary, a traditional hiker stop. We had planned a longer day, but Uber has friends visit the trail and Greymore is easy to find. Kutsa and Uber were waiting on trail just before the friary to tell me we were staying. Huge relief. I've been exhausted the past week or so and the pain between my shoulders is bad. I take my pack of to rest every four miles or so. Another short day as the days grow shorter, but I'm not complaining. Short day on trail to get here, but a nice one. I took my time leaving the state park. The day was bright and the lake looked clear so I pulled of my shirt and boots for a swim. Then I met everyone at a table near soda and ice cream machines where we planned the day. From there the trail runs through a small zoo and then across the bridge. We all need to stop in Fort Montgomery for mail and food before crossing. The zoo doesn't open until 10:00 but we're in no hurry, no one but Uberdude. John and Lilly took the dogs and walked around the zoo. Uber climbed the fence and followed the trail through. The rest of us plus Good Times Charlie, Outlaw and Lost Buck strolled through the zoo when it opened. I walked the mile off trail with Kutsa had enough food waiting for me at the post office to get me through to Pauling where my new shoes and travelers checks are waiting. In town we met a thru-hiker from '85 called the Moose. He bought us sodas at the deli and went home for his van. He drove us back to the bridge and gave us a bag with sandwiches, ice cream and beer. Then the bridge and wind and the river.There's a big group here at the friary. Besides the seven from the van, Kurly & Swansons, Goodtimes & Outlaw, Grits, M & M, Charlie Foxtrot and Dead Bear all came in tonight. Was glad to see Charlie, especially after hearing that the trail is really getting him down. Haven't seen M&M since Pearisburg, VA. When hikers gather much pizza and beer follows. Uber's friends brought a cooler full. There was also cream soda and root beer. I drank two liters of cream soda in an hour. The rest drank many liters of something else. After I turned in the party went on and on. Conversation got louder and louder and really raunchy. Charlie recounted his military days and stories his buddies told of sex acts I'd never heard of. I shouted out of my tent a couple of times adding my own two cents. Campground at a friary... locker room... not much difference.