Date: 2010-06-19
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Hemlock Campsite
Miles today: 16.4

Goal today was to reach a campsite north of Bear Mountain. Made it there after a long day of up and down some steeper than usual climbs.Upon the approach to Bear Mountain itself, I came upon Carlos, the Israeli guy I mentioned an entry or two ago. He was sickly and moving slowly as he said he has some food poising from a deli sandwhich, which I saw him eat at the shelter we shared. Said he was out of water and had been suffering from diarrhea and dehydration, not a good thing to have on the trail or anytime. He had been able to get some water from day hikers as many were out for one day hikes on Bear Mountain. We parted but were to meet up a while later.So to the base of Bear Mountain and up we go. Another challenge as the climb started at 650' and went to 1300. This really isn't much compared to most other mountains on both ends of the AT. There was no facilities or water at the top, a popular gathering for picnicers and motor cycle enthusiasts. No facilities (restrooms and water), something wrong with that picture there, New York. I mooched some cold water on the top from some nice folds from the area. Before I arrived at the top, there's Carlos, hiking in the wrong direction, south, but only a few minutes from the top. He said he'd been blessed to meet up with me again, and for me to be at his back on the way down. He moved ahead starting down while I was still mooching water. So long Carlos, good luck, wont be seeing you again.Coming down the mountain into town was a great downhill hike. There was a rebuild progject (The Bear Mt Project) going on for a couple years where volunteers had labored to make rock steps and smooth trail just about all the way into the picnic grounds below. This would also benefit day hikers who wanted to make the treck up and then back down. This downhill will take the prize for the nicest. From afar up, I could see the Bear Mountain Bridge crossing over the Hudson.The trail went right through the picnic area and the place was packed, every table being utilized. Oh, those cold watermelons and coolers sitting around every where. I tried to look as forelorn as possilbe as I slowly walked through but no one made me any offers. So got to the concessions and had an ice cream, Sierra Mist, and Gatorade. Took boots off for a half hour or so before starting off as I couldn't camp or stay there at the grounds. This part of the park also has a Trailside Museum and Wildlife center (a mini zoo which hikers walk through during business hours). In front of the black bear exhibit is actually the lowest portion of the entire trail at 165' above sea level. I was mistaken a while back about a part of NJ being the lowest.I had to keep going to get to my planned campsite at Hemlock Springs which had tent sites and water, so the book said. Another 3.7 miles and of course uphill 400' or so yet seemed like a really toughy so late in the day. Crossed over the bridge and arrived at the camp about 6:00 to a troup of boy scouts already camped. There was plenty of space but no water, and once again, the boy scouts leaders were angels and gave me more than enough water they had retrieve from a private home somewhere near by. Thanks fella's, very much.So this day was full of events with Carlos, the Bear Mountain climb and descent, the picnic park, the concessions, over the bridge and up another hill. I'm hobbling once again but hoping to continue on.