Date: 2015-07-14
From: Bear Mountain Recreation Area

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

It was tough saying good bye to Gail and Dan - and not just because they were slack packing me. It was so good to see friendly familiar faces. Hikers, particularly thru hikers, are usually friendly and helpful with one another, but it is not the same as seeing and spending time with folks you really know, and who really know you.After we had breakfast together Dan and Gail gave me a ride back to the Bear Mountain Recreation Area and the AT. I stopped in the gift shop, just to look. I had no intention of adding anything to my already heavy pack weight.Then I walked on the AT through the Trailside Museum and Zoo, which was very sad. The poor animals were in such tiny cages. The bear was cinnamon colored, not black, and was surrounded by squawking vultures. A few boys from a visiting school group were harassing the birds and bear. The person supervising the children, who was no more than a kid himself, did nothing and there appeared to be no one working the zoo nearby, so I told the kids to knock it off. The lowest point of the AT is in the Zoo near the bear exhibit. I think that applies to more than just elevation. Foxes, a porcupine, and a groundhog were also all confined in tiny cages. I can understand the history behind the little zoo, but I cannot understand why the animals are not treated more humanely. I was getting so depressed by their treatment that I cut my visit short.The AT exits the Trailside Zoo at the Bear Mountain Bridge which crosses the Hudson River. I enjoyed the view and refreshing breeze as I crossed the long bridge. It was also exciting to cross the Hudson River. But I was glad to get away from the road and back into the woods when I reached the other side.Once I made the tough climb up the mountain to the ridge, the trail was not all that bad. I caught a glimpse of a beautiful fox squirrel, my favorite type of tree squirrel.   I also somehow managed to sneek up on some turkeys. For once I was able to hear them before they detected me. I quietly walked behind them and watched as about 4 adult hens ushered almost 3 dozen juvenile turkeys up the mountain. The adults were so vigilantly watching for predators I have no idea why they did not spot me. I was amazed at how much noise they made as so many birds shuffled through the dry leaves.A storm was on its way. I made it to the Appalachian Market on US 9 & NY 403 near Peekskill, NY just in time. I comfortably enjoyed a delicious mango Italian ice and Diet Coke while watching the rain. I was joined by a few other thru hikers, including Super Slider and his son Jolly. They are quickly getting their trail legs.The rain did not last long and I headed up the trail. With a pack heavy with my resupply, and more rain expected, I did not intend to go far today. Franciscan Monks open the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center to hikers. They allow us to use a field and covered pavillion, a cold water shower, port-a-potty, and electrical outlets - just about everything a thru hiker needs.A few of us pitched our tents without the rain flies under the pavilion. The rest pitched tents in the field. While we were tending to our camp chores a beautiful doe grazed nearby, totally unconcerned with us. The next shelter was over 18 miles away, so we were all very grateful for good water and someplace to lay our heads for the night.The AT is calling. Thank you to the kind and generous folks who look after the AT thru hikers making their way along the trail!!