Date: 2014-06-28
From: Prospect Rock

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: broken clouds

Forgot to mention in last entry that by going to Prospect Rock we made it through NJ in 3 days and I was finally home in NY! It got chilly that night but I slept really well and saw the sunrise with really nice colors. I hope the pictures turn out. Still can't believe I'm in NY already and its not even the 4th of July which is a bench mark of sorts. This day was especially gruelling with several tough rock climbs early on. While moving through the rocks I suddenly spotted a bear on the trail and was able to get within 10 yards of it and shoot a video. It was a pretty big bear and didn't want to get off the trail at first as it was dining on some of the blueberries along the trail. With some huffing and puffing it finally did move along after I smacked my poles together and yelled at it for a bit. As I came out onto NY 17A the crew was talking to a trail angel FM who was dropping off another thru hiker Soho and they were going to go into town for breakfast. I was a little reluctant at first as it was about 2 miles into town and was concerned about getting back to the trailhead. However, I decided to throw caution to the wind as a breakfast would be nice and let God guide me back. We got into town and I head a western omlette, home fries and toast while also charging my phone. This is always critical to us as we never know when we will get another chance to do so and its our connection to the outside world and in my case my camera. Afterwards I went across the street to a convienent store and got some ice and a STARBUCKS Double shot mocha for later. Just as I got done a guy pulled up and offered a ride back to the trail head. Thank you God. I went inside and informed the others he would take me up and come back and get them one at a time. As I got in I noticed that he had a PILE if used unbagged soda bottles everywhere but what did I care, I was getting a ride. On the way up he mentions he takes donations and while this might bother some people I didn't care in the least and was glad to help. Everyone made it back (thanks Neck Bone for grabbing my charger and phone which I left behind since I was in such a hurry) and we headed out. The crew was flying and they soon were out of sight. I ran into Oconee and walked with him. We had some crazy ups and downs to overcome and again it was nice to have someone along as it made it more "bear"able. Misery loves company? For some reason, today I cannot find any rythm on the trail and my legs feel like lead and the pack feels like it has 80 pounds of portland cement in it. Again today water is an issue as sources are far and few between and since they are so low in the terrain and slow moving stagnant and questionable. The temperatures are in the mid to upper 80's again to day with a similar humidity rating and with the amount of exersion we are putting out staying hydrated is difficult to say the least. We luck out at Fitzgerald Falls mm 371.8 which is not only a pretty place and cool temperature wise but has some nice water that Oconee and I filter and load up on. The ice in the pack is holding and makes it real nice to suck on some really cool water while I climb in the heat. We continue to go over several ups and downs in the hot sun and the trail becomes even more rocky as we move along. My legs are so tired I decide to pull out the Starbucks for some energy and boy does it work. We crossed over I-87 and into Harriman State Park. Again with the big elevation gains but the Mocha is doing its magic for the next 2 hours. Yet like all good things that must come to an end about 2 miles out I start to slow down and my feet are now burning and humming from the big miles over the last few days and the pounding over all of the rocks in the hot heat. We finally make it to the shelter though and its pretty nice with open green areas for tenting which everyone is doing as the bugs have been relentless today with the gnats being especially pesty getting into our eyes. Being in our tents with the fly off keeps us cool, we can watch the stars and the bugs can't get to us. Oconee and I talk about getting up at 5 am to get to Bear Mountain where we hear there is suppose to be a Hiker Feed tomorrow. However with the way my feet feel wel have to wait and see. I need to listen to my body. Well time to get some shut eye 918 pm as sunrise will come soon enough.