Date: 2012-07-06
From: NY 17A

To: NJ 94 - Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 15.0

Surefoot and Mini Mama came back from NY City late last night after a wonderful day in the Big Apple. They left early this morning to begin the long drive back to Michigan by way of Indiana to pick up the kids. SOS and I drove about 15 miles to NY 17A so that SOS could be SOBO today and end up back close to our hotel. I drove back to the hotel for a little while and then drove about 1.8 to the fruit stand/ice cream stand which is across the road from the AT. I knew that Tim (Headnout) and Nancy (Taganalong) planned to be there about 9 so I was there at 8:50. They actually arrived about 10:30 because the heat today slowed them down. I spent the time waiting by cleaning out the car and reorganizing for the umpteenth time...it is a constant battle to keep the car "livable" with us having everything for 6 months and then giving rides to hikers...and dogs!! When they arrived, I drove them across the road to the fruit stand where we all relaxed for an hour...eating ice cream and fruit. While there, 2 sisters who are section hiking, came in. We got to talking and found out that one of the sisters is a special ed. teacher who carries a hula hoop with her! It comes in 7 sections which she puts together and then uses. I went to the website she gave me and learned all about the sport of hula hooping...read about it at hoopingharmony.com. You may learn something you didn't know...I sure did! Back to the room where I decided I didn't feel like exploring today so just stayed in the room until time to pick up SOS. To tell you how hot and draining it was today for SOS....he estimated that he would be done at 4:00 and he actually got in at 6:30 after a grueling day...at least he got to hike down the mountain instead of up! I hiked a tiny way to meet him...the bugs were so bad that I turned around once and then tried it again a little later. When I reached him, he was bummed because he had lost his phone. White Wolf had come in before SOS and was NOBO. We talked a bit and I gave him gatorade. He went to the fruit stand so when we got there we asked him to look on the trail for the phone and call me if he found it. Back to the room where we soon got a call from son Jeff saying that a man (not White Wolf) had called who had SOS' phone and he was going to be at the AT crossing near the hotel at 8:30! We drove down and he returned the lost phone..so it was only lost for a brief time...thanks be to honest hikers! SOS wanted a burger so we went to the only fast food around...Burger King and got him some food. Back at the room, he was in bed very soon thereafter and is now asleep so will not be writing tonight. I didn't go anywhere today so no road name. A note: Today SOS forwarded me an email from Buck...one of his section hiking friends...we also got two very nice notes from his cousin Jerry/Sandy and from pastor Dave Byrum. All of these messages were MUCH appreciated as are all the messages we get. It is really special to us to read that people are still thinking about us and praying for us. We both look forward to these each day so thanks to all who are faithful to write...it means a lot! Dean and Julie, Roger and Sandy...haven't heard from you in a long time...if you are still reading the journal...how about a note?