Date: 2014-07-01
From: Brush mtn

To: William Brien
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: broken clouds

Just a quick update.....New jersey was enjoyable because it was my home state and I'm out of PA! New York was surprisingly hard. I didn't know what to expect and it was a challenge, but I also really enjoyed the rock climbs up and down. Connecticut was a continuation of the climbs in NY and the humidity really sapped the life from me. It's been a wet week and the bugs have been feasting off me. I've entered Massachusetts now and am reminded how much I love new England. Look forward to the rest of the hike! Thanks for your continued prayers and cheering ons! More to come.....eventually.In which my short take it easy day turned into a very hard day.So much happens in the course of one day it's hard to remember it all. First, I survived my night stealth camping in the middle of no where with no one but the squirrels and deer around. And they were very active so I didn't sleep a bunch again. It was a beautiful, sunny morning with a cool breeze. It felt very refreshing. Since I camped up on the ridge I had a nice descent awaiting me followed by a lovely walk around a pond. There I got to see a beaver enjoying a morning swim, three ducks running on the walk trying to escape my footsteps and bull frogs croaking in sync. Next stop a road crossing where I found trail magic of bottled water. That was so awesome because water has been hard to come by lately. All the creeks and brooks are dried up or a petri dish for mosquito growth which I don't care to drink. The mosquitos by the way have become quite a nuisance too. I carried out 3 liters of water for the day chugged a bunch while replenishing my stores, aka, I cameled up.The day warmed up incredibly. The sun was just plain hot and my clothes remained drenched in sweat all day long. I felt pretty gross! After not seeing anyone for over 20 hours Gray Goat appeared on a ridge overlooking the NY state thru way. We hiked together for the rest of the day which made the day more enjoyable. He's hoping to finish his hike by August 2 and I know he will.Our first climb was up and over "agony hill". I knew that anything starting with the word agony could not be good and it didn't disappoint. New York is not flat, it's either up or down on rocks, boulders or hand holding climbing such as the Lemon squeezer today. I squeezed through a very narrow rock opening then climbed up a steep rock. I only hiked 13 miles today too, but it felt like it was at least 20!The highlight was a stop at Lake Tiorati for a shower. The showers were just an open area, no curtains. So that was a two-for. I got a shower and laundry done at the same time. That was a good deal followed by a coke and a failed attempt at an ice cream bar from a machine that wasn't giving it up. The coke tasted awesome though as I've been craving one all day. I drank that down and followed it with a cold ice tea.Lastly, I filled up my water again as there is not a reliable source at the next shelter. Gray Goat decided to push on to the next shelter. I enjoyed his company today. Bucket List came in to the shelter shortly thereafter followed by one other hiker who's name I didn't get. I'm exhausted tonight! It was a tough day even thought the miles don't show it. I think I'm still on the dehydrated side and thirsty. I'm rationing my water tonight because the next source is uncertain.