Date: 2016-05-26
From: Mountain Top Deli

To: NY 22 - Native Landscape's Garden Center
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

New York hiking continued to be full of surprises. The trail often was dirt-based and wide. Blues Brother and I started together early. His regular pace is fast now, at least for me. Since the first hour's trail was relatively flat, I managed to keep up with him. We used to hike this quickly weeks ago but I'm slower now and he's faster. It was good to catch up with each other since it's been a while since we hiked together. I couldn't keep pace with Blues Brother when we came to the first substantial climb today. The distance between us grew quickly and soon he was out of sight. I'd been in that situation before but often was able to catch him during his meal break. The temperature increased steadily throughout the morning. I stopped for water frequently since I experienced numerous painful cramping episodes while trying to sleep last night. The trail went around Nuclear Lake and then a swampy area. Nuclear Lake looks pretty from a distance but has a mossy film when seen up close. No way I was drinking there with a name like that and its appearance. Wasn't interested in drinking from a swamp either. So I filtered and drank from the next stream. As I was filling up, Booty came by. It was great to see him again and he sat down to catch up. Booty and I first met back in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Our paths have crossed several times since because he's periodically taken a few days off to enjoy time away from the trail in Maryland and New York City. It sounds like he has a trip to Las Vegas coming up in a few weeks so I may be able to get ahead of him and then have him catch me again since he too is a much faster hiker than I am. As I crossed County Road 20 and was taking a picture of Dover Oak, the largest oak on the AT with a girth of 20' 4", I lit up as I saw a particular car parked nearby. I knew the car to be owned by Captain Kirk and Swamp Angel. Their hike for this year ends just over the Connecticut state line which isn't too far away. Since they hike south each day, I was pretty sure I'd get a chance to see them today. As I hiked through pastures, I became extremely hot due to the lack of shade. I was anxious to see them and lifted my head frequently with its focus far more in the distance than usual. Mile 1,448 was another surprise. The trail became a raised boardwalk over a swampy, marsh area. This was similar to the New Jersey's boardwalk. A footbridge led to the boardwalk. Right behind the footbridge was a beaver dam. I've never been so close to one before. This one was taller than I imagined them to be. No sign of the beaver though. Down a bit further on the boardwalk was a nice bench and then down beyond that were a couple of Adirondack chairs facing each other. They each had AT symbols carved in them with one named "Maine" and the other Georgia". Had to smile at them. Thanks to those responsible for putting them there. The boardwalk was coming to an end when I saw Swamp Angel and Captain Kirk. We all had smiles on our faces realizing this really would be the last time we'd stop for a chat on the trail. I've really enjoyed these two. Their enjoyment of the trail has been contagious. I'm going to miss them. Hope they will stay in touch if they hike the AT north of New York. The owner of Native Landscape Garden Center is hiker friendly. Sodas, ice cream, and an outdoor shower are all available there in addition to encouraging words, beautiful plants, and a place to sit down for a moment. I had wilted in the heat today. Booty was there and he waited to hike out with me. We had about 5 miles to hike to the next shelter but it was just around 3:30 so there was plenty of time to get there. It gave Booty and me some time to get to know each other a bit better. Booty began the trail with a good friend but the friend's hike ended early on. I was pretty impressed that Booty kept on going without his friend as I think I would've been devastated to lose my intended hiking partner so early. Booty's pace was strong, like I thought it would be. I've been struggling with late in the day climbs. I knew about the one coming up. Once Booty was out of sight, I put on headphones to try to get lost in music. A short time later I called Beth to pick me up. I was beat. I felt badly about not reaching the shelter. I didn't know if Blues Brother was there or not but suspected that was at least where he'd be today. Sent him a message after I got home to say I was okay and ask him about his plans. Blues Brother intends to hike with Booty for a bit. They are a good pair. I am going to miss all these friends. The trail brings people together and separates us too. I'm so much better for having spent time with all of them. Beth was understanding and came to get me as quickly as she could. Yup, a lucky guy I am.