Date: 2008-09-12
From: NY RT 52

To: NY 301
Miles today: 12.1

I was up and on the road by 5:45 a.m. The Taconic Parkway was pretty busy - most likely commuter traffic. Lots of deer on the side of the road - luckily it was light out so I was able to see them clearly. Found my way to the trail head pretty easily. Came in the opposite direction from when the SQ and I came. It was a pretty quick drive. Less than 2 hours.For some reason before today's hike I felt a bit apprehensive. Don't really know why - just didn't feel quite right. But, once I was hiking I forgot all about feeling uneasy. Got started hiking by 8:30.The hike today was nothing too exciting. Really no views or anything. Pretty boring. I did see a bunch of flamingos which was quite funny and made me smile early on in the hike. Saw one deer and a few newts. But, not much else. No real bird activity either.I was good today and stopped every hour or two. My pinky toe on my right foot was a little sore, but other than that my feet felt good. I may have to put a bandage on it tomorrow before I hike.Wierd weather day. Threatened rain from the git go. Was cool with a slight breeze, but actually was very humid. I sat down for lunch around 12:30 and it started to rain. I ate a little and kept on moving. Kind of spit off and on for the rest of the day.I saw four guys at various points today, all headed north. Said hello in passing, but they were not really in the talkative mood.I reached NY 301 by 2:30 - not bad. Made a call to the SQ to check in and no sooner had I hung up and it started to pour. Since I decided to stay at the state park - I had to walk down 301. Boy was it pouring and the road has very little shoulder. It actually was quite scary. I made it down to the park office and went in to ask about camping. A young woman was behind the counter and a guy was sitting at a desk. She wasn't very friendly at all. I asked if there was somewhere to camp. She said the actual park was further up the road. I had read in the book that there might be a sheltered place in case of rain. So, I asked - she really wasn't forth coming, but the guy said yes that there was a picnic pavillion right across the street that I could stay in.Sweet - it was a place called Pelton Pond Picnic Pavillion. Say that three times fast.   I got across the street and made my way to the pavillion. It was rather large and had lots of tables.   I decided to move a couple of tables from the end and set up my tent.The pavillion was overlooking Pelton Pond. There was a bathroom just down the trail. It would sure make do for the night especially since it was still pouring out. I treked up to the restroom to get some water and it was disgusting. I tasted it and it tasted like nasty rusty pipes.   So, I decided to head up the highway to the campground. I figured the water would probably be better up there. So, off I went. Stopped at the office when I got into the park and asked about the water. The two guys in the office were much friendlier than down at the main office. Found the water. It still tasted a little bit like iron, but not nearly as bad.Once I made it back to the pavillion I decided to call the southern support staff. My sister just had a baby and I had yet to connect with her. Again, no luck. Talk to Dad who was going to go over to her house - and tell her to answer the phone.   While I was eating dinner another hiker came in. He was heading north. Older gentleman who's name was Papa Rose. Nice guy. He is from South Windsor Connecticut. We chatted for quite a while until it got dark. He decided to just sleep on one of the many picnic tables.I decided to go try to call my sister again and Papa Rose was happy about it because he wanted to get out of his wet clothes. So off I went back to the bathroom. I was finally able to connect with my sister. She sounded good. Everybody was doing well. We chatted about 30 minutes. It was nice to finally talk to her.It rained pretty much all night and was it ever humid. Prior to heading down to hike it had been pretty cool at night at home. I was worried about being cold, but tonight was not the case. I could hear campers at the park all night. Apparently, they do not enforce quite hours at the park. Glad that I was in the pavillion instead of the park because it was pretty loud where I was. Would have been louder at the park.Next stop Graymoore.