Date: 2006-07-04
From: Wildcat Shelter, NY

To: William Brien Shelter, NY
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy 4th of July! And what a happy, crazy, rocky long day it was. But I am pleased to say we are at the William Brien Shelter, where about a year ago we spent the night with a bunch of thru-hikers. We were in awe of them and couldn't wait for our turn. I can't believe we are here now! It is a great feeling of accomplishment!Today, was just full of surprises and giant rocks (thanks New York). We began the day early, before 6 AM. (GASP) And Swanson and I decided the best way to get Patrice back to the road for her ride was to back track the two miles back to NY17. We thought it would be fun doing 4 extra miles on top of our already planned 19.6.The great, but probably stupid thing was that we opted to leave our packs at the shelter to make the trip go much faster. With the exception of Patrice's. We made great time to the road...too good in fact. We were too early to call her friend so we hung around playing cards. Hey, Swansons and I love getting the chance to sit around and do nothing!The coolest part of all...was that Patrice's wonderful,amazing friend Grace picked us up and Patrice, our wonderful amazing friend bought us breakfast. Woo hoo! Way unexpected trail magic. Thanks guys!Then we were once again back on the trail. Fully motivated now to do some miles but both secretly wishing a bear had made off with one or both of our packs so that we could go back to town.But, alas, the bears were polite and left our yummy food bags and packs alone there in the shelter. We were actually grateful for this. We really didn't know we were going to be gone for that long. If we had we would have hired a sitter. We are bad backpackers.The beginning of our real hike started out great. We were flying and really feeling good about the day. We love the big boulder and steep rock climbs here in NY. I know some people hate it. But for some sick, twisted reason, we love it.After lunch a thunderstorm began moving our way. We started really hauling over the mountain but every once in awhile when we though the storm was upon us we would duck under some small trees for cover. It felt like we were at war with the storm. Run, duck, run, duck...all clear, run again, and then the stupid storm scattered before it really ever hit us. So much wasted time. But it was good fun. Really gets the heart beating when you are on an open ridge and lightning is near.So, after we grew tired of our game of tag, we headed into Harriman State Park! Woo hoo! And, there across the bridge....trail magic!!It was Paddy O and his pick up truck filled with beer, soda, hot dogs and other way wonderful delights. We couldn't believe our eyes! Little Engine and Gotta Go were there showing us all the goodies that were in the store. Paddy O, you are amazing! We can't thank you enough! The coke and hot dog, plus a few chocolate chip cookies got me the last 10 miles with not problem!Swansons and I resisted the urge to camp at the lake a mile up with the rest of them and headed on our merry rocky way. And, it was dark when we made it finally to the shelter for the night. We only had to hike in the real dark for about 5 miles, though.Now, that we are hear, it is pass out time. Skip dinner, drink the beer you hiked out from trail magic and go to bed! What a cool day! NY is great!