Date: 2003-07-02
From: NJ94/Vernon, NJ

To: NY17A
Miles today: 15.2

Another state down! Today I left New Jersey and hiked into New York. I didn't realize it was going to happen until I came across the line painted in white on a rock, with NJ on one side of the line, and NY on the other. That is a great feeling!I left the hostel at about 7:30 this morning, walked to the main road and stuck out my thumb to try to get a ride back to the trail. It's illegal to hitchhike in New Jersey, so I was a bit nervous, but kept looking around for cops. It took about 5 minutes before a lady stopped to pick me up. She said her godson hiked the AT several years ago, so she tries to give hikers rides when she can. I'm thankful I got another good ride. I'm a little bit nervous about hitching by myself, but I trust that I will be kept safe, and so far, it has always worked out that way.I was tired this morning. Yesterday, I thought it was sleepy-tired, but today, I found out I'm physically tired too. I had a good climb first thing this morning, and had to stop a few times to catch my breath and rest my legs, which is unusual for me. I made it to the top, and was rewarded with a gorgeous 180* view to the west. It was a beautiful morning. I was soaked with sweat, but enjoyed not only the view, but a cooling breeze as well.The trail was quite diverse today, crossing numerous brooks and streams, meandering through woods, up and over rocky mountain tops. As tired as I was this morning, I felt better and better as the day went on.There is a register at the state line, and Hotdog had left me a note with his and Mrs. Hotdog's cell phone numbers, and an invitation to a picnic and fireworks on the 4th. I had been in contact with him last night, but wasn't sure where he was hiking to today. Until I saw the register... then I knew. After taking pictures and having lunch on Prospect Rock, New York AT's highest point, I continued north. Hotdog and cousin Mike had been about an hour and a half ahead of me at the state line, and I wanted to see how much I could close the gap. I was moving along quite well, but got a little hot on the exposed rock mountain tops and stopped to take a break. I poured some water onto my head and let it run down onto my face. As much as I needed to drink that water, it was so incredibly refreshing dumped over my head, that it was worth it. Besides, I figured I'd come across another brown-water brook to scoop some water if I ran out. Not the most appetizing, but drinkable when thirsty. Or dumpable when hot.From Prospect Rock and Bellvale Mountain, the views of Greenwood Lake were great. I could hear and see boats and waverunners cruising the lake. I wanted to be on a waverunner on this warm day, but I had to settle for watching from the ridgetops.I passed a couple, out for a dayhike, with less than 1 mile to go before reaching the road. My plan was to call Hotdog and see what his plans were for tomorrow. There wasn't a phone at the trailhead, so I waited for the couple to arrive and they ended up driving me to Bellvale General Store, where I used their phone. That couple was also kind enough to buy me cold bottled water! What great people! After talking to Hotdog, I decided to go to the same hotel as him, Mrs.Hotdog, and cousins. I had a turkey sandwich and soda while waiting for him to pick me up. When they arrived, I got a welcoming hug from Mrs. Hotdog, and was soon showered and changed, and sitting by the same lake I'd stared at from above. I'll be staying here a few nights, hanging out with the Dog Pack, and will go with them for their 4th of July festivitiesI have mentioned how important family support has been for me, and Shari (Mrs. Hotdog) has been extremely supportive too. It is so awesome that people who didn't know me until I started the AT will support and help me in any way that they can. I want to somehow repay them, or pass that support on to others. It is a powerful thing.Here I sit, in a bed once again. This thruhike thing is rough! I continued my streak of daily showers. I just love taking a shower! I felt much better today, not so sad about family leaving. It took a day or two in the woods for me to get there, but now, my eyes are on Katahdin, once again. First, I have to make it through New York though. And a few other states. But I'm ready to keep movin' on. The adventure is far from over.