Date: 2006-07-06
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Bear Mtn summit
Miles today: 12.6

I probably pulled to far ahead of Charlie Foxtrot today. He didn't make it to Fingerboard last night. Yesterday was challenging and folks pulling in behind me last night said he'd pitched his tent after the Lemmon Squeezer. Hope he catches up.Sir Lancelot left early this morning. Usually a short distance hiker, he planned a twenty miler to catch up with his mail. Another short day for me. Another hard day. Didn't have the jungle gym rock scrambles of yesterday and there was a good payoff at the end. For the most part I hiked alone today. Lots of frustration with my usual tripping on rocks and roots. I catch rocks with all parts of my feet, toes, heels and soles. My boots wore out a long time ago at the end of Pennsylvania. They're not a help, but a hindrance. The treads are mostly gone and the heel of the left boot is completely worn down. My foot constantly lands on the instep instead of flat on my sole. No support left whatsoever. Never want a pair of Hi-Tec again. Junk. I'm stuck because they're replacing them for free if I ever see them. I want boots for the Whites, but it takes six to eight weeks for delivery, way too late to be of any help. I'll be the hiker stumbling all the way to Maine.Boots aside, today had way more highlights than lowlights. Had clear views of Manhattan from Black Mountain and various ridges. It's exciting to see from so far away, but I'm much happier to be here than there. Had another sign of the city after a quick descent from the peak. The trail runs directly across the Palisades Parkway. Surprised and a little pissed at trail planners who send you across a four-lane divided highway with no footbridge. At first i thought it was a joke. Texas was standing at the crossing staring at the traffic when I got there. Cars were flying by with no idea there was a trail there, probably not caring even if they did. Another example of thru-hiker entitlement I guess. The road should be ours and the world should stop for us. After a long wait Tex ran across to the median. When I had a chance I followed. Never thought I'd see cars bearing down on me at 70mphas i run across a highway with thirty pounds on my back. Did it again on the other side.After that excitement I entered Bear Mountain State Park with its very steep climbs. Some strenuous up and it seemed like old times. Bear mountain summit is great. Highway noise is gone. You're on bare rock with ledges and an unobstructed view of the city forty miles off. I found Kutsa sitting in peace on the step of the locked observation tower. The usual gang was there and Goodtimes Charlie and Outlaw joined. No sign of Charlie Foxtrot. It was windy and afternoon sun was getting lower on the horizon. After some deliberation we decided to stealth camp on top of the mountain. The next legal spot was nine miles away and we all had to stop at the town in-between for mail. A road runs over the top of the mountain and I was worried about patrolling cops kicking us out after dark. My whines were overruled and we hurried to find tent spots out of view in the trees. Pitched with Kutsa and Texas in a nice picnic site. Watched sunset from the ledge with Tex while and Indian teen lip-synced a song and using sunset as a backdrop while his mother filmed him for a music video. . Another nice thing about NY and NJ. Except for one boy scout I've seen the first non-Anglo faces since Atlanta. Too bad well-heeled Connecticut is just a few days away.As I predicted, a police patrol car came up the road and passed right by out camp. He either didn't see us or didn't care. Warm peaceful night for sleep.