Date: 2014-06-30
From: Beechy Bottom Creek

To: random campsite
Miles today: 21.0

June 30Last night there ended up being 6 of us thru hikers at our tenting spot, the young couple with greek trail names that I didn't understand last week, Bacon Dog, North Star, Skittles and I. It was another great night for sleeping. Last night we had a fire, which really helps keep the mosquitoes away. Once in the tent it is a none issue. Todays highlights included going over Bear Mountain then the trail drops into a state park. There is some amazing stone work on this section of trail. Lots and lots of stone steps. The trail then goes through a small zoo. The zoo doesn't open till 10:00 and I was there at 9:30. Instead of walking the bypass trail I waited for the zoo to open. I saw my 10th and 11th bears of this hike, yes these two were in an enclosure. The zoo is actually sad in my opinion. I much rather see the animals in the wild. Today I saw a ton of turkeys, probably 8 adults and many more little guys. Today was also deer day. I think I saw 6 to 8 deer, many very close.New York continues to be deceptively tough. The afternoon was a little easier, but still lots of ups and down. It has been amazingly beautiful. After the zoo we walked across the Hudson river. There were a few people out in the middle of the bridge. I found out later that an old destroyer was towed up the river about 30 after I went over.There is the Appalachian Market, right on the trail at a road crossing. This became a collection point for hikers. When I arrived there was a young couple there. The woman was from Vermont and attended the high school my sister teaches at. They left after a few minutes, but a short time later there were 10 thru hikers there. I stayed about 2 hours, enjoying cold drinks food and trail stories. Knowing I wanted to hike about 7 more miles I got going about 3:30.Skittles and I have been targeting a restaurant to watch tomorrow's soccer game. It works perfectly with me meeting Elizabeth the next day. Go Far and Spruce have basically been a few miles behind us rhis week, but plan to join us tomorrow. We are now tenting on top of a hill. Tough finding level ground late in the day. We hiked almost a mile further than planned, but that's OK, makes tomorrow shorter. There is a beach for swimming 7 miles in, then we have 10 miles to the restaurant. Should be a great day.The AT Facebook page posted my picture today. It is from when I went thru Harpers Ferry. I don't know how to put a link here or even how to tell you how you can view it.Right now there are two deer snorting at me as I type this. I am in my tent and can't see them, but they are quite close. Not sure what they are upset about.For gear discussion tonight lets go with footwear. I used to be a boot guy, claiming I needed them for ankle support. A few years ago I switched to trail runners. I use Salomon and overall have been very pleased. The shoes I am currently wearing are new 3 weeks ago and already are falling apart, but my wife is bringing me a new pair and I assume these will be replaced undrr warranty. Salomons are very popular out here. If you go with trailrunners I would recommend going with a lighter pack. You really need to figure out your own hiking philosophy and then get your gear that fits that philosophy. As far as socks go I like lightweight merino wool. My feet get hot and these socks seem to perform well when sweaty or in the rain. I like Smart Wool and Keen. I have not used Darn Tough, but lots of users out here. Also on footwear, I do not like waterproof shoes. For me the more breathable, the better. Your feet will get wet out here, I prefer a shoe that dries quickly.Well, its after 9, time to see if I can fall asleep as the frogs sing their chorus.