Date: 2018-06-26
From: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 16.8

Today you get the Reader¢s Digest version¢to the point. I got a late start, primarily because I fell asleep writing the journal entry from yesterday (not unusual). But, I didn¢t wake up at O¢dark-thirty to finish it (unusual). So, I was chewing up precious hiking time in the cool morning air playing journal catchup. Which means that I didn¢t get started hiking until 0900. That¢s not going to happen tonight, as I am leaned up against a tree, feeding the mosquitos, and I¢m not going to get in the tent until I¢m finished writing. Now, that¢s motivation. Unfortunately I do not have any signal, so I will have to stop along the way tomorrow to upload pictures and the journal entry. Rats! The hike started with 7 climbs in as many miles. Two of the ascents were over 500 feet. The terrain was reminiscent of southern New York. After the final climb up Calebs Peak and short distance to St. Johns Ledges, the descent became insanely steep. There were some large stone steps, but they would even make Shaq stretch as he reached for the next step (no pun intended). In stark contrast to the first seven miles, the next five were easy sailing. The AT rejoined the Housatonic River and the path ran smooth and flat about 30 feet above the water. It was a nice break. Then came the final four miles which featured two climbs over 500 feet in elevation gain. I stopped at the Silver Hill Campsite about half way up the first climb. There was a nice swing there that I sat on as I ate a snack. I also called a hostel that was listed in the Guidebook and got great reviews on Guthook. It would be another five miles to the road crossing leading to the hostel. Unfortunately, I reached a recording that said the hostel was closed for renovations. My only other options were to hike 3 miles to the Caesar Brook Campsite, 6 miles to the Pine Swamp Brook Shelter, or stealth camp. Given the terrain and water options, I didn¢t want to chance finding a good stealth site. Hiking 6 miles to the shelter would put me at camp past 7PM. Besides, with a name like Swamp Brook, it sounded like a haven for mosquitoes. So I opted for the shorter hike which would put me at camp a little after 5:30PM.As I merged into the AT from the Spring Hill Campsite I thought I saw a Ghost. I did, and I caught up with him just over the crest of the climb. He said he was done for the day and was looking for a spot to stealth. Epic would text me later to let me know he was stopping at Cornwall Bridge. Too late. I already passed it up. Ghost and Epic had both stopped for lunch in Kent. Good move.After a few more ups and downs I arrived at the campsite. There was only one other hiker there. He started the trail in late March and had been busting big miles. Apparently it was catching up with him now. He had only hiked 6 miles today and 12 the day before. I arrived at camp so early that I actually had time to soak my feet in the cold stream before dinner. I am pretty sure that the Knorr Spanish Rice meal with pepperonis were delightful. Unfortunately, they were so hot and I was so hungry that I scorched my tongue and googler on the first bite. I couldn¢t taste much after that.Which Way will be hitting the road tomorrow headed my way. It will be a two day drive for her. Please pray for safe travels and that she is able to continue the journey with me until the end. I will continue hiking until she arrives. Our new rendezvous point may change to Great Barrington, MA. I will let you know more tomorrow. Now it¢s getting dark and the skeeters are out for blood. My blood! Love ya¢ll!Peace & Blessings - Next StepElevation Data: Ascent - 3,760Descent - 3,360Grade - 8.0Weather:Day - 74 / SunnyNight - 57 / Partly CloudyOver the Horizon: Salisbury, CT (Rendezvous With Which Way)