Date: 2014-06-25
From: Stealth right before WM Brien Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: moderate rain

Left stealth and headed out at 6:30 with Marshal Arts. Trying to catch Mombo, Murphy and Joe Hawk who are 2 miles ahead! Caught up at 7 where they were camped and just getting up. Tough climbs up and down all day! Great lookouts and scenery but really tough day! I just dragged all day! We stopped at Bear Mountain Lodge for lunch and some rest! We also stopped at Bear Mountain Monument where they had vending machines! Of course I had to buy two cokes! The cravings are crazy! We all think of food constantly!!The lodge was great and the service folks very friendly! Had a fantastic Caesar Salad with steak tips! Then a brownie with ice cream! Hit the spot until I had to hike out and up, up, up! Ugh! Also walked through the Bear Mtn Zoo, where they allow thru-hikers free access because the trail goes right through the zoo! The bear cage and display is the lowest point in all the Appalachian Trail!! Soon as I left the zoo I walked across the Hudson River Bridge where I immediately lost my hat that flew off my head!! Bummer!!! So, I lost my head, or at least my hat over the Hudson River! Could have been worse!!I forgot to share my little accident I had the other day! I almost knocked myself out when I was hiking up a mountain really fast with head down! I smacked head onto a huge tree that hung over the trail! Hit it head on and knocked me completely backwards onto my back! I saw stars!! I really was lucky I didn't knock myself out and get a concussion! Well at least I thinkI didn't? I felt woozy for a few hours and my neck is still a little sore! My big problem right now is an infection in my little toe! Very painful! I cleaned it, opened the blisters with a sterile needle, soaked with peroxide and dressed! I hope this heals soon as it is really hurting!! Stopped at deli at end of day and of course bought food! A sandwich, drinks and candy bars before heading last mile to camp at the Graymoor Spiritual Life center run by Franciscan Monks! They have allowed hikers to tent and shower on one of there ball fields for years. The shower was ice cold but felt great! I was the dirtiest I've been yet and the smelliest! The heat and tough miles have been difficult. I can't seem to drink enough water to make up for how much I'm perspiring! MyClothes are soaked all day!   Calling for rain tonight which might cool things down a bit and make sleeping nice! Tomorrow I get to sleep in and then head to Stadium Grill to watch the World Cup against Germany!! Should be fun! Not sure about hiking and after the match! Mombo talked about doing a zeroAnd then hiking out Friday! If my toe doesn't respond well I may have to take a day off! Don't want to, but have to be careful!! Well it did rain! Nice sleeping weather. Just hanging in tent waiting for it to dry and then pack up and head to Stadium Grill for lunch and soccer match! I think I have my hiking plan set for week. Plan on being in Pawling, NY by Monday afternoon to meet back up with Jo Hawk, Murphy and Mombo. Not sure where to stay in Pawling but asked Awesome Wife to research it. 50/50 Out!