Date: 2016-06-20
From: Mile marker 1335.7 (High Point State Park)

To: unionville. 
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today is day 88, Monday. I am currently at mile marker 1345.6. I covered 9.9 miles today. I am still in NJ but physically I am in Unionville, NY with my tent set up behind the village office.   Free for thru hikers. There is a pizza joint across the street and a pub about .4 down the road. And a grocery that opens st 6 am for coffee.   Today I had a true Forest Gump moment. I had all intentions of walking 20 miles but when I hit Unionville.... I stopped and decided I was done. Not just for the day but... Ready to go home. So I hitched a ride into town. Which is a story in itself. A guy , going the opposite direction turned around... And when I looked in his car I thought... Ok something is wrong with this picture.. Car full of junk, front seat full of broken glass... But then I looked at him and thought... Hummm... I think I could take this guy if things go south... And I really need a ride... So I got in... And he brought me to the tavern. Where I had two beers and a burger. I then walked up the street and saw, Little Kiss and Snake.. Sitting on the front porch of the general store drinking sodas. So I joined them. They said it was to hot to keep hiking so they too were camping behind the village office. Both are great guys... In my age group . Spongebob and Gecko decided to take today and tomorrow as zero days. So, even though we were going to hike together today... We have now gone on our own journey. Trotter... Is home in Missouri. Poor thing became very ill and is now trying to recover from illness. She had an awesome hike and I really enjoyed meeting and befriending her. She may return after she recovers ... Whatever she decides.. It is her hike, her journey .... She walked more then a lot do in a lifetime. You rock Trotter. As for my journey. I know it is up to me to decide. I am a bit tired of all the logistics, repeat of days...walk and walk some more. My head is my worse enemy. I think.. A lot about something my friend Randy W asked me.... Have I received, from the trail, what I was looking for? I still don't know that answer. Mainly because I am not sure if I am looking for anything... Other then an adventure. So I question myself... Have I had enough of this adventure?   Oh, the Forest Gump moment... Remember in the movie when he just stopped running... Because he was tired and ready to go home. That is how I felt today around noon when I decided to stop in Unionville. I have and will continue to share all of my true feelings through this journal. I am not looking for a cheering squad to say... You can do it... Keep going. While I appreciate the well wishes... This is something I will need to decide. I do know this... I will have another meal at the pup later today. I'll drink lots of gatoraid...it is super hot in NJ... And I will walk 10 more miles tomorrow with Snake and Little Kiss to the hostel in Vernon, NJ. Oh... I will also enjoy the full moon tonight. And, tomorrow is , "hike naked day" (not kidding). No, I will not partake in that tradition and I really don't want to see anyone who does. But at the same time I am curious as to... Does anyone really do that???