Date: 2003-07-05
From: NY17A

To: Seven Lakes Drive
Miles today: 7.7

Another fun day today! I could really get used to the more gentle pace and more frequent breaks that comes with hiking with those who haven't been out here for four months! It's a good reminder to look around some, and take some time to just enjoy my surroundings.After we had to say goodbye to Mike and Carol, we did the car shuffle again. Willie, Cathy, Ashley, Nick, and Shari joined Hotdog and I today. They all wanted to hike a bit, and we found a 5 mile section that included a famous trail section: the Lemon Squeezer! We took our time getting there, taking a lot of water and snack breaks. Shortly after one break, we passed a tree that had three trunks. The tree was dead, and Shari commented "That tree's getting ready to fall." We looked at it for a few minutes then walked on. About 100 yards past it, we heard a loud "POP!" and all turned around to see what had made that noise. Then there were more pops and crackles and we knew a tree was falling. It was the one we'd looked at! What a sight to see the three trunks crashing through neighboring trees and slamming into the ground! I don't recall ever seeing a tree fall, naturally! That was so cool. Then I realized the tree fell across the trail, where we had just been, and I felt lucky it waited until we passed.When we got to the Lemon Squeezer, we all had to take pictures of each other, especially if someone was stuck. No one got stuck, but my pack was scraping the sides as I went through. The Squeezer is a narrow corridor between two huge boulders, at a slight angle, so I had to walk leaning to one side, and climbing a little bit. It was fun, and everyone was laughing and having a good time. Then we saw what was next: a climb up a nearly vertical wall of rock! There were two methods of climbing this: walk up a sloped rock on a narrow shelf while going around a tree; or pull yourself up the near-vertical wall (about 5 feet). Nick went first, up the wall. I went next, taking the outer path around the tree. Nick, being a volunteer fireman had come prepared. He brought gloves and a rope, and he tied the rope around a tree, so others could use it to pull themselves up, especially if they couldn't reach the places where the rock allowed handholds. It helped out greatly, and that, along with Hotdog pushing from the bottom (or was it ON the bottom?) got everyone up there safely. That was pretty cool too!We took our time, and got to the car about 5 hours after starting. Hotdog and I decided to go on another 2+ miles, and Shari picked us up at a road there. The first 5 miles took 2 hours, and the last 2.2 took about 45 minutes. That just shows how far I've come, as far as physical conditioning is concerned.Shari, Hotdog and I went back to the hotel, showered and changed, then went to the campground where the others were staying. They whipped up and awesome meal, and I gladly filled my belly. Then we sat around talking, listening to music and having a few beers. They were a lot of fun, and I am glad I got to meet them! We were all tired, and left sometime after 11pm.It was wonderful having my family come to visit me, two different times, and now, hanging out with Hotdog's family. I think I am ready to get back on the trail, and keep heading north. Today, we went under 800 miles to go, and those miles will continue to decrease steadily over the next several weeks. I am ready to count down the miles. I am also anxious to see the trail through the New England states, as I haven't been up this way much! It will be difficult, knowing there might not be any more visitors until early September, but I'm sure I will meet many wonderful people along the way!