Date: 2014-07-01
From: random campsite

To: Stormville, NY
Miles today: 17.2

July 01Last night was a very noisy evening to start. I mentioned the frogs and the deer snorting, but then it was all kinds of birds making all kinds of different sounds. It was quite interesting. The area we were in was very rocky, but we were able to get 2 spots big enough for our tents. Being on top of the hill the mosquitoes were not as bad as previous nights. It stayed warmer, but not too bad.I was out of camp by 6:45 with the first destination being a state park with a lake and a grill. It was just over 7 miles, so we got there almost an hour before they officially opened. Since we walked in from the woods there was no barrier to stop us. I jumped in the lake, not even realizing I wasn't supposed to. Draggin came in after us and he got scolded for trying to swim before 10. At 10 we hit up the grill. There were also two section hikers there with us. We had 10 more miles to a deli to watch the 4pm game. Half way was the RPH shelter. It was a great place. It was mostly enclosed with a great patio and a mowed lawn. Yes it was close to a road. It also had a great water source. Skittles caught me there and we ended up hiking the rest of the way together. Today was 90 and humid, a tough day to hike. We arrived at the pizza place where we wanted to watch the game, and their cable was out. It came back with about 20 minutes left in the game, so we got to see the end. The pizza place is not really hiker friendly, but the deli next door was great. They have a nice big mowed yard in the back, so 6 of us are tenting here for the night. Spruce and Go Far finally caught us and Neckbone and Mud arrived here at noon and never left. It is clear now, but a 60% chance of storms tonight. It would be great if it cools things down.Tomorrow I have 15 miles to the road crossing where the hotel is where I am meeting Elizabeth. I should be there early afternoon and E should be there by 6. Gives me time to shower and do laundry.The deli is now closed for the nihht. They have a hose in the back, so am going to go wash up a bit. I think this is my 6th straight night in my tent. The longest stretch since starting the trail. My mom thought it was funny I was dumpster diving my first week on the trail. Here I am 10 weeks in and cleaning off with a hose behind a closed deli. Not sure what that means, but strikes me as funny.For gear tonight I'll discuss clothing. I hike in the same shirt, underwear and shorts every day. I think I mentioned I carry two pair of socks. I have a camp shirt and shorts. I keep these dry and never hike in them. When I am sweaty or wet from rain I can wear dry clothes. They are also great for sleeping in. I am also carrying a down jacket. I have not worn it in well over a month, but it only weighs 8 ounces and also serves as stuffing for my pillow, which is really just my clothes bag. As I mentioned a few days ago, I travel light. I also have a rain jacket. It is also very light and expensive. I wear it in cold rains to stay warm. In a summer rain I get wet. I sweat so much that even a breathable rain jacket does not help. I currently do not have any pants with me. I started with rain pants and will get mine back in Vermont, just in case we get some cold weather. I do not like being cold. Usually the only time I wear my rain pants is when I do laundry.