Date: 2005-07-20
From: Tent, Arden Valley Rd NY 

To: Tent, Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Last night we actually stealth camped back at the same site from the previous night - 17a trailhead. We went on a wild goose chase for shoes. It didn't work out. Fortunately we were once again only .1 miles from the Bellvale Creamery. Of course we had to visit it again and get some more yummy ice cream.    While we were there the Gypsys and company (Gyspy Lulu, Touk, Sunshine, Mouth, Songline, & Navigator) showed up. We haven't seen the Gypsys since Harper's Ferry. It was good to see them. They were all really happy to see Gordon and Sue as they were all out of water. Those Gatorades really were appreciated. They were also really excited to hear about the ice cream as Wingnut's book made no mention of it. We all stealthed in the woods by the trailhead.    It was good to talk to other hikers who are also getting trail weary. It is truly a mental game now. I know I can walk and take punishment day after day. Sometimes the question is why. Why continue to do a completely stupid trail. We agreed it is really hard to like the trail or to stay motivated when the trail is designed so sadistically. Oblivious told me that 2 things keep him going - having no choice because he is 10 and Kahtadin. Substitue stubborness for the first reason and you have what keeps most of us on the trail.   Regardless of the pessimism above, today was a better day. The humidity was MUCH lower. It actually seemed cool overnight. We went to Lake Tiorati to swim. Of course 3 busloads of summer day camp kids (kindergarten age summer day camp kids) pulled in just as we got there. Boy, were there some stressed camp counselors with these little heathens. Troll was able to push Sue for about 2 miles.    There were more stupid climbs and rocks today. We were just in a better mood and it seemed cooler. Amazing how much attitude plays into this hiking thing. We hiked with Ug and Apple Pie. It is nice to hike with people sometimes. Troll and Pie hiked and talked while I talked with Ug. Pie and I talked while Troll, Oblivious and Ug walked. Oblivious, Ug and I talked and so on.   We went up and over Bear Mountain. Oh, what fun. Yeah right. We were supposed to pass the lowest point on the trail. The trail toke you thru a zoo, but it was closed. We had a much more exciting time taking the zoo detour. Imagine a busy traffic circle (round a bout) where 3 major roads intersect. Make it rush hour, leave out sidewalks and throw in a car spinning out of control into the center of the traffic circle. That would be the start of our human frogger fun. Yes the same ATC that complained about Popsicle's trail magic ruining hikers' wilderness expierence sent me and my family across multiple lanes of deadly traffic.    I forgot that we saw a huge black rat snake yesterday. It was climbing a tree. Oblivious spotted it when it was about 15 feet up the tree. It was over 25 feet up when we left it. I don't even want to think about how it gets down the tree. I believe the snake suddenly dropping down (or leaping down) onto an unsuspecting hiker's neck passed thru my mind more than once. OK, I know that I have irrational fears when it comes to snakes.    Take care and we will see you on the trail.