Date: 2006-06-22
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: High Point Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: 0

Cell fair.I don't know if I've mentioned this before or not. I usually stay at shelter destinations each night because they normally have water and a privy. I could stay between shelters at remote camp sites, but I prefer it this way.Today had a threat of rain this morning and the afternoon was hot and sticky. I find the heat is adding to the difficulty level. I sweat a lot, my shirt and shorts get soaked, and stay that way all day.I had a chance to stop at a deli and get an egg on a Kaiser roll, New York style. It has been a long time since I've had one that way. I also bought a sub, which served as both lunch and supper. I also bought a crumb cake that tasted really good. These are all things I remember from when I was a boy, some of them I can get in Syracuse, others are more NYC and vicinity, this area qualifies as that.I really can't think of much right now, sorry this is going to be a short entry.Old Goat Sue's Note: Our daughter saw a mention of "Hike Naked Day" to celebrate the start of summer (yesterday) in HandleBar's Journal. Old Goat said he heard about it, but didn't do it...I knew he wouldn't, so I wasn't worried. It's an interesting thought - it's not my thing, but I would imagine there are people who actually would do that. (In some cases, yikes!)Thinking about our daughter, way back in April she wrote me some thoughts about her dad hiking the AT that are very touching. I've been wanting to share them, but I kept getting sidetracked. I'd like to share them now. Our neice hiked most of the AT in 1999. Cindy (our daughter) wrote that when Tanya (her cousin - trail name "Baadai") hiked the AT, "I didn't fully realize what an undertaking it was. I mean, I know I was in awe of all that she was doing. While I was home starting a family and getting a home here, she was out exploring the world. The Marshall Islands, Mongolia (and hiking around there for a while, too), then coming to the US and traveling through the wilderness of the AT. Just leaving the world behind here in the US to continue to hike. Her strength to go out and explore and do new adventures was amazing to me.""Now that Dad is doing it (and keeping a Journal), I have a closer understanding of the AT and the enormity of this adventure. The length of time away from home, the support needed from those at home. The strength of those left at home to be away so long. The strength, both mental and physical, of those hiking the AT. The amount of time and money to go into it....""I have a completely new respect and awe for those out there hiking - whether thru- or sections. There is a lot that needs to go into hiking those mountains. A lot more than you might see on the surface - before you read a journal or experience it first-hand."Thank you, Cindy, for sharing those profound thoughts - you say it well. I love you. Some friends of ours came over this evening to pick up Old Goat's new boots, so they can take them down to him tomorrow. Old Goat doesn't know about their planned visit. We've been having fun talking about their plans (Dean, Brenda, Wanda, Jeff, and Tim). Another friend, Kim, is making brownies for them to take to Old Goat, too. It's so much fun to plan a surprise like this! I know he'll love it, and I'm looking forward to hearing about their visit!