Date: 2017-08-09
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery - Bear Mtn Bridge Motel
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

1.  Date: Earthsday, Wedmath 18 (8-09)2.  Day 1063.  Morning temp: 604.  Weather: cool, clear 5.  Time start: 06206.  Time stop and miles: 1645/15.57.  End point: Bear Mtn Bridge MotelLog:I was awake early and when the mosquitoes started swarming, I decided to pack up and walk to the lake for bfast. I headed out at 0620 and was at the lake before 07. I made some coffee and charged my phone. When I went to check my phone, I didn't pay enough attention to where I set my cup and spilled all of my coffee. I got back on the trail and headed to the next shelter for a break. Time seemed to be going slow today for some reason. The trail was only moderatly hard, but I seemed to be dragging. It felt like the day two blues. Loneliness was creeping in.As I was finishing my break at the shelter, two guys from the last shelter came in. We talked a bit and when I mentioned my concern about finding fuel, he stated our favorite motto out here. The Trail will provide. Of course I lost the trail again leaving the shelter. I saw some faded blazes that must have been blue at one time, but looked white to me that led to a water source. The real trail climbed straight up the huge pile of rocks behind the shelter of course.The next challenge of the day would be West Mtn. This was the place that had kicked LoGear's and my ass two years ago. It would kick mine once again today.I got turned around once again up at the top somehow and luckily I quickly saw a couple I had just passed and verified that I was an idiot before turning around and continuing on in the right direction.After West Mtn was Bear Mtn. I was really low on water and in a foul mood, so I decided to take the old road shortcut that bypassed the Mtn top. We had already hiked that part, so I didn't  give a shit about skipping it.  It was still a long way down to the park and some water, but I persevered  and was drinking water out of a fountain before too long.The picnic area was rather crowded for a Wednesday but no one offered me any of their delicious smelling food.  I decided to buy a hotdog, but they were out, so I opted for an expensive hamburger.I sat for awhile trying to decide what to do. I was feeling down and exhausted and didn't really feel like climbing another mountain to a campsite listed in the book, so I decided to try one of the motels in Fort Montgomery. I walked through the zoo and came out by the bridge. I saw two women hikers sitting in the shade and asked them if they were waiting for a ride.  They said yes and it was from the same motel I was thinking of going to.  I made a quick call to confirm they had a room and was able to catch the same ride with the woman. Mud Face and Fuss Bus were their names.They were finishing up a 30 day hike going south.  When I asked Kurt, the driver (and proprietor) if he knew where I could find some fuel, Fuss Bus said she would give me their leftovers.  The Trail provides. We checked in and I took a nice shower then went across the street to the BBQ place for dinner. The girls were there and I sat with them. They were very nice and it was nice to hear their stories of the trail north of here.I went back to the room and relaxed. Texting with LoGear and watching TV.Later I saw the girls out on the porch enjoying their wine and sat and talked with them until the bugs started biting.For the next couple of days, I am going to take it real easy. The Greymore Center is near and I want to check that out, so tomorrow may be a nearo with free camping.  The next day may be a park that lets you stay one night free. Hopefully I can pull myself out of my funk. Fauna: Garter snake, deerVOD: View of NYC from Black Mtn Smell: Muggle grill foodsSound: HighwaysHigh: When Fuss bus offered me her fuelLow: Pretty much the whole damn dayHope: That I find my hiking mojo again