Date: 2005-07-16
From: West Mountain Campsite

To: US9/NY403 (Kent, NY)
Miles today: 10.9

What a great night's sleep last night! We had a nice cool breeze blowing in which was a welcomed change from the daytime heat. We'd talked about getting up early and now that we're back hiking with Mr. Clean, he had us up at 5:30 AM. We burned the remainder of the wood to create some smoke and keep the mosquitos at bay. We each made breakfast and Mr. Clean heated water for coffee and tea. The reason for the unusual early start was that today we are meeting the Fiore family that Priss & I met at the Harpers Ferry hostel. When we initially met David and his daughter Sarah, they were full of questions and were intrigued about our adventure. We exchanged information, and they invited us to visit them when we passed through NY. Our first big climb of the day was up and over Bear Mountain, and my was it un-bear-able..haha. It wasn't so hot this morning, but the air felt thick and humid. Even the smallest actions like blinking your eyes caused profuse sweating. At the summit we saw a very beautiful stone tower (Perkins tower). The unfortunate thing is that the area was quite overgrown and unkempt. We could tell that the area was once well used, but it appeared that it was now closed either due to lack of park visitors or lack of funding.At the base of Bear Mountain is a lake and park area where many families were preparing to grill hot dogs or hamburgers. We continued on following the white blazes towards the Bear Mountain Zoo. Yep, the trail actually goes through the middle of a small zoo. We arrived a little early so we just took the opportunity to relax and have sodas and ice cream from a vending machine. We actually got a treat from the ice cream vendor since a few of the wrappers were damaged. Its a good thing too, since it wouldn't be fair to pay $1.50 for a strawberry cheesecake bar and have a damaged wrapper. The park area also had a swimming area that looked inviting, but we knew we had to push on to meet our friends. In the middle of the zoo, we passed a statue in tribute to the great american poet Walt Whitman (see below for a poem). We also saw a fox, coyote, black bear, and porcupine as we passed through the zoo exhibits. The trail exits the zoo at the toll booth near the bridge over the Hudson river. The bridge is a pretty awesome structure suspended high over the river below. Halfway across the bridge, we took a look down at the water and got a little dizzy. From the top of the next mountain, I called the Fiore family and arranged for a pick-up at US9/NY403.Almost immediately upon arriving at their house, a huge lunch was ready for us where we were introduced to the whole family (David and Tami, and there kids-Sarah, Linda, Jonathan, Peter, Paul, and Analia). After lunch we each had showers and started our laundry. We had to pick up a prescription for Bethany, but there was enough time for a short game of Bocci. We got back just in time for a wonderful dinner feast of chicken tacos prepared by Tami (a family favorite). After dinner we relaxed with the family and listened to Linda playing the piano. After letting dinner settle for a little while, they asked if we were ready for ice cream. As you've probably already guessed, we're always ready for ice cream! They sat and watched us eat a whole pint of our favorite Ben & Jerry's flavors. I think they got a kick out watching us eat that much ice cream...if only they had seen us at Pine Grove Furnace state park. Well, we're exhausted so its time for bed.When I Peruse the Conquered FlameWhen I peruse the conquered flame of heroes and the victories of    mighty generals, I do not envy the generals, Nor the President in his Presidency, nor the rich in his great house, But when I hear of the brotherhood of lovers, how it was with them, How together through life, through dangers, odium (disgrace), unchanging,    long and long, Through youth and through middle and old age, how unfaltering,    how affectionate and faithful they were, Then I am pensive-I hastily walk away filled with the bitterest envy.Walt Whitman1819 - 1892