Date: 2005-07-11
From: Gren Anderson shelter

To: Goldsmith rd. "secret shelter"
Miles today: 18.4

We got an early start out of camp and hiked pretty fast to the top of sunrise mountain. Atop the mountain was a beautiful pavillion and unfortunate site of the death of a young man who decided to hang himself earlier this year. We don't know any details, only that our friend and hiking partner was the first to find the young man. If ever there was a decision that impacted a number of people, I would say that is it. It amazes me how a place that holds such beauty could also be a place of tragedy.We were hiking with Tenbears and Bear Fodder this morning, so our pace was faster than usual. Bug and I made it to the next shelter in record time. There was no water here, but the site was really nice and rumor has it that the privy is immaculate. After a quick snack we packed ourselves out and before long found ourselves at High Point State Park. It is amazing how miles fly by when you are concentrating so hard on not chewing an everlasting gobstopper!We planned quite the break at the park. First, we ate our lunch. Next, we visited with a number of fellow hikers (Warren & Terry, some sectioners, and some former thru-hikers to name a few). Finally, we got on our way and walked another mile or so to the observation platform. We had been told that you could see the NYC skyline from here on a clear day. It was beautiful today, but hazy so the view was out of the question. There was a little side trail down to the swimming area which we promptly took! It was super hot and we were looking forward to a nice swim. Everyone down there was laughing, playing and having a great time, so we figured the water must feel great! Maybe to people from New Jersey....Bug and I nearly froze!!! But hey, I must admit it did feel nice, even if it was cold. Plus, there was a free, hot shower waiting for us in the bath-house afterward.Around 5ish we left. The terrain was moderate and again we made good time. We bypassed a pond where we happened to notice 2 beavers swimming around. I always thought them to be rather timid creatures, but it was almost as if they were putting on a show for us. One would swim almost to shore and stick his head out of the water and eat the leaves off the branch he was carrying. Then, every so often he would slap his tail down on the water and dip under. We stood there fascinated as we watched them.Before reaching secret shelter, we saw the Doyles hiking southbound and then ran across a family of 4 fishing at a pond. We had heard of this place called the "secret shelter" open to thru-hikers in need of a shower & a place to stay. We had been talking about possibly stopping by, but we hadn't made a decision yet.When we got there, we were greeted by Brandon, Bear Fodder, and Mad Chapper. This place was really nice, and even had a place to charge up our phone. Bug and I had planned to go all the way into Unionville, NY tonight, 1.5 more miles away. Over the course of dinner however, we decided that the grass looked too nice and soft, and the company was pleasant. Not to mention the fact that darkness fell, and the batteries in my headlamp are dead. So here we are...as I type, I hear the donkeys that are in residence on the other side of the fence. I just hope they don't carry on all night long. On that note, I am off to sleep!