Date: 2008-09-24
From: Island Pond

To: NY 17A
Miles today: 13.7

I had a restless night. I got up a least four times to water the leaves. The upshot though was that it was a beautiful night. The moon was out, the stars were out and it really wasn't that cold.   Some nights my thermarest just doesn't cut it. The ground was more uncomfortable than the picnic table last week.I was up at 5:45 and started breaking camp in the dark. While going about my chores - I made an silly observation. It is really amazing how dawn occurs. One minute it is dark and the next minute it is light. It really is not gradual. Just bam and it is light.I was done packing and was hiking by 6:45. It was a little chilly, but not too bad.I forgot to mention that I had a few problems with finding the blazes yesterday. When I came down near the Brien Shelter I could not find the other blaze. I went left - found some blazes, but they just didn't look right. I back tracked 3 times. Finally, found the trail. I really hate when that happens.The morning went pretty good. Made it down to Rt 17 and up Agony Grind by a little after 8. Found a nice rock with a great view - the sun was up and I could see traffic backed way up on I-87. Had breakfast and called the SQ and even checked in with the Southern Support Staff.I was just kicked back eating my hard boiled eggs enjoying the view. It was spectacular.The morning went pretty well. Lots of climbing and lots of rocks. But, not a killer in any way. I still was having problems with my right foot. I did end up putting some moleskin on the right side of the ball. That part felt pretty good, but the bones where hurting. It must be when I am hiking on rocky trail that it kicks the pain up. It really seems to hurt when I have to hike on a rocky trail.Even though my foot was killing me, I really did enjoy the trail today. Another perfect day. The weather was perfect, the sun was out, it was cool. Lots of hardwood forest hiking today.   Plenty of views. I saw three deer just before I reached Rt. 17. Came upon some trail magic today. Just below Agony Grind found some snacks.I also found quite a few places where people had put water out. But, most of it was gone. I feel bad for the sobos because there really isn't much water on the trail in NY or NJ for that matter.Last week when I hiked I commented on the acorns - same here. But, instead of being on the ground I felt like I was being dived bombed. Acorns were falling out of trees all over. Every time I stopped, I felt like one was going to hit me on top of my head.I called the SQ about noon and she had just gotten on the Taconic.   I was making good time, but was really, really glad that I decided to do the extra 2.7 miles yesterday. Because even though it was spectacular out - today was tough hiking. Lots of climbing and to have to do that little bit more would have been tough.I had more problems finding the trail today. When I came out onto the Orange Turnpike - I couldn't find the trail. It said it was 350 feet up the road, but I just couldn't find it. The trail was not well marked at all. I walked up and down the road. I was actually getting ticked off when I finally found it. Not one blaze anywhere until you were well into the woods. I also had a few problems in the woods where I would miss the blaze and have to back track. I made really good time in the afternoon. I had 3 miles left to go and called the SQ. She was 16 miles out.   Pretty good.I ran into a couple at Fitzgerald Falls. They were getting water. They were from NJ out finishing up a section in NY. The falls was the first real water source I had seen. Right before Wildcat shelter I came across a herd of deer. Six adults and one fawn. It was nice. I watched them for a few minutes and then they started to bolt.   I also came upon some turkeys.Right below Cats Rock I came upon two women out day hiking. And, I swear that they were smoking doobies. All I could smell was pot. Made me chuckle.The Cats Rock and the Easter Pinnacle were spectacular. 360 degree views - nothing but trees all around. It was really cool thinking that I was so close to NYC yet it was a true wilderness.   Today's hike was definitely the best in NY. A challenge, but worth the views.The SQ called me about 2:45 she was down waiting at the trailhead. I had about 1.1 miles left. Perfect timing.I made it down by about 3:15. It was a good hike. I was glad that I ended my hike here while the weather was perfect. I was glad that I didn't have to do all the rocks in the rain like the week before. It would have been tough.The SQ and I stopped at the Belvalle Creamery for ice cream before we headed back to Bear Mountain to get my car.As we were driving back to get my car I was thinking about my hike. Six states done - 8 states hiked (gotta go finish NC/TN). 790 miles. Still have a lot of hiking left to do, but 790 miles is pretty good.   Made me think about when I was in the Army - driving back from Mass to Ft. Bragg was 745 miles. It as if I walked home from Ft. Bragg. Pretty cool.This is probably it for this years hiking - the SQ says if I want to do anymore I better look for a bus.   We'll see.