Pamola's Quest - Push 19 - The Push Beyond Kent, CT - Part 2

Push 19 - The Push Beyond Kent, CT - Part 2

This post will cover the last five days of the Push.

Push 19 continued as I headed out of Fort Montgomery, NY.

Day 102 - 16.8 miles - Wawayanda Shelter
Day 103 - 10.1 miles - Warwick, NY
Day 104 - 0 miles - Warwick, NY
Day 105 - 16.3 miles - Fingerboard Shelter
Day 106 - 15.5 miles - Fort Montgomery, NY
Day 107 - 6.4 miles - Graymoor Center
Day 108 - 13.8 miles - Fahnestock State Park
Day 109 - 14.0 miles - Morgan Stewart Shelter
Day 110 - 20.6 miles - Ten Mile River Shelter
Day 111 - 15.7 miles - Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

Heading to the Spiritual Center

After another night in a motel bed, my mind was back where it was supposed to be.  I now had enough fuel to last me a while and even found a couple good meals in the hiker box at the motel.  

Kurt took me back to the trail and I cross the Hudson river on the Bear Mountain bridge.  I made my way up the next mountain, thinking that I was glad I didn't do it yesterday while I was in my funk.  I would have made it, but I wouldn't have been happy.

Crossing Bear Mountain Bridge

Today, I was planning on a short 6.4 mile day.  The Graymoor Spiritual Life Center was nearby and they have a nice place where hikers can stay for free.  

Today's hike would start a trend that was very satisfying and a little more expensive than I  was used to compared to down South.  The trail crossed some roads that had a nice Deli, right there.  I came up to the outside tables and three hikers were hanging out there.  I went in and ordered some lunch and a nice big beer.  This was bringing back memories of Shenandoah and her Waysides.

The three hikers were Firefly, the German boy, Swamp Donkey and a girl named Sleeping Beauty.  I immediately recognized her as a girl I had walked along with in Damascus the day I headed home.  I remembered that she was from South Africa and she remembered that I was getting off trail.  We caught up.  She was almost done with here two year flip-flop hike.  She only had about fifty miles left to do to complete her Hike. 

Sleeping Beauty and Swamp Donkey

I hung out for awhile, having another beer and buying one to bring for dinner.  Firefly decided to also head to the Center and we walked the last .3 together.  As we headed in, we encountered Fairy Baby and Cave Bear.  They asked if we had seen Sinatra.  The story had spread up and down the trail.  Facebook makes the hiker grapevine move very fast.  

When we got to the pavilion, there was another hiker here, Pumpkin, who had been at the pavilion for a week.  She had a stress fracture in her foot and was hoping that it would get better, but it hadn't.  She was heading home.  I carried her pack up the .3 or so to where she would get a ride and said farewell.

The pavilion was really nice.  It had all we needed.  I was able to set up my hammock in the corner and we had a good cool shower, outlets, some porta potties and plenty of camping space.  It was a nice nearo, lazy day.  Sometimes I enjoy the camping part of the Hike more than the walking part.

Later in the day, a few other hikers came in and we all had a nice evening next to the field.

Free Park Camping and Joe the Trail Angel

The next morning I was up and out early.  The day would be a hard one for me once again.  It wasn't a particularly long day, but the climbs would continuously kick my ass and keep me exhausted throughout the day.  It was one of those days where you just keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how slow.  Eventually, you get up that hill and when all's said and done, you are at your next day's camp.

Today I was heading to Fahnestock State Park.  There is a lake and a concession stand and you can camp one night for free in the campground.  

During the day's hike, I came upon a hiker sitting by a stream.  It was Red Bull, who we have seen in every Phase of our hike this year.  We first saw him near Fontana, then we saw him at the first Camp Store we were hanging out at in Shenandoah and now, today, I saw him once again as he headed north.  We caught up quickly and I moved on.  I wouldn't see him again during this Phase.

I arrived at the Park and walked the .2 down to the lake.  There were a few of us who all headed over to the concession stand and ordered some food. I continued on alone to the campground, which was another .5 or so.  The three sites they designate for the Hikers are not the best site and I had a little trouble finding two trees that would suffice for my hammock, but I did persevere and got set up.  

There was another Hiker there who told me about Joe, the Trail Angel, who gets a campsite for a week every couple of weeks and feeds as many Hikers as he can in the time he is there.  Sleeping Beauty had told me about him, but had thought he was leaving the morning I was heading there.  Luckily, he was still there and he came down to see if anyone wanted some food.  Of course, you all know the answer to that one.

Joe, the Amazing Trail Angel.

I headed up and Joe made me a nice egg, ham and cheese sandwich and I had lots of sweet soda.  Joe likes to talk to the Hikers and we had some good conversation while I hung out there.  Eventually, I headed back to my hammock for the night.  

A couple other hikers came in late in the night including Dragon and Camp and a Section Hiker who I had named Brooklyn (that is where she lives) who luckily found the only other possible hammock space in the camp.  

Ask The Trail and It Answers

Joe had told me that he would probably be leaving very early the next morning, but decided to wait until all of us were up and fed before heading out.  He is truly one of the Awesome People of the Trail. So, after a quick second breakfast, I was on my way back around the lake and up the blue blaze to the AT.  On the way up, I passed a guy going down.  He was packless, but looked like the famous trail serial murderer, Sinatra.  I saw a tent set up as I entered the AT.  Maybe that was his and he was sneaking down to the lake for a early morning swim or something.  I'm not positive it was him, but if it was, he appeared to be avoiding the populated places at busy times. 

911 memorial graffiti

At the concession stand the day before, I had seen Tim Messerich, the maintainer of the RPH Shelter who I knew from AT Museum stuff.  I told him I was looking forward to checking out the shelter the next day and that was my first stop of the day.

As I walked the five miles to the shelter at a pretty quick pace, I day dreamed about there possibly being leftover pizza at the shelter that I could snack on.  I quickly dismissed the possibility, thinking that Hikers don't usually have leftovers.  

I came to the shelter and was a little bummed that I didn't plan my days to end up here.  They had some nice poles for hammocks in a small camping area and the shelter, more a open faced cabin was pretty nice.  As soon as I walked through the back door, a Hiker asked me if I wanted a piece of pizza.  Once again, I asked and the Trail answered.  It is just unreal sometimes.  I enjoyed a slice and talked with the others who were there.  Firefly was there and a couple of SoBos.  One hiker, Rainbow, thought I was messing with her when I introduced myself as EarthTone.  She thought I had made up an opposite name on the fly real quick.  Little did she know, my brain doesn't work that fast, but we both had a laugh.

An interesting turn in the Trail

Next on the day's 14 mile walk was another Deli stop.  This one was .4 off the trail, but by now, I was starting to rely on them and plan my days around them.  I happily walked down the road to find the Deli and once again see Firefly hanging out.  

We ordered and I headed back behind the store, where they have water, a charging outlet and a picnic table in the shade.  It was a great way to break up the day.

I hiked the last 3.8 to the shelter. Firefly was there and another couple I hadn't seen before.  I set up and was hanging out at the table when a bunch of other hikers came in for water.  We had some funny conversation about being able to fly or teleport, which would you rather be able to do.  A Hiker's imagination gets really creative when you are out here for a while.  For the record, I choose the flying ability, but by the time the conversation was over, I wasn't sure anymore.  

When I set up my hammock, the wind had started to pick up.  Just as I had most of my kit rigged, I caught a whiff of the privy, which was about 50 feet away, as the wind shifted.  I decided to ignore it as it was only every once and awhile.  No big deal.  I'm sure the privy was pissed off when it caught a whiff of me.

Along with the wind was the threat of thunderstorms.  It turned out to only be a threat though, as it only rained a little during the night.  

Twenty Miles To Go With Bugs In My Face

I was up early as usual the next morning headed out to what was first planned to be a 16.6 mile day.  My goals for the day would be passing Nuclear Lake and stopping at a Garden Center near the trail where they have ice cream and soda and you can charge your electronics and hang out in their gazebo. 

Misty morning photo op

Nuclear Lake

I was able to complete another 10 by 12 with the decent track, so I strolled in to the Garden Center and dropped my pack.  I got some ice cream and a soda and settled down at the gazebo to make some lunch as my phone charged on the porch.  Today's deli was .6 down the road, so I opted to lighten my food bag instead of walking the extra 1.2 miles.  

While I was there, a couple came in with a young, not quite toddler, on their back.  It was a family that was hiking the trail with a 1 year old.  They had flip-flopped a while back and were now heading south.  I had read about them earlier in the year and it was cool to get to meet them briefly.  

The Dover Oak

After lunch, I was walking along and the gnats were just the worst they had ever been.  You could clap your hands in front of your face and kill close to a dozen in one clap.  I had pretty successfully been able to ignore them up to this point, but I decided it was time to dig out the bug net.  

I had been carrying this bug net for several hundreds of miles.  I never felt the need to pull it out until now.  I took a break and found the bug net.  While I was there, Firefly came by and rested also.  He told me that he was going for the 20.6 today, so I decided that maybe I could do that too.  It was still early and I could eat my dinner at the next shelter and not have much to do when I arrived at the night's shelter.  We continued on.  Me in my bug net and Firefly pulling ahead on his 19 year old legs as usual.  

I stopped at the next shelter and as planned, made some dinner before watering up and continuing on for the last four miles.  In a little over a mile, we entered CT.  NY was done.

Ba-bye New York.  You were more challenging than I expected.

The miles actually went by rather quickly and pleasantly and before too long, I could hear the music of the Ten Mile River, coming through the forest.  As I walked alongside the river, it beckoned to me continuously.  Just before turning up to the shelter, I saw a decent access point and promised the river I would be right back.

I set up behind the shelter.  Firefly, Dragon and Camp were there, eating their dinners. I grabbed by crocks and a bandana and headed down to the river after setting up.  I sat in the current, near the shore and cleaned up a bit.  Reveling in the cool, flowing water.  

I returned to the shelter refreshed and headed to my hammock.  My feet were throbbing a bit, but I felt good.  I had just completed my first 20 mile day of the Quest.

Karma Strikes On The Way to Kent

I was all set to get up and out early in the morning, but the chill kept me under the down for a while.  Eventually, I rolled out, packed up and headed out.  The plan was to head into Kent, CT with Firefly, so I had to get a good head start.  

As I headed up the Shaghticoke Mountain, I was wearing my bug net again.  For some reason, I had my hat on over the bug net, instead of a better way to have it over the hat to use the brim to keep the net away from my face some.  I'm not sure why I did it this way, but blamed LoGear as she kept thinking of different ways to use the bug net and I remembered that was one of her set ups.

Regardless of who's to blame (me), I was about 3/4s up the mountain, huffing and puffing, when I realized that my hat wasn't on my head anymore.  The presence of the bug net had prevented me from feeling when it fell off or maybe it was just me being inattentive as I concentrated on getting up that mountain.  

I decided to drop my pack and go down hill for a bit to see if it was nearby, but feared that it was closer to the bottom of the mountain than the top.  After about .1, I gave up and sent a wish out to the AT that someone would recognize it and bring it along.  I have picked up lots of gear and returned it to its owner.  I was hoping that one of my Tramily, which were all behind me would do the same.  But, Karma was about to strike.

After I had returned to my pack and continued up the mountain, Dragon and Camp caught up to me.  I asked them if they had seen my hat and they said they had, but didn't realize it was mine.  I accepted that, but felt a little pissed.  I have been seeing these girls since before the Smokys and I have been wearing this hat (a gift from my daughter) for the whole way.  Hundreds of miles.  I had put a turkey feather in the hat and it usually garnered more attention as people saw the feather.  I'm pretty sure they had recognized the hat as mine, but didn't take the time to scoop it up.  Just like I had done with the trekking pole piece.  Karma had come to visit me.  

Lesson learned. Help others when you can, but don't expect everyone to do the same.  Rejoice in it when it does happen.  I consider one of the best experiences on the Trail, is when a hiker is reunited with their lost gear.  It's a real good feeling. 

EarthTone, Hatless due to Karma

Oh well.  Even though losing the hat really made me sad for a while, I had to push on.  Kent, CT was ahead and I needed some town food and I was finally going to be able to resupply in a real grocery store and not a gas station convenience store.  

I made it to the road and waited for Firefly to catch up.  Once again hoping that he had seen and picked up the hat.  When he arrived, he said that he hadn't seen any hat.

We started the road walk and shortly after starting, I noticed my buff was gone.  Karma wasn't done with me yet.  I was hoping that I had stuffed it into my bag, but when the sun got hot and I needed some protection, I stopped and went through my pack.  It wasn't there.  Today was turning into a bitch.

Kent, CT

Our first stop in Kent was at a ice cream parlor/outfitter, where I was able to buy a pretty expensive hat to replace the one I lost and cool off with a cone.  

New AT hat

After hanging out there for awhile, we headed over to a nearby pizza parlor and had some lunch.  The pizza was good and the meal wasn't too expensive.  The beers also tasted pretty good.

Next we headed over to the new welcome center, which is basically a rest room with a pay shower in the back.  We dropped our packs and went to the nearby grocery store for a real resupply.

I picked up a six pack with the resupply and we sat at the welcome center while we processed our purchases into trail food.  I gave a couple of the beers away and planned to hump the last two out for the last leg of the day's walk which was about 7 miles to the next shelter.  

Even with the great food and a few beers in me, I was still having a hard day.  When Kitchen Sink, a section hiker that I swear I had met before somewhere, suggested an easy road walk along the Housatonic River that meets up with the AT down the trail and avoids the last few hills, I decided it fit into my new rule called "EarthTone's Appalachian Trail Inclusion Corridor" (which extends about a mile to either side of the trail).  I was going to take the nice flat road along the river instead of climbing more mountains.  I needed this.

I headed out as Firefly stayed behind to take advantage of the shower. I was still feeling "fresh" from my river cleansing, so I hiked on.  I had brought along two pieces of pizza and two beers and I enjoyed them along the way as I easily walked the road next to the river.  I made a mental note to return one day and walk those hills, but it wasn't happened today.

I eventually met the trail again as it came near the river and before too long, I was pulling into the shelter area and setting up behind the shelter.  I was spent. Push 19 had come to an end.  

While in Kent, I had sent some texts to Hudson, the proprietor of Bearded Woods Hostel and had arranged for a pick up the next day.  It was time to sleep in a bed again.  I had been looking forward to checking out Hudson and Bug Lu's place since I had followed him on his last hike.  It would be a good visit.

Tomorrow would start Push 20. The last push of Phase II-b of Pamola's Quest.

Peace,
EarthTone and LoGear

Pamola's Quest - Push 19 - The Push Beyond Kent, CT - Part 1

Push 19 - The Push Beyond Kent, CT - Part 1 

This post will cover the first five days of the Push.

Push 19 started as I headed out of Unionville, NY.  This push would be longer than the last two combined. Coming in at 129.2 miles and taking me ten days to complete, including the zero day I needed to take for my feet.  I would finish two states (NJ and NY) during this Push.  I would also hike my first 20+ day of the Quest.  

Day 102 - 16.8 miles - Wawayanda Shelter
Day 103 - 10.1 miles - Warwick, NY
Day 104 - 0 miles - Warwick, NY
Day 105 - 16.3 miles - Fingerboard Shelter
Day 106 - 15.5 miles - Fort Montgomery, NY
Day 107 - 6.4 miles - Graymoor Center
Day 108 - 13.8 miles - Fahnestock State Park
Day 109 - 14.0 miles - Morgan Stewart Shelter
Day 110 - 20.6 miles - Ten Mile River Shelter
Day 111 - 15.7 miles - Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

A Day of Moving at Different Speeds

I awoke to a wet morning.  A light shower had passed in the night.  I packed up and ate breakfast in the park gazebo and decided to resupply at the General Store and avoid the hitch into Vernon, NJ.  

After adding to my pack weight with a full food bag, I headed out and walked the road back to the trail.  The first five miles went super fast. It was a completely flat, grassy walk along the perimeter of the Wallkill Reserve.  I finished those five miles in two hours.

The next two hours would see me only doing 2.5 miles as I made my way over a couple of rocky hills.  It was quite a difference.  Eventually I came to NJ 94 which led into Vernon, NJ.  I walked over to a farm store near the trail and had some ice cream, chocolate milk and a donut.  Padfoot, the local Ridge Runner was there eating cherries and she shared some with me.  She told me about what was coming next, a long climb up Wawayanda Mountain called the "Stairway to Heaven".  

The climb would be long, but not too bad.  I had met Scrambles and Grouch once again as I headed up and I stayed with them until they stopped for water.  My feet were giving me signs that they weren't too happy, but they weren't at the screaming stage yet.  I started thinking about taking a day off to rest them. I called a motel in the next town I would be near and made a reservation for two nights.  It was time for my first (and only) zero of this Phase.

In this area of the trail, there were several coolers set near road crossings, mostly carrying water.  This is appreciated as most of the natural water in the area are full of tannins and have a nice tea shade of brown.  One cooler even had some sodas and I enjoyed a root beer before heading up the next hill.

Trail Magic comes in many different ways

I arrived at the shelter and set up.  Padfoot came in and another came and ate dinner before moving on.  I had to retire to my hammock to eat my dinner as the mosquitoes were being extra bitchy today.  

At one point during the day, I had a nice view back towards High Point.  It was cool being able to see where you feet had brought you from just a day ago.  I seemed pretty far away to my eyes.  

High Point. Yesterday's Hike.

Finishing New Jersey

With my feet now insisting on a zero, I made my plans for the day.  I had three options, depending on how the feet responded to walking once again.  The first, was a short .5 mile walk to the first road which was a couple miles out of town.  The next would be another mile and a half or so and the last would be 10.1 miles and the finish of NJ.

I was feeling pretty good in the morning.  A night's sleep always seems to help the feet for awhile and I really starting wanting to get NJ finished and enter NY for good.  Little did I know what NY was going to throw at me, but that would be something I would figure out after the zero.  

There were no long climbs, but the trail stayed up on the ridge top a lot and the glacier carved rocky tops were where the trail led.  Most of the blazes were on the rocky treadway.  Eventually I came to the NJ/NY border and celebrated another state complete.

New York quickly welcomes you with quite a few rock scrambles.  Some even needing the help of embedded rebar to be used like a ladder.  The rocky patches were a nice challenge for awhile.  Eventually, they would become tiresome.  But, like all things out here, you continue on and eventually they end.  You reach the top of the mountain, you pass the rocky side of the hillside and the track turns nice.  The Trail is the Trail.

Rebar Ladder

Yep, the Trail goes that way.

Along the way, I met a day hiker out who said he hiked here all the time.  I lazily fell in behind him, thinking I could just follow him for awhile and not worry about finding blazes on the ground.  Well, that turned out to not be the best decision as he later admitted (after we had lost the trail) that it had been awhile since he last hiked here.  

No worries though as we quickly found the trail again and I led the way from there.  Eventually we arrived at Prospect Rock which is the highest point of the trail in NY and his turnaround point.  I said see-ya and hiked on.

Eventually, the trail moved down off the ridgetop and started heading for NY 17, which would be my day's goal.  I started seeing more Muggles coming up the trail, so I knew I was getting close.  Several of them mentioned an awesome creamery that I just had to visit.  I got to the road and headed for the creamery.  It was Sunday. It was crowded. I stayed long enough to talk to a couple of hikers, one being Woodpecker, who I last saw in the Smokys for about 5 seconds.  She remembered me and we caught up for another 5 seconds until she moved on.  

I checked my Uber app and saw that there was a driver nearby and decided to use that method to get to the Motel.  So far, I haven't really had to hitch a ride.  Either a van has shown up right as I needed it or the walk was easy to town or wherever I was going.  Besides, no one wants to pick up a solo, old, grey bearded, smelly hiker if they don't have to.  Using Uber was quick and easy and not too expensive.

Before I knew it, I was at the Motel.  It was still early in the day and there wasn't a soul around the place.  No chamber maids or desk worker.  I called the number that was on the sign and sat down to rest in the nice leather sofas.  I helped myself to a soda from the fridge and before too long, Harry, the proprietor came in.

He offered me a bagel, which I readily accepted and I snacked as I waited for my room to be ready.  Eventually, Harry, gave me a key and some shampoo and said the room isn't quite finished being changed over, but I could get in and clean up if I wanted.  I'm not a picky hotel guest, so I was cool with that.  I took a shower and got my clothes ready for the free laundry they offer and eventually, the guy came in and picked up the dirty linens that were in a pile near the door.  I knew the room hadn't been completely cleaned, but I didn't care.  I had a bed, toilet, and running water at my beck and call and wifi and electricity for my electronics.  I was happy and my feet were happy too.

I headed down to a nearby deli and got some lunch.  I also picked up a few things for resupply to top off my food bag.  I didn't need much, but did need new headphones as my old ones had disappeared on my.  Most likely falling out of my pants pocket at some time.

I relaxed in the room, catching up on some of my DVR'ed TV shows and cleaned my clothes.  Rain was in the forecast for the next day, so I figured it was a perfect time to take this zero and rest my feet.  Of course, I still would be walking.  The center of "town" is about a mile away, so I will be heading there to see what they offer and maybe eat some town food.  

A Motel Zero Day

The next morning did dawn a little wet, but I wasn't going to just lay around the Motel all day.  I donned my rain jacket and headed into town.  In addition to some town food, I was looking for some stove fuel.  The canister I had started with had lasted pretty long, but I could tell it didn't have too many burns left.  Alas, I didn't find any on my walk, but I did stop at Burger King for a second breakfast and picked up a menu from a pizza place where I would order my dinner for delivery later.  It was a pleasant, level walk with no load and I enjoyed the day.  My feet felt good, but were enjoying the no load walking.  I headed back to the Motel and watched more TV and just hung out.  

I ordered a piece of a stromboli and some wings for dinner and after eating all I could, still had a nice piece of stromboli for tomorrow's lunch that I would pack out with me. 

The next morning, as I was eating another bagel for breakfast and drinking Harry's coffee, I mentioned my need to get back to the trail.  Harry told me that a bus stops right outside and I could get back to the creamery for less than two dollars.  I ate up and was at the bus stop when it came by at 5 minutes to 7 in the am.  There was only one other person on board when I got on.  Soon, I was back at the trail and heading back up into the NY rocks.

My feet were feeling good again.  The deep blisters on the balls of my feet would remain for the rest of the Phase, but the pain never got beyond the grumbling stage.  Hurting feet are par for the course out there.  You get used to it and even forget about it at times when other body parts take their turn hurting.  It becomes a steady low pitched hum in your consciousness.  

Trail Magic and Squeezed Lemons

New York continued to be rocky and climby. I started along at a decent pace, but today would have me losing the trail several times.  This is something that seemed to happen a lot while I was in NY.  I'm not exactly sure of the cause, but I think at least part of it was the fact that the forest is pretty open in this area and a lot of the areas seem like they would be busy with muggles during the weekend.  There seem to be several trails going this way and that in the open forest.  If you aren't careful and paying attention, you could wander off along a definite trail that you think is the AT, but isn't.

The first place this happened to me was at Fitzgerald Falls.  As I passed Wildcat Shelter, three hikers came out behind me and followed me down to the falls.  I came to the falls, took a quick photo, then crossed and started walking down what I thought was the trail.  I noticed pretty quickly that there were no blazes, so I turned around and went back to the falls.  I would come to find the usefulness (and awesomeness) of the Guthook App for verifying your location in relation to the trail.  I would end up using it several times after this to once again, confirm that I had let my concentration lapse and had wandered off trail again.  

When I got back to the falls, the hikers were there, taking a break and I saw now that the trail went up along the falls in a series of stone steps.  I continued on along the proper trail.  I would get turned around once more at the top of the falls, before the other trails petered out. 

There were several trail magic water stashes along the way today.  One spot, where I stopped for lunch, had some folding chairs and a bug candle, that I couldn't get lit.  I started thinking that carrying a small bug candle, might be a good idea. One day I would have to try that.  

As I made my way up one of the steep hand over hand climbs of the day, I came upon the end piece of a Walmart trekking pole.  I picked it up and tried to shove it into my pack, just in case I meet up with someone with 1 and 2/3's trekking poles, but couldn't get it in.  Another hiker was making his way down at the same time, so I just put the pole piece down and continued on.  

I took a short break at Island Pond and then started for the Lemon Squeezer, a popular rock feature just ahead.  On the way there, I passed a group of people who had the usual questions.  Then they asked me if I wanted a snack?  A hiker never says no to offered food, so, of course I said yes.  The next five minutes was filled with them handing me stuff and me accepting it. Either shoving it in my mouth right away, or in my pocket for later.  They ended up giving me almonds, chocolate, gatorade, a strawberry and a banana.  It was awesome.  I thanked them way more than the prescribed three times and continued on my way.  

I passed two hikers, Buckle and Lucky Star and came to the Lemon Squeezer.  I made it up, but had to take off my pack and throw it up on the ledge before climbing up.  I helped Buckle get her pack up and then headed onward.  When Lucky Star came up, she wanted to see if she could do it with her pack on, but she handed me her trekking poles.  I immediately noticed that they were 1 2/3s of a set.  I mentioned that I had seen the other part of her pole on a steep climb and apologize for not trying harder to bring it along.  I think Karma repaid me down the trail before I finished this Push.  

Lemon Squeezer

The Fingerboard Caper of Pearl and Sinatra

I arrived at the empty shelter and found my spot.  I also found a good tree for my food bag as there have been several reports (and a video) of a troublesome bear, enjoying lazy hiker's food from time to time.  

Shortly after I was set up, a young man hiked in and was in the shelter.  He came down to my hammock and we talked about where the water was and introduced ourselves to each other.  He was Firefly.  A 19 year old German kid, out doing two months of hiking before starting University.  I would spend the next several days ending up at the same place, or nearly so, for the night.  He was a good kid and I enjoyed hiking with him.  I would lose him after Kent, CT, but we would keep hearing of each other until the Phase ended.  

As I was hanging out up at the shelter, a guy came in to the shelter and was followed shortly after by Pearl, who I had met in DWG.  They told this wonderful story about how, when they were picked up by a past year Thru Hiker and they gave them wine, let them stay at their place and fed them and all the magical stuff that seems to happen to other hikers and never me.  I smiled and nodded at the right places then headed to my hammock for the night.  

The next day I would see on Facebook that this past year Thru Hiker and her spouse, were saying that this dude, Sinatra by trail name, had ripped them off while staying at their house.  They said he stole food and money and left a big shit in the toilet.  What the fuck? I'm not sure why Pearl wasn't considered an accomplice to the said crime, but they expressed worry for her safety as they were now painting this guy as a potential serial killer or something.  I had to laugh at how it had spun so out of control, so fast, but that is how the Book of Face works.  

So, being the Devil's Advocate here, maybe the couple were so drunk that they forgot that they had given them all the food and such.  It was just another case of drama on the trail, just like when Zen accused The General of shit down in Damascus that turned out to be utter bull shit.  I would continue to see Sinatra at weird places along the trail for the next several days.  He never killed me or anyone else as far as I could tell, but I seemed to always be extra aware of my gear when I was around him.  

Hiking With The Blues

The next morning, I was up and out early, as the mosquitoes were biting again.  I headed to a nearby lake that had picnic tables, rest rooms and vending machines.  I found an outlet and charged my phone while I made coffee and ate breakfast.  I ended up spilling most of my coffee, but I was able to wash out some of my clothes in the rest room and get water for the morning.  

I found myself dragging today and I still had two fairly large mountains to climb before coming to the Bear Mountain Zoo and the lowest point on the trail.  I was having what I call the Day Two Blues.  Something that seems to hit me a lot on my other section hikes, where I'm just not feeling it out there on the second day of the hike.  I guess the zero day had reset that clock and made me question my motives and forced myself to find my drive and keep going.  

I stopped for a break at the William Brien Memorial Shelter and before I left, Babbit and Shower Queen came in.  While we were talking, I mentioned that I was starting to get concerned that I haven't been able to find another canister of fuel lately.  He repeated the magical words that are ubiquitous out here "The Trail Will Provide".  I agreed and headed out.  His words, of course, would come true before the day was out. 

The day was hot and as I started the climb of West Mountain, I checked my water and decided that I would have enough to get up this mountain and up Bear Mountain next.  I passed a nice flowing stream with confidence.  Not four miles later, I would be out of water and cursing my having to relearn this lesson once again.  But, that's how you learn.  Even if you have to re-learn it over again every once and awhile.  

Two years ago, LoGear and I hike here.  It was a short overnight when we were on our way to Millinocket, ME for the Trail's End Festival.  We had run out of water at the top of the mountain and had to go most of the way down the other side to get water.  After finding it, we had to return back up the mountain.  That was part of the reason for taking less water.  I remembered that climb up the mountain and was hoping to do it with a little less weight.  Sometimes the 2 lbs per liter is worth the weight.

I made my way up and once again got turned around at a section of the trail.  Luckily, I had just passed a couple of day hikers and when I saw them again, I realized my mistake.  What had happened is I saw a hiker come up the trail towards me and just went where he came from.  What I didn't realize was that was a short cut that had been used a lot and now it looked like trail.  When I got through the short cut, I saw a blaze.  The thing is though, that was a Sobo blaze and not Nobo, and just like that, I was heading in the wrong direction.

Eventually I would get down to the bottom of the Mountain.  I only had a couple of swallows of water left.  As I started up Bear Mountain, I remembered what someone had told us about an old road that the Trail follows for awhile.  If you follow that road and don't take the AT turn off, you continue up the mountain and meet the AT on its way down the other side.  Since I had already hiked up to the top of Bear Mountain and since I was feeling like shit, I decided to take that short by-pass.  Yes, I skipped a little bit of Trail, but I really didn't give a shit at the time.  I was tired, feeling blue and pretty thirsty.  I needed to get down to the picnic area, where I knew there was water.  Someday, I will return and hike that short distance that I skipped.  

Soon, I was at the Picnic Area/Park/Zoo.  The place was mobbed with families from two distinct groups, but no one would feed me.  Oh well, I stopped at the concession and was going to get a hot dog (the cheapest item), but they were out, so I bought a $6 hamburger.  I just needed to get some food in my belly.

I continued walking through the park.  My plans each morning for the last couple of days had been tentative and fluid.  I would think about different end points during the day and go as far as my feet and legs would agree to take me.  Today, I was thinking that stopping here at Bear Mountain and heading into Fort Montgomery for the night might be a good idea for both my body and mind.  

After walking through the sad zoo, I came out to where the Trail crosses the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge.  I saw to woman sitting under a tree and asked them if they were waiting for a ride.  It turned out that they were waiting for the proprietor of the Bear Mountain Bridge Motel to pick them up and that was where I was planning to go.  I made a quick call to ensure a room was available and when Kurt showed up, I explained that I had called his wife and would like to come along with the two women.  

The Bear Pen at Bear Mtn Zoo (with vultures as a bonus)
The lowest point of the trail.

As I was talking with Mud Face and Fuss Bus, a daughter, mother team who had come out for a 30 day Hike, Fuss Bus said she would give me her leftover canister of fuel.  The Trail had Provided.  This canister would last me the rest of this Phase.

I settled into my room and cleaned up.  There was a restaurant across the street and I ended up eating with Mud Face and Fuss Bus and later I sat and hung out with them on the porch of the Motel's owners as they drank their celebratory wine.  

This Push was getting expensive with all the Motel stays, but you gotta take it when you need it.  

Next: The last five days of Push 19

Peace,
EarthTone and LoGear

Pamola's Quest - The Pushes (17b and 18)

On Trail Once Again

It was July 30th.  I hoisted my pack, kissed LoGear and started down the road to where the trail crossed.  I looked back once and she stood there, watching me.  I waved and turned back towards the trail.  I saw the first white blaze.  I was back...

The Push Beyond Delaware Water Gap (Push 17b)

The Push is labeled 17b since I was starting the second half of a longer Push that would have started in Duncannon, PA.  This Push would be 41.1 miles and would take me three days to hike.  

Day 96 - 15.7 miles - Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Day 97 - 13.7 miles - Kirkridge Shelter
Day 98 - 11.7 miles - Backpack campsite (NJ)

Phase II-b started out with a fun scramble up the ridge and a chance reunion with hikers I had last seen in NC.  After feeling that same sensation that something is missing (LoGear), I crossed the road and started up the trail.  I was in no hurry. I had over 15 miles to go, but it was still relatively early and I had other options if 15 turned out to be too much to start back with.

I made my way up the trail and veered off to check out an informational sign that told about the ecology of the surrounding ridges and valley.  I looked over and saw two hikers that had came up after me.  I walked over to say hi and they recognized me.  It took me a second, but quickly I learned that this was Scrambles and Grouch.  We had met them somewhere between the NOC and Fontana. I would cross paths with them several times during this Phase.  

We all headed up the ridge together.  It was kind of fun.  Lots of slow hand over hand scrambling.  We took pictures for each other as we made our way up, but eventually I got ahead of them and didn't see them again for several days.  

Heading up from Lehigh Gap. Grouch and Scrambles follow behind.

After I got up to the top of the ridge, I leisurely made my way along the trail.  It wasn't too bad up here. The recovery from the valley zinc processing seemed to be going nicely.  There was lots of flora and even some young woods.  Looking across the valley to the next ridge with the zinc smelter in between, you could see that the other side still needed lots of work to recover.  It was barren and sad looking.

During of my view breaks, a woman came up behind me.  I notice she was wearing a headband that I had just seen, hanging on a branch next to the trail. I made a quick comment about the headband along with my hello.  She moved on ahead of me.

Around lunch time, another hike came and passed me.  I recognized him from Push 14 in Shenandoah.  We ended up eating lunch at the same place.  He is a little reserved, but I learned his name was Lazy Boy.  He carries a camp chair as part of his kit.  That was mainly how I remembered him.  

Later, I saw the woman again and learned her name was Bonnie.  She was out for a solo section from Lehigh Gap to Crater Lake in NJ.  I lent her my nail clippers and our friendship was born.  We would end up at the same place for the rest of her hike.  As we learned more about her, she would transform into Coach Sunny.

On this first day, after about 10 miles walked, I decided to try something that I had been wanting to do for awhile.  I set up my hammock and took a nice long rest.  I still had plenty of daylight and felt pretty good, even as the rocks had started to get plentiful.

After resting for awhile, I felt that I had the energy to finish the day at 15.7 miles.  I decided to cook dinner first and when I got to the shelter, I would only have to set up the hammock and get water to be done for the day.

I arrived at the shelter as the light of the day was waning.  Bonnie was there and also another guy named Tortoise.  I went and got water and when I came back another hiker was in the shelter.  She looked familiar and turned out to be Camp from another duo, Dragon and Camp who we had also met around the Smokys.  She had remembered me as Half-Crocked, another trail name I had picked up at the beginning of this Quest.  

I slept without my tarp that night, as the weather forecast was dry. I felt good.  The usual soreness of a good day's hike in my muscles and feet were back.  I was becoming an Outsider once again.  

As I laid in my hammock and darkness settled over the camp, I heard what sounded like classical music wafting through the woods.  Someone up at the camping area was playing some music.  I learned the next morning that it was Pantry, who had a violin with her and had a job lined up for some orchestra when she was done hiking.  She brought it along so she could practice each day to stay sharp for her new job. It was a very calming sound to hear as I reflected on my first day back on trail.

Just Another Rocky Day in PA

The morning started with a small headache, most likely caused by dehydration.  Today would be another dryish day, so I headed out with three liters again.  Today's hike would be mostly rocky ridge walking.  Wind Gap would be the only deviation, with a short, steep decline followed by the climb out of the gap.  

As I walked along, I saw a hiker, standing and looking into the woods.  He was watching a rattler that was minding his own business, just off the trail.  I did my own watching of him for a couple minutes as he meandered back and forth through the underbrush, slowly reacting to my prodding trekking pole.  He never grew defensive or rattled his tail.  He was just some mellow forest dweller, looking for a patch of sun to bask in.  

Snaaaaake

The track smoothed out near the end of the day and before I knew it, I was done with the day's miles. I had drank all the water I carried for the day and hadn't replenished all day. 

This shelter had a water source that was a faucet next so some church retreat.  I found a nice place to set up and had some good conversation with Ashes, a hiker who has basically been living on the trails for the last couple of years.  He was just out doing his thing. Hiking a few miles each day until it was time to move to another trail.  

Wolf Rocks was an interesting rock scramble that was pretty fun at first, but after awhile it became 

Bonnie and Tortoise stayed at the shelter.  A large group of kids (summer camp I think) had started at Wind Gap, but they camped a little away from the shelter in a nice open area.  I would see several large groups during this Phase.  Most of them were college freshman orientation hikes.  Seems to be a popular thing nowadays. The large groups do seem to tax the shelter areas a bit much, but as long as they are learning to minimize their impact, I'm ok with them being out there, even if they take good spots and fill the bear boxes up with all their gear.  

Coach Sunny and Tortoise

Finishing the Push, And the State

On the third day of the Phase, I was ready to finish the first Push and move into New Jersey.  I planned the day to not be too long (11.7 miles) and I hoped to maybe get a shower and do some resupply at Delaware Water Gap.  

I was up and out pretty early in the day.  Town days always draw me on, even though I had only been back a few days.  I could already taste the food I would eat and the anticipation of a cold beer made my mouth water.  I quickly made my way along the trail and down into the Gap.  

Delaware River

After a restful lunch by Lenape Pond, I walking into the town.  The first stop was Church of the Mountain Hostel, a donation based Hostel that was not two blocks from where the trail skirted the edge of town.  The first order of business was to shower off the three days of sweat and grime I had accumulated.  I also did a little cowboy laundry in the shower and changed into town/camp clothes.  Next was food.  I walked to the Sycamore Grill and had another lunch and a couple of beers.  After filling my belly, it was time to fill my food bag.  

Resupply here was basically gas station convenience stores unless you wanted to get a ride into Stroudsburg.  I didn't have the time and found what I needed at the Fuel On.  I headed back to the Hostel and just hung out for awhile until it was time to leave PA and enter NJ.  I few other hikers came in while I was there.  Lazy boy, Tortoise, Lakes, Pearl, Mantis, Big Country and Stray are who I remember.  Lakes mentioned that she had read my The Trek article and commented on it before we both started hiking.  She had mentioned that maybe we would meet on the trail.  Well, we just did.

The resupply officially ended Push 17b, but I still had some miles to go before I slept.  It was time to finish PA.  I had attempted to do this a couple years ago, but my feet had made me end my hike early back then.  It was finally time to complete the state.

Push 18 - The Push to Unionville, NY

Push 18 would cover 46.2 miles and would again take me three days to complete.  

Day 99 - 15.6 miles - Camp by Buttermilk Falls trail
Day 100 - 16.3 miles - Mashipacong Shelter
Day 101 - 14.3 miles - Unionville, NY

I headed out with some sprinkles in the air and made my way across the bridge, leaving PA and entering NJ.  After a short stop at the DWG visitor center during the hardest of the rain, I started back up onto the ridge on the other side of the river. 

I met a guy on the way up, named Sweet Boy.  We talked a bit and he asked me, "if I could have anything right now, what would it be?"  Of course I answered "a beer" and he pulled a Lager out of his pack and gave it to me.  The kindness of Magic never ceases to amaze me.  I pocketed the beer, thanked Sweet Boy and headed up the ridge as he turned onto another trail.

I arrived at the campsite after 1700.  It was a large, sprawling area with plenty of very good sites.  I quickly found Coach Sunny and Tortoise, who were camped down aways and set up near them.  We all had our dinners together as the sun made its way towards the ridgeline. I shared the beer with Tortoise, who was very appreciative of the offer. 

Farewells and Rain

The next morning, I headed out with Sunny, but lost her at Sunfish Pond.  There was rain in the forecast and my plans for the day's miles was somewhat fluid.  I had a possible camp location for another rather short day where Tortoise was planning on stopping for the day, but I was pretty sure that I would be able to go further.

The first order of business for the day was to head to the Mohican Outdoor Center for some lunch and to charge my phone some.  I left a short farewell note for Sunny at the bridge before the road to the Outdoor Center and walked in.  

The place is nice, but they still hadn't restocked their supplies after the weekend (it was Wednesday) and all they had was rye bread.  I ordered a sandwich with that and it was delicious.  I hung out awhile, charging my phone and using their wifi until it was time to move on.  

In the afternoon, the temperature suddenly dropped several degrees, the wind picked up and the slow roll of thunder, rumbled in the distance.  Soon the rain began to fall and it steadily grew heavier as I walked along.  At first, the cool rain was a relief to my sweaty body, but after awhile, the chill sets in and you need to either cover up or get out of the rain.  I don't carry a pack cover and decided to not put on my rain jacket as the rain started.  I passed several hikers who had hunkered down for the storm.  Most of them would just look at me confused, wondering why I continued to walk through this storm. The rain fell in sheets and there was lightning and thunder, but none of it too close.  

The area I was hiking in now was where LoGear, her sister, dog and friend and I had did a short section two years ago.  I remembered that the ridge becomes exposed in a bit and saw that a blue blaze circles around Crater Lake and there was a parking lot.  I was hoping for either a picnic pavilion or a rest room to let me get a relief from the rain, so I took the blue blaze as a weather bypass.  This was trail that I had already walked, so it was all good in EarthTone's Invisible Rules for Long Distance Hiking rule book.  

I walked around the lake and arrived at the parking lot.  The only structure was a small pit toilet building.  Good enough for this Hiker Trash, so I set up shop in one of the "rooms" and tried to dry off some. I decided to make me some dinner while I was there and by the time I was done, the rain had stopped.  I headed out and back up to the trail.  I arrived at the Buttermilk Falls trail where another dry camp was located and decided to stop for the day.  

Mmmm, dinner

The mosquitoes were vicious as I set up camp and I was glad that I didn't have to still cook dinner as I rolled into the hammock and zipped closed the screen.  The rain had brought them out in droves.  

From One Day to the Next

The next morning I packed up in record time as the mosquitoes were still hanging out at the campsite waiting to suck my blood.  

My first stop was at Brinks Shelter where we had stayed two years ago.  I knew the water there was pretty good and it didn't disappoint. I also took advantage of the privy while I was there.

My food goal for the day was to hit Gyp's Tavern in Culvers Gap.  I arrived right around lunch time and sat out in the patio area which overlooked the lake and ate a nice lunch, drank several beers and ordered something to pack out for dinner.  The day was beautiful, sunny and mild with a perfect view of the lake.  It was hard to leave that place, but it was necessary, so after most of my gear had dried out and I felt good from the great food and cold beers, I climbed out of the gap and continued on.

View from Gyp's Tavern patio

I stopped at the Sunrise Pavilion and had my dinner on the trail once again.  I arrived at the shelter where Coo coo, a SOBO hiker was in for the night.  We had some good conversation and I headed to my hammock.  Thumper came in right before I retired and Scrambles and Grouch came in late, after I was sound asleep.

Lake Swim and Another Push Complete

I was up and out early the next morning and getting out at that time paid off.  Not 30 minutes after leaving camp, I heard a noise in the forest.  It was a yearling bear, completely focused on the task of ripping a rotten log apart, looking for grubs I guess.

He didn't notice me as I took a photo or two then started taping a video.  I made a few noises, but he seemed oblivious until he must have caught my awesome hiker scent and then moved off away from me.  

I was approaching High Point State Park and there was a lake there with a beach. That became the goal of the day and after getting a free Pepsi at the visitor's center, I hiked down to the lake.  Of course, I took the wrong trail at the lake and had to completely circle it before I arrived at the beach area.  It was all good.  Thumper had come down too.  I had a nice swim, doing some more cowboy laundry with my hiking clothes and then had some overpriced lunch at the concession stand.  

Lake Marcia, in view of High Point memorial on a foggy morning

NJ Boardwalk

The trail in this area is very close to the NY border and actually crosses over once or twice before you leave the state for good.  Unionville, NY was a small town that would be about a .7 walk off trail.  They let you camp in their small park for free and there is a general store, a pizza place and a tavern.  All that this dirty hiker needed.

Entering town, trying to not look suspicious

I came into town and saw Scrambles and Grouch at the pizza place.  They had picked up a mail drop and were going through their stuff.  I mentioned that I might take some of their extras if they had any.  I found a place for my hammock in the park and set up.  Next I went over to the General Store and registered my stay in the park.  I picked up a couple of beers and a few other items.  At this point I was still planning on resupplying in Vernon, NJ to end the Push, but in the morning I would decide that getting into that small town would be burdensome and decided to resupply here and call this Push done.

I headed over to the pizza place and ordered a medium pizza for myself and popped open a PBR.  After stuffing myself, I went back to the park and finished setting up.  In the evening I went over to the tavern and had a couple beers with the other hikers that had come into town.  In addition to Scrambles and Grouch, Thumper had come in and also a couple Snake Eyes and Fugitive.  I had a couple of beers, then headed back to the park.

My fun activity of this day, was to count the numerous Red Efts that like to hang out on the trail after a rain.  My count reached 42 before I grew bored with looking for them.  I also had a cool experience with milkweed and monarch butterflies.  I was walking through a pasture area and came to a part of the field that was all milkweed.  I remembered that the monarch relies on the milkweed for its whole existence and just as that thought entered my head, I saw two of them flitting about the plants.  It was cool.

Red Eft #35

The katydids were pretty loud in the night and didn't stop their chanting until a short rain session passed through.  Tomorrow would start Push 19. The Push to Kent, CT.  

The next Push would be over 100 miles and would encompass the whole state of NY. 

Peace,
EarthTone and LoGear