NERO DAY
We woke up at 4:30 AM and packed the tent up with our headlamps on. We "night" hiked for 0.6 miles to arrive at the AT Marketplace/Deli (open 24/7) and got breakfast. Then we made our way 7 miles to the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge. We arrived at the Bear Mountain Zoo before it opened and were able to sneak Corinne in. (The AT goes through the zoo, but there is a blue blaze bypass for dogs.) She didn't bark at the deer, birds, or foxes...she didn't even bark at the porcupine exhibit! However, she did bark her head off at the life-size, inanimate statue of Walt Whitman. Too funny! We hiked across a major intersection to the Overlook Lodge, went to the Post Office, resupplied, and relaxed. The grounds of Bear Mountain State Park were full of trash and it left a 'bad taste in our mouths'...not cool.
Day 76 Fingerboard Shelter
We slept in and had continental breakfast. Yum! Then we hiked up Bear Mountain Tower at the top of the mountain. It was hot, hot, hot...but we liked that the climb was a series of manmade steps/rocks; got into a rhythm and were able to summit in 35 minutes. I was motivated by knowing there were vending machines behind the tower! We climbed up to see views of NYC skyline and learned about the history of the area. We could even see the mountain that was our destination 14 miles away! We climbed a few smaller mountains called West Mountain and Black Mountain-steep and rocky! We enjoyed some long ridge-line walks full of flat and smooth boulders. Water was extremely scarce so we were appreciative of the Powerades from the vending machine! When we stopped for a break we met a NOBO that had left from Georgia the same time we left for Maine and he told us about a lake recreation area with vending machines nearby. Our shelter did not have water so we blue blazed to it and chugged more Powerades! We hiked 1 more mile to the shelter and were happy to officially be at mile marker 801!
We went 17 tough miles over rocky terrain with abrupt ups and downs, including the lemon squeezer. Not too hot today but hot enough to keep drinking water. We came across a few coolers of water that saved us from being up a (dry) creek. The problem was that every brook we passed was dried up....even the water source at the shelter we planned to stay at was non existent so we had to keep hiking 2 more miles to a NY highway where we heard of an ice cream shop with a water spigot. It worked out for the best that we didn't stop at the shelter for the night when we wanted to because as soon as we approached the ice cream shop a gentleman pulled up and gave us his lunch! Turns out he also supplied the coolers of water we passed by today. The ice cream shop was packed; Bellvale Farms was voted #2 best ice cream in the whole country! We drank super awesome milkshakes, but it was even more super awesome that so many folks got to witness the selflessness of a trail angel. We hiked a little further until Corinne found the best stealth spot ever.
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| Sweet sweat design |
Day 78 Pochuck Shelter/Campsite
Today we hiked 20 miles, into NJ, in 11 hours. The day began with long ridge walks above tree line to the highest peak in NY on the AT (Prospect Rock at 1,433ft). It was marked with an American flag blowing in the wind. A very short and steep decline was first before we descended down 'the ladder' and had to put Corinne's harness on to lift her down. Rocky, flat, rocky, flat, rocky, rocky, rocky all the way to Wawayanda State Park. We had to make it there to get clean water because the water we filtered this morning from the first water source was brown-it smelled so bad that Corinne wouldn't even drink it! The weather was cool and breezy so we didnt go through as much water. The lower temperature made it enjoyable despite being in NJ; black bear and venomous snake country. The best part of the day was hiking up and down Heaven Hill and Stairway to Heaven. Watched Corinne meet a moo cow and loved a 0.6 boardwalk/suspension bridge walk along the state line.
Day 79 Unionville, NY
NERO DAY
Back in NY! We got to town around 8:30 AM, picked up our re-suply, and made a cool mail drop 'how to' video. We ate dinner and set up our camp on the village office property playground and swang on the swings! We crashed early and listened to podcasts untill we fell asleep.
Day 80 Gren Anderson Shelter
Hiked 20.1 miles in 8.5 hours. There was barely any elevation change the whole day; most flat trail yet! Still rocky though so it was tough on our feet. Still no water to filter so we feel totally dehydrated and grimy (no extra water to wash face, brush teeth, have coffee, do dishes). Keith carried and extra liter so that we would be able to give Corinne all the water her little heart desires. We also have sent home her backpack-too hot! Which means we have been carrying all of her food and belongings...good thing she is sooooo cute!
Day 81 Mohican Outdoor Center (AMC)
Hiked 20 miles in 10 hours.
Our day was full of rocks and more rocks. Essentially 10 hours of trying not to trip, tripping, trying not to fall, and seeing my life flash before my eyes; complete mental focus required to calculate foot placement. The rocks were not big/smooth enough to step on to rock hop, not small enough to step directly over, and spaced apart just enough so that you couldn't avoid mangling your ankle every single step. Not a lot of elevation gain, but the rocky terrain made for an exhausting day. Corinne's feet were small enough to fit perfectly-she sure made it look easy. The human's feet hurt but we hobbled 0.4 extra miles to the MOC and took showers (first in 1 week!) We washed our clothes in the shower and filled up our water bottles in the sink. We didn't have a single good water source again today so we drank all the powerade from the camp store. We heard that tomorrow's rocks are even worse than the infamous ones surrounding Sunfish pond, a glacial lake. I hope that we have a nice TRIP...see y'all in the FALL!
Day 82 Delaware Gap, PA
NERO DAY
Hiked 11 miles to get to town by crossing the Delaware River (state line) and into Pennsylvania! We are laughing about the fact that 11 miles is now a nero (nearly zero) day, when it used to take us all day! We are tenting in the backyard of an old church that has been converted into a hostel for hikers. Picked up mail drop, resupplied, ate great food, and filled up on ice water. Feeling good, feeling great. Ready for a 92 degree day tomorrow!
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| Thanks Maury! |
Day 83 Smith Gap Rd.
Mile 919
Slackapcked 24 miles in 9.5 hours today! More rocks, no water, and high temps! Our host, John, took us into town for $2 taco Tuesday and we met some interesting characters. The best part of the day was talking to Mom (the Birthday Girl) and Kate. Happy Birthday Mom!
Day 84 Blue Mountain B & B
Mile 945.3
We went 26 miles in 12.5 hours! One word = ADVIL!
Even more rocks than yesterday! Hiked through a 4 mile patch of deforested land, due to zinc smelting (extracting metal from rock) in the late 1800s. It gave rise to open ridge-line in the hot sun. We started with 6 L of water because we knew we would not be able to filter any along the way; however we went through it fairly quickly. We found 2 ice cold bottles of water and a PBR tall boy left for thru-hikers along the trail. We ended with empties and were still thirsty; dehydration seems to be a constant battle! I know we wouldn't have made it without the generosity and thoughtfulness of others. Thank God for trail angels!
Day 85 Eckville Shelter
Went 11 miles today in 6 hours; slow going over all of the rocks. Corinne was a ROCK star but you could tell she took the flat parts for GRANITE! Spent the afternoon planning for the next 2 weeks and my sister's visit! Super excited to spend time with family soon!
Day 86 and 87 Hamburg, PA
Rocky! Keith said we sound like pro tennis players, returning a fast serve, because we grunt so loud every time we trip! One of the most tough days for me. I had a few mental breakdowns simply because I was totally worn out, but then I remembered that there was no crying in thru-hiking! I got myself together and sucked it up. I was motivated by the thought that there were folks out there that would love to be in my shoes (no pun intended), but were not as fortunate. Reminding ourselves of how amazing this unique opportunity is puts the pain in perspective and makes the challenges worthwhile. Hiked 15 miles today to make it to Cabelas for new shoes. Corinne was allowed in the store and she even met an employee named Corinne! Ate, drank, and resupplied. Watched some college football and drank some local beer (Yuengling-the oldest brewery in the US)
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| Nala and Simba |
Day 88 501 Shelter
Went 26.1 miles today in 10.5 hours! We were motivated by knowing pizza could be delivered to the shelter!
Day 89 Yellow Springs Village Site and Old Coal Mining Settlement
Hiked 22.1 miles today across the 1,000 mile mark! No water at our campsite so we stopped at creek 4.9 miles before to fill 6 L. Glad to have enough to last for breakfast tomorrow but not fun for our feet. I had to pray, "Lord, if you pick them up, I'll put them down!" Slowly but surely we made it to camp.
Day 89 Duncannon, PA
Made it to town thanks to trail angel Mary! See her story below! Best part of the day was eating deep fried s'mores! Yum!
