Today we woke up around 7 and packed our gear. We went back to the deli to get a breakfast sandwich. The deli's in New York have been wonderful. I wish we had some back home in Ohio. We hiked the short distance back to the AT and began our hike. Whiskers was ahead of me and I watched him vanish into the woods. It made me happy. We are back where we belong. As I walked into the woods I had a sense of calmness come over me. We are really back where we belong. The woods were shaded by the heavy canopy of leaves. I like this green tunnel they talk about. Maybe in another 1000 miles it will get old, but now I am happy. I feel like I am home out here. I miss my family and friends but I am right where I am supposed to be. Out here with Sprout.
The hike was easy and wonderful. Before we arrived at the first shelter I heard a woman yelling for help. Robby was ahead of me and probably already at the shelter. She said she wasn't sure where the trail went but she seemed to have missed it. She was still on the trail however and I think I eased her mind. We walked the short distance to the shelter together. Her name is Erin but she thinks her trail name might be snail because of her slow pace. When we got there I was surprised to see all my friends, Karma, Mountain Man and Whiskers were still there. Yayy! Also, Erin's hiking partner was there, Wind I believe is her name. They both just started today. Wind got off trail last year with a leg injury and is coming back to finish the trail to Katahdin.
A really cool thing happened today. A hummingbird fluttered in front of my for three seconds. I thought it was a big giant bird at first because you can hear it's wings flapping. I went to swat it away but stopped when I realized it was a bird. It was so cool to see how fast they fly!
A really cool thing happened today. A hummingbird fluttered in front of my for three seconds. I thought it was a big giant bird at first because you can hear it's wings flapping. I went to swat it away but stopped when I realized it was a bird. It was so cool to see how fast they fly!
The next stop for the day was at Nuclear Lake, interesting name. In 1958, an experimental nuclear fuel research lab was set up for secret experiments. It was closed after an electrical explosion in 1971. There was a 3 million dollar clean up and it was cleared as safe in the 90s. Perfect place to take a dip, right? Whiskers jumped in so I said screw it and jump off a rock too. Yay! It felt so refreshing. Robby caught two bluegill fish too! I wanted to filet and eat them but Robby said no because they live in nuclear lake. Bummer. I was gonna make me a fire and toast them up with some garlic powder.
It was only another three miles to camp and it was so nice and easy for me. I really enjoyed my hike. I saw Erin again and really realized how much she was struggling when she asked me to stay with her. I told her I would and tried to give her words of encouragement. It was only another mile to the shelter but she was whipped. She was talking about quitting and I told her to try for another week. Hopefully she makes it!
Camp was a joyous occasion as always. Happy to be with Mountain Man and Karma. We always smile and I feel closer to them every day. Karmas' feet didn't bother her too much today and I was elated to hear that. I have been so worried for my friend. I want to hike with them for as long as possible. They are my trail family. We belong together. Plus breaking up Fernando and Mellie would be devastating.
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| Taconic State Park |
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| Trail through the woods today |
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| Cairn on the trail today |
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| Karma, my bestie |
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| Besties on our chips |
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| Flowers on the trial |
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| Huge tree on the trail |
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| Gigantic!!! |
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