Day 89
Mileage 22
I left Delaware Water Gap at 11:30ish after some great breakfast and a quick fix of my trekking poles.
Another state knocked down.
Pennsylvania was rough.
The last few days have been hard on the bottoms of my feet and my ankles are pretty tired.
The shoes I got at payless are not holding up well. Go figure.
But I hike on. I slip and slide down the rocks now.
Today begins with a little uphill. Haven't had one of these in a bit. It feels so good to get the cardio going and work up a sweat.
Something is changing mentally for me today. Or maybe I'm becoming more in tune with how I feel out here. Or maybe I'm just gushing and going fucking delirious.
This life out here is unbelievable. I'm not sure how to describe how ridiculous it is, so maybe this story will help.
The 2nd picture above is of a deer... I was walking by sunfish pond. There are a bunch of cairns and a turtle and a shitload of frogs making noise. I round the corner and see Wet Wipes taking a break. As I continue there are a good amount of rocks to hop along. This makes me fairly quiet as I'm not using my poles. I come up on said deer without him noticing me at all. When he does he freaks out and falls down. That stupid face he is making is directly after he gathered himself and stood back up.
Day 90
Mileage 12
Today was super nice and slow. Did a small 12 miles and got picked up by Glim-glom's sister.
She brought us to Sprout Creek Farm. This super cool farm in New York. We ate cheese and burgers (veggie). Even picked fresh Kale for mine.
She and Glim-glom both worked there, so we got to wander around with the cows and goats. I apparently got over my irrational fear of goats today.
Also watched Mama Mia!
Day 91
Mileage 3
Slept in pretty drastically. Then went to the chicken coop and grabbed some eggs for a breakfast.
We also did a resupply in town. This a pretty welcome break, but at this point any break with people someone knows is welcome.
Not excited to put my shoes on and hike today. Good thing we all are not motivated. Hiked a quick 3 to a shelter and got a good nights sleep.
Day 92
Mileage 19.6
Ok back to 20's. We are pushing to the end of New York to head into NYC.
Life is great. Hiking is so calm and peaceful. My legs feel great today and I'm in a great mood.
I'm not sure if I actually had questions in life I wanted to answer, but today I spent a good while in my head thinking about what's next. I think I created more questions...
Day 93
Mileage 23.6
What a gorgeous fucking day!
I walked along this crazy boardwalk this morning through some swamp lands. Met so many dogs!
Took so many breaks today. It was just really nice out.
Also made it into New York today which is exciting because I get new shoes tomorrow. I slid down a rock and may have cracked a rib today...
Day 94
Mileage 21.6 + 2 mile road walk
Alright I got a ways to get to this town, but then I get new shoes. I can't stand up straight without pain in my chest from this dumb rib bullshit.
Also these shoes have fully exploded. Who would of thought payless kitchen shoes weren't great for hiking on rocks in the rain...
I get to this road and start trying to hitch. Its a four lane highway basically. No one stops and I end up walking 2 miles on a sketchy shoulder into the post office.
But new shoes!!!! Thanks fam!!!!
I guilt a guy at a gas station into a ride back to the trail and I'm back at it.
We had a super sick climb today after doing a squeeze that I don't fit through.
Despite the pain I'm in, today couldn't be better!
Day 95
Mileage 23 ish
Ok today was fucking weird. We climbed bear mountain, which is a NY tourist place.
So many people everywhere. I can smell them before I see them. Cologne, perfume, and shampoo smell so fucking good.
I get over this mountain, which did have a great view and perfectly crafted stone stairs, and walk through a playground. Then I see a tapas bar, so I go...
They just don't actually have tapas. K.
Now for a weird and sad part of the trail. The AT goes right through a zoo. A vulture in a cage with other vultures on top of it. Two sad brown bears in a small enclosure with 30 vultures with them.
I am pretty sure I offended a few people marveling at how sad this zoo was...
Day 96
Mileage 22
I think these 20 plus days are getting to me. I'm exhausted. The terrain at least is easy today with no big climbs.
I'm in a bunch of pain but still trudging along. Only one more day until we all get a break for a couple days.
Day 97
Mileage 10.8
Damn that's a big fucking tree.
Only 10 miles until Pawling, NY. Then we all take a couple days off in NYC. Desperately need a break. My ankles and ribs need a few days of rest to heal a bit.
We all hiked together and got to the station pretty quickly. Now its off to the big city!!!
--Strider
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