0/10 Would Not Recommend Hiking Through a Heat Wave: Days 101–107

My first real heat wave on trail was brutal, especially as I was already feeling burnt out from Pennsylvania. With the help of my support system, I took a few days’ break from hiking to rest up before carrying on. 

Day 101: Wawayanda State Park to Bellvale Creamery

After a couple zeros with Mom and Sydney, my friend Bryce dropped me off at Wawayanda State Park in New Jersey where I’d left off in April. In just a few miles, I’d cross into New York. And in about ten miles, I’d hit Bellvale Creamery.

I started hiking around noon and hoped to get a solid half day in, give or take. But as soon as I crossed into New York, my pace dropped dramatically because I kept getting turned around. Many of the blazes painted on the rocks underfoot were either faded or grown over by plants, so I found myself doing a lot of bushwhacking. 

This was fun, though!

I’d texted Plantasia a picture of my feet at the border, and she arranged for me to stay the night at her parents’ home in Warwick. She’s a real one! Between the sadness of saying goodbye to family and the frustration I felt from losing my way over and over, I was so grateful to have a welcoming home to look forward to at the end of the day.

Plantasia’s mom picked me up at Bellvale Creamery. Her dad and brother came home with pizzas, and we split a fig and goat cheese pizza and a bottle of wine, swapping stories about Plantasia (were your ears burning?) and the trail. It was so fun getting to know Plantasia’s family this way. We ended the night with the famous ice cream from Bellvale, of course. Oh, and by watching lacrosse, which I knew nearly nothing about before staying with Plantasia’s family in Warwick. 

I feel like a broken record sometimes, but once again, I’m so amazed at the kindness I’ve experienced from complete strangers along this journey. 

Day 102: Bellvale Creamery to Lakes Road

Plantasia’s mom dropped me off at the trailhead in the morning. As soon as I got out of her car, I felt overwhelmed by the heat, almost like I couldn’t breathe.

I was amazed and a little annoyed at how the trail managed to climb up and over nearly every single rock formation in a 3.5 mile stretch of trail. Though the views from East Pinnacles and Cat Rock were stunning, I was becoming overheated and emotional. When things get super tough physically, all the unresolved feelings come pouring out every. Single. Time.

I hit a road crossing about 3.5 miles into my day and just broke down sobbing.

Maybe it was the increasingly unbearable heat; maybe it was saying goodbye to my family. Maybe it was the weight of hiking through the state where I’d spent the bulk of my 20s. Maybe it’s Maybelline.

My first instinct was to call my dad. Though he’d drive the 10+ hours to get me in a heartbeat, I knew he wouldn’t let me quit on a bad day. My dad encouraged me to get to the nearest town, eat lunch, hydrate, and rest for a day out of the sun. He thought I might do well with a spell in the city, just to have a break and reflect on the past 100+ days, and we talked about how to make it happen.

So that’s what I did. I called Bryce to see if I could maybe crash on his couch for a few days, then rang Ramen Bomb for advice and to see if we’d overlap in the city at all.

Once I gathered myself, I ordered an Uber to take me into Warwick so I could cool down. I ate lunch at a cafe then walked the mile or so back to Plantasia’s parents’ home. They welcomed me yet again into their space to shower and rest.

And the best part? I finally reunited with Plantasia!! I haven’t seen her since Fontana Village before the Smokies, but we’d kept up over the months. I wish our reunion was under better circumstances — I was hot and dehydrated; she was coming down with something — but it was so good to catch up and spend time together in person.

Together, Plantasia and I came up with a plan to wake up super early and hike a few miles the next day before it got hot. I’d decide after that whether or not I’d go to New York City for a few days.  

Day 103–106: Zeros in NYC

Well, as you can tell by the title of this section, I woke up early, and decided I didn’t want to hike. Some days just aren’t hiking days, and I was beyond burnt out.

Plantasia drove me to the train station in Tuxedo, NY and I made my way to Brooklyn. Once I got there, I relaxed with my friend Grant (and got to listen to some of the music he’s releasing — check it out!), caught up on Bridgerton, then made rice bowls for everyone for dinner.

The next day, I met up with Ramen Bomb in LIC, had lunch with Molly, then rode the ferry all afternoon with Karina (best cheap activity in the city!).

Ramen Bomb Tom lives on!!

Karina!

Shoutout to NYC Ferry for restoring my sanity

It didn’t take long for me to start missing trail, but I knew this break was important. When the going got tough, I didn’t “push through” this time. I needed to do something different. I’m glad I chose to step back, slow down, and tend to my heart.

During my last two days on the city, I caught up with some friends and former coworkers, went to a show, shared comforting meals, and soaked up as much air conditioning as I could.

Hiker hunger means I’ll eat mushrooms now.

Being able to escape to the city was a privilege, and I’m immensely grateful for my friends who cared for me and helped me rest. 

Day 107: Bear Mountain to Hemlock Springs Campground

The time had come to head back to trail. Bryce drove me to Bear Mountain, and we did the loop together. It was another scorcher of a day and I felt like I was melting a little bit — the heat index was showing 104 degrees outside. After coming back down all those stairs, Bryce and I grabbed lunch at American Burrito, a favorite lunch spot from my New York days that’s right near the park. It was very blissfully air conditioned.

Once again, it’s always hard to say goodbye to my loved ones, but this time felt different. This time, I felt ready and determined to meet whatever’s ahead.

I hiked past the Bear Mountain pool and zoo, where I saw my first bears on trail. As I crossed the bridge over the Hudson and took in the familiar expanse before me, I said out loud, “I’m going to do this.” I felt a little silly, but hey, gotta do what ya gotta do!

As I walked the road toward the trailhead for Anthony’s Nose, a man in an SUV pulled over to an abrupt stop and offered me an ice cold Coke. I don’t normally drink Coke, but it was so refreshing in the heat. I chugged the whole thing on the side of the road before hiking up the steep ascent to my campsite for the night. 

I took the rest of my day slowly and stopped at Hemlock Springs Campground. I’m planning to hike another short day tomorrow so Digit and I can meet up again and finish the rest of New York (and beyond?!) together.

Eight miles is plenty for today.