Days 75 – 80 | Heat, Storms, and Hives in New York

Day 75 1376 – 1394.4 (18.4)

The fellow hostel patrons were up early so we were too.  There was homemade breakfast with fresh coffee, pancakes, fruit, eggs, and hash browns. 

We were back on trail by 7 and continued the ups and downs of mini climbs in the morning. The humidity was killer as we passed by many lakes.

Right after crossing Highway 87, Skid and Skids mother were hosting trail magic, we relished in the cold drinks and hid in the shade for a long time. We finally pushed on after a couple of hours, hiking with a father-son duo, Camo and Blondie. 

Towards the end of the day we all hiked down to Lake Tiorati hoping for a swim and a shower. Unfortunately they just closed the swim beach, but we snuck in a shower just before those closed. 

We hiked out of the day use area, scurrying to set up a campsite after the sun had set and the mosquitoes were in full force. 

Day 76 1394.4 -1415.7 (21.3)

In the morning Scatter, Eleven (Gabby), and Turtle passed us before we broke down our tent. 

The morning was relatively uneventful until mile 1400, where we had to choose cross a busy road or take a long waterless detour. We elected the road crossing, and with patience crossed it easily. From there we climbed into Bear Mountain State Park, entering a land of well groomed wide trails and too much litter. 

We made it to the lodge and the hiker cafe before a large rain storm came in. At 3:45 someone commented that the zoo was closes at 4 and the trail technically goes through it. So we high tailed it out, and made it just in time. It was too hot for most of the animals and they were all inside.

We on the other hand, did not have that wisdom. Instead we crossed the Hudson River and climbed the steep mountain out of the valley.

I was drenched in sweat in the 95°F heat and high humidity after the rain. In retrospect, I should have measured how much I wringed out of my shirt because it felt like a liter. 

We drearily and determinedly trudged on to the Appalachian Market where I had sent a package too. When we got there though, they couldn’t find it. Disappointed, we walked the last mile to the Greymoor Spiritual Life Center, a religious complex that has hosted hikers since the 70s. 

We pitched tent in the ball fields and took a cold outdoor shower. 

Day 77 1415.7 – 1430 (14.3)

In the morning we Ubered back to the Appalachian Market in hopes of finding the package and resupplying. Fortunately they found the package! We had breakfast at their gas station deli and resupplied two days worth of food.

We hit the trail by 10. The hiking was rough simply because of the heat and humidity. 

We made it to Canopus Lake around 5. There was a lovely swimming beach that we enjoyed until our fingers were pruney. 

We showered, cooked dinner, set up camp at the nearby shelter. 

Day 78 1430 – 1451.3 (21.3) 

The shelter was off trail on a blue blaze that parallels the AT, we elected to back track a bit to see the lake in the morning. After about a half mile we realized we had forgotten the hiking poles. So at the Northern intersection I headed down to get them. 

From there the trail was uneventful for the next 9 miles until we crossed NY-52, where a half mile of trail there is a deli and pizzeria. We walked there and spent some time catching up with Professor Milkshake and John while enjoying a pizza and sodas.

It was difficult to leave the comfort of AC and good food, but we still had 12 miles planned for the afternoon and so continued on. A heavy rainstorm caught up to us, and we were drenched by the time we got to camp. Thankfully a small break in the heavy rain allowed us to set up our tent just before the thunder broke out again. We ate our deli sandwiches in the tent. As we prepped for bed, I noticed that my stomach had developed a few large, warm, red patches. Hoping they would be soothed by the morning, we feel asleep to the sound of heavy rain and thunder.

Day 79 1451.3 – 1465.2 (14.9)

We planned today as a shorter day for ourselves, and were glad we did. We crossed into Connecticut and walked through some beautiful pastures, some great views, and down into the Housatonic valley, but top of mind was the developing hives on my upper body, accompanied by extreme itchiness in my hands and feet.

Some family friends had offered to pick us up at the end of the day, so we looked forward to their hospitality (and shower) and powered through the miles, Not itching and definitely not thinking of itching. 

Day 80 1465.2 – 1480.4 (15.2)

Our gracious hosts dropped us back off at the trail around 10 am after a difficult night. While the shower made me feel better, it did not appear to stop whatever allergen was coursing through my body, and I spent much of the night in pain from the burning of what turned into effectively full-body hives. After applying hydrocortisone cream and taking some Benadryl, I was able to catch a few z’s before the morning. 

We opted to take a road walk instead of the official trail for the first part of the morning; still itchy and concerned from the pain of the previous night, I was looking to avoid brushing up against any potentially dangerous plants. This road walk took us to the town of Kent, in which we had lunch at a local market and saw a few familiar faces. 

After lunch, we decided that potentially dangerous plants couldn’t be avoided, and got back on trail. It was a steep decent up Caleb’s Peak before dropping back down to the Housatonic River on some step stairs. Walking along the river was beautiful, and we set up camp at the Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter.