Posts
A Phone Call Brings Big Changes (ECT Day 167)
I intended to go another 3 miles or so, but this looked like the last source and it would be a dry camp. While hanging there, I got a call. I normally have my phone in airplane mode and extreme battery saving mode, but I had been expecting this call. It was a nurse from my doctors office to go over my lab results.
The New York Groove (ECT Day 166)
I liked the trail along the whole Bear Mountain loop. Super views and it led me to a giant observation tower. It was a busy area and I enjoyed talking to some day visitors. Throughout all of this, I started to feel like I was getting back in to it, remembering what it is that I like about this whole long distance hiking thing.
Keeping Things Light (ECT Day 165)
Today's highlight, which might not be everyone's cup of tea, was the "Lemon Squeezer." Here's what the Far Out app says about it... Pass through the Lemon Squeezer, a sort of crevasse through broken boulders that may require removing your pack and a little bit of hand over hand climbing. Be careful, and have fun.
Giving It A Go (ECT Day 164)
Coming into Greenwood Lake, I'd been a mess. It was raining and I was grumpy and the trail was slick rocks that required some up and down cautious scrambling. Starting north today, it was quite different. It was somewhat hot and humid and sunny and the trail was overall pretty flat and nice. The rocky parts were similar to before, but with it being dry and clear-ish skies, I welcomed the chance to get out of the trees for some views.
The Reset: A Double Zero in NYC (ECT Days 162 & 163)
The task that seemed to hover over me like a cloud these two days was fixing my tent. Durston, the company that makes it, had awesomely sent me a replacement inner section. So, I was good there. But for the fly, I still had two gaping holes... As I made my way through the repair, some things didn't work out and I had to adjust on the fly. Bahaha, pun intended.
Retreat to Hostel Snickers (ECT Days 161)
When I saw a series of painted wooden signs with the topmost one reading, "Choose Happiness," I even chuckled to myself out loud in a sort of sad way. Was it more than the happenstance that I arrived to this sign at this moment? Was it fate that in my moment of waffling, this literal sign should point me towards getting off trail in pursuit of happiness and comfort and joyful times with less suffering?
The Mindset: Rock Bottom in Jersey? (ECT Day 160)
The truth is, I respect the toughness of the trail and I respect those that care for it so deeply. I'm probably just not going to be one that fits into that category... This whole time, I've been expecting and waiting for this trail to be something I enjoy. And I just don't think that's going to happen. Me and the A.T. likely are never going to be buddies.
The Funk: Struggling Along (ECT Day 159)
Today I got into a funk and didn't really get myself out. Not feeling as inspired to write, I simply jotted a few notes down throughout the day. Those thoughts and my photos and vids are what I got for y'all today...
Newt Jersey (ECT Day 158)
I was excited for a new state and something about this border crossing felt especially significant, like maybe this was the gateway to the north? Not sure if anyone else feels that way, but I sort of did. Pennsylvania was tough. The rocks and mental mind game it took to get through them took it's toll.
Cool Kids Call It Del Gap (ECT Day 157)
Making it down to Delaware Water Gap, I found the Church of the Mountain Hiker Center, a place the church has opened up for hikers to stay. There were already a few hikers there. After scoping it out quickly, I continued past in to town for pizza and to buy a new stove.