Heat Wave

We have landed in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, for the night. Having never been in MA we are excited to be here.
Mile 1517.7

After spending five days in a cabin with seven people back at Delaware Water Gap, we were ready to get back in the woods and on the trail. We held our breath and entered New Jersey, expecting the nasty rocks of PA to continue. When we exhaled we found ourselves in New York, with the horror we had braced ourselves for never materializing. Sure, the first 2/3 of NJ was rocky, but not so bad. And there were bugs, but not the swarms we had been warned about. The last 1/3 of NJ reminded us a little of the Knobstone Trail back home in southern IN, with short but steep climbs and descents. Then New York and Connecticut came and went before we knew it. Now we find ourselves in Massachusetts. The days have been hot and it has slowed us down a little, but we have made it through the heat wave and now face much cooler and comfortable days.

7/12 Friday 9.0 mi
Started New Jersey by crossing Delaware River.

7/13 Saturday 15.8 mi
Passed Mohican Outdoor Center and had lunch there. First swamp of NJ.

7/14 Sunday 15.3 mi
Passed Branchville NJ.

7/15 Monday 16.7 mi
Went past the highest point in NJ, and then the trail turns from North to East. Around Wallkill Reserve, a huge swamp. We walked fast. Bearfoot sighting.

7/16 Tuesday 11.5 mi
HOT!
Up and over Pochuck Mtn, then low swampy area. Then Wawayanda Mtn and on to the shelter. At the shelter trail angels Gary (friend of a friend) and Tony brought us pizza and beer, which we gladly ate for dinner. Thanks Gary and Tony! At night it was too hot to sleep, and the mosquitoes were hungry too. Used a bear box to store our food overnight.

7/17 Wednesday 7.9 mi
HOT!
Made it to NJ/NY state line on a high rocky ridgetop in the sun. Went down steep Vista Trail to Greenwood Lake where we got a room at Antons on the Lake. Upon prior arrangement, our heros Gary and Tony picked us up and took us to Campmoor so Wander could get new shoes. They bought us dinner too. Thanks again Gary and Tony!

7/18 Thursday 0 mi
HOT!
We went into town for resupply, and after walking around in the heat decided to spend the day and night again at Antons.
Also, it is 4 months on the trail as of today.

7/19 Friday 13.3 mi
HOT
Went back up steep Vista Trail to the AT. Had Fitzgerald Falls but scarce water most of the day. Hottest day of the week. Lots of short ups and downs. Camped off the trail on top of a mountain. Grinch caught up to us. Bugs bad at night, too hot to sleep much.

7/20 Saturday 14.3 mi
HOT!
Still hot with scarce water sources. Walking towards Hudson River.

7/21 Sunday 6.3 mi
Made it up and over Bear Mtn, which has an observation tower on the summit. Saw Bearfoot at the top. Rocked his pack. Went through Bear Mtn Zoo and lowest point on the AT. Got a ride to Bear Mtn Bridge Motel for the night.

7/22 Monday 15.0 mi
Crossed Hudson River and mile 1400 today. It is a little cooler today with rain coming. Behind the rain is a cold front, yay!

7/23 Tuesday 15.3 mi
It rained several times during the night. Same NY, short but steep ups and downs. Made it to Hwy 52 where we walked to a deli for dinner. Not hot today but we were wet all day from humidity. Planning for Kent CT on Friday.

7/24 Wednesday 18.3 mi
A cool day that felt good with a nice breeze. Passed Nuclear Lake and the AT train station. Stealth camped up on ridge. Last night in NY.

7/25 Thursday 14.6 mi
A cool night made for pleasant sleeping. Crossed into Connecticut today. CT is rocky and steep so far. Made it to Mt Algo Shelter, just 0.3 mi from the road to Kent.

7/26 Friday 10.6 mi
Up early and into Kent CT for breakfast. Did laundry, resupplied, and ate lunch. No cheap place to stay in town so headed back to trail by 1 pm.

7/27 Saturday 14.8 mi
Long stretch of small hills leading into Falls Village. Roadwalk along Housatonic River. Went to Toymakers Cafe and camped in back.

7/28 Sunday 15.1 mi
Passed 1500 miles today.
Crossed into Massachusetts today.
Went above 2000 ft for the first time since VA.
Breakfast at the cafe, very good, then onto Mt Prospect and Bear Mtn at end of day. Just into MA at night at Sages Ravine.

7/29 Monday 13.6 mi
Mt Race, then steep climb over Mt Everett, nice views on both. Down into valley and town tomorrow. Mosquitoes!

7/30 Tuesday 1.0 mi
A short day into Great Barrington, MA. Hitched into town and went to Monument Mountain Hotel. The hotel was refreshingly clean. Grocery and donut store close by motel. Laundry, shower, food, sleep.