Day 102 - William Brien Shelter to Graymoor

Dave woke me up a little after 5, and I popped out of bed. Anxious to hit the trail for a number of reasons. I was walking by 5:45 a.m. A new record!

It was light out and already hot. Couldn’t imagine how much hotter it would be with a full sun beating down. I hadn’t seen any of the profile maps for the state of New York, and today was no exception.

I knew we were climbing Bear Mountain and heard about one other climb, but the others were all a surprise. I didn’t realize how easy the trail had gotten until forced into ups and downs and ups and downs again. Shades of bigger things to come!

Of course, Bear Mountain wasn’t nearly as bad as I had imagined. We were at the top before 9. Not much of a view due to the haze, but I guess you can see four states on a clear day.

Dropped down into the town of Bear Mountain, where we walked straight through the Trailside Museum (zoo). Pretty depressing, actually. Bears, coyotes, fox, otters, bobcats, and other animals all trapped inside small cages while we wandered freely in their natural habitat. I guess the spot in front of the bear exhibit is the lowest point on the entire AT -- 124 feet above sea level. Didn’t seem that low.

Walt Whitman and Longshanks

Oh, forgot to mention that Moose got off the trail at Worthington’s Bakery. I guess seeing his wife must have made him that much more homesick. And today Norway was having a similar crisis. She said the trail isn’t fun for her anymore and wants to quit, but doesn’t want to go home. Hope she makes the decision that’s right for her.

Finally caught up with Murph and Stray, who had had a 17 ½ mile head start on us. We all hauled ass the last four miles to get to Graymoor, the monastery, in time to get on the 14-person dinner list. We lucked out.

?, Dennis, Swagman, Buzzard, Wren, Mick, Murph, Smittee, Stray Cat, Longshanks, Norway, and Batty

Took a cold but very good outdoor shower and waited for dinner. They actually let 16 of us come. Ate in a cafeteria, served by men with various addictions. Minestrone, bread, two kinds of pasta, and iced tea. Every morsel of food on the table was consumed. We could have actually used more. And though my book says breakfast is included, too, it’s not anymore.

Also, hikers used to be able to stay in the monastery itself -- but this year we’re restricted to a shelter, ballfield, or pavilion. Got a tour of the grounds after dinner. Have decided to go just 12 miles tomorrow to a state park, even though the terrain’s supposed to be much easier. Works for me!