July 13, 2012

Start: 17A, Greenwood Lake, NY

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY DADDY LL!!!!

Although we intended to wake up early today, we didn't. We woke up at 8:30 and left the motel at 9:30. Matt (the awesome owner) drove us to the trailhead and we were hiking by 10 am. The first 2.1 miles to Wildcat Shelter seemed to fly by. The terrain wasn't too difficult and we seemed to be covering ground. The trail had a lot of ups and downs today, but none were too difficult until Buchanan Mountain. With an elevation of 1,142 feet, it didn't seem intimidating on the profile map... But again, NEVER believe the profile maps! This 1,142 foot climb seemed to be straight up on vertical ledges! We were literally throwing our trekking poles up 6 feet ahead of us and doing hand over hand climbing. Once we reached the top, there was a moment of relief until we realized what goes up, must come down. We finished the descent and reached East Mombasha Road where the Tuxedo Trail Angels had left gallons of water for hikers. I was so happy because I was running low on water and many of the streams and springs have been dry in NJ and NY. I filled up and we continued on. Just when I thought the hardest part of the day was over, we reached Arden Mountain. I knew better than to think this 1,180 foot climb was going to be "nothing." This particular mountain seemed to find enjoyment in ascending a bit and then descending slightly just to ascend again. After it played this trick on us multiple times (I swear I could hear the mountain laughing at us) we reached the summit. We could see the traffic on I-87 and I was so happy to be climbing mountains rather than sitting in traffic. It was a reminder of just how free I am right now. We came down our final descent and then walked a short road walk to the Elk Pen on Arden Valley Road. Back in Duncannon, PA, we met JB at the Doyle. JB has a triple crown (he's hiked the AT, the PCT, and the CDT) and is an amazing person. When we met, he gave us his number and told us to call if we needed anything between Delaware Water Gap and Connecticut to call. Since we have already hiked Arden Valley Road to Pallisades Parkway, I arranged for JB to pick us up at Arden Valley Road and bring us to the Holiday Inn Express in Fort Montgomery, NY. The luxurious hotel stay was my birthday gift to Brian. Although we've stayed in cheap motels and hostels (more so than we thought we would have the opportunity to), we haven't stayed in regular hotel. I wanted Brian to have a nice relaxing night for his birthday (and a nice relaxing morning for our first wedding anniversary isn't bad either). Tomorrow, Brian's parents will be visiting us.... We are very excited to see them.

End: Pallisades Parkway, NY - staying at Holiday Inn Express, Fort Montgomery, NY

Peace Be The Journey
~Flicka