7/28/99: Mt. Algo Lean-To   Miles Today : 21.0 Miles to Katahdin : 716.3

Tonight, Drive-By made me into a man, but that story will come out in due time. This morning, DB and I got a late start from Murrow Park, and didn't hit the trail until after 10:00. Eric, Holly and Mudtubby got an even later start since they went into town for breakfast. A big thank you to the town of Pawling and the Pawling Lions Club for being so generous with their facility.

Just before we left the park, our sleeping pavilion was invaded by a bunch of 7 and 8 year olds. They were in camp and the "theatre group" was practicing here. As we were packing up we were treated to choreographed moves to "Tearin' up my heart" by the Backstreet Boys. It was quite humorous.

A few miles into out hike, we came to the AT Train Stop. Yes, the AT crosses a commuter rail line for NY City and on weekend and holidays you can sit at the train stop and get a ride into town. No question that this was one of the more unique things that I have seen out here.

Other cool things that I passed today, you ask? Well, there was the watertower that is over 100 year old. It was preserved by the local Historical Society chapter and was almost falling down at one point. There was also the Gate of Heaven. Basically, the trail goes by an old farmhouse, and all that is left to the place is the entrance way; 2 brick pillars with a wrought-iron top saying, yup, Gate of Heaven. Somehow, I resisted the urge to walk through.

The highlight of the day was still ahead. About halfway to the shelter, we came upon the Ten Mile River. Since it was a hot day, we decided a dip in the rock-laden river was in order. Well, it didn't take DB long to realize that there were crawfish in the river, lots of them. For the next couple of hours we hunted crawfish and ever tried to spear a couple of fish. The final tally: 8 crawfish, 0 fish. Well, DB cooked those crawfish up to perfection, using generous amounts of Old Bay and dried butter. Those guys were a tasty and rewarding treat. Now I really want to catch, kill and eat a rabbit, since the crawfish thing turned out so well.

Unfortunately, our hunting expedition cost us time, and now we would be unable to make it here before dark. Not to worry, DB being a relative pro at night hiking, offered to guide me on my first time. He promised to be gentle. First rule: don't use your light unless you absolutely need it. What I didn't realize is that what he meant was NEVER TURN IT ON. At first, the hiking was OK, but as the darkness grew, so did my anxiety. Still, DB cautioned against using my headlamp. Soon, my eyes began to adjust to the lack of light and I began to "see" again. Its not like seeing during the day by any means, but I could definitely distinguish shapes and tell rocks from dirt from leaves. I don't think that I ever fully appreciated the decision to use WHITE blazes on the trail so much as I did tonight. Each one glowed from the moonlight, like little lighthouses illuminating the trail.

Only after three miles, when the trail began a steep descent, did we use our headlamps. I am glad that I have night hiked, but I am not in a rush to repeat it since walking in the daytime is much more enjoyable and requires significantly less concentration. I am exhausted from focusing on the two feet of trail directly in from of me. Here is a weird little side effect: on a gentle slope up, you don't realize that you are climbing except that you start to breathe heavier.

Well, that's enough for tonight, its almost 11:00, I am tired and I am meeting Michelle tomorrow! Also, in the trail register, we learned that Monk passed us while we were in Hartford and we may be able to catch him in Kent. We finished New York today, now onto tackle Connecticut. Only 5 states to go!

-Chomp

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