Sunday, September 16. After several attempts this morning we finally connect. The "bear" I heard was his reference to an Octoberfest in Bear Mountain Park that he, Scott and Now want to get to. Beer and brats...what a treat! It's a 15 mile hike to get there so they were up and on the trail by 5:00 a.m. They were hiking near an interstate when we were finally able to talk. Another beautiful day and they can't wait to get to the party! Luckily it's a 5-mile day the next day as he plans to stay at a monastary for the evening otherwise it's a 28 mile day to get to the next shelter.
He did mention that NY is the oldest part of the AT. They past a shelter that was built in 1928 but it's in such poor condition nobody stays in it anymore...they camp next to it. More later.
I heard from Lyle at 1:30 central time and he was elated. The three of them were at the park enjoying beer and waiting for their brats. I believe that was a record 15 miles for Lyle! They even took time out 3 times on the way there. He said that they passed a few hikers in the morning that had come through the park as they were setting up the booths--hearing confirmation gave them added incentive to get to the party before it ended. They could hear the music as they were coming down out of the mountain...the second one they tackled today. The park is a huge recreational area with hundreds of picnic tables and lots of boats on the lake. And it was a spectacular day weather wise. He will say good-bye to Scott and Now as they are leaving the trail and then he will head for a motel. Tomorrow he picks up his jump box at the post office, sends his new beer stein home to me, and hikes the 5 miles to the next camping spot. A great way to end his first full week back on the AT.
Hey Lyle, great meeting you on the trail. Hope the Octoberfest stein made it back to you in once piece! Looks like you're making good process. Good luck with the rest of your hike.
ReplyDeleteScott