Hike Update 5-14-17

Adam and I today walked 18 AT miles but effectively around 19 1/2 as we walked into Unionville NY to buy lunch and resupply on food. We pushed through a whole lot of mud today as we made our way to Vernon, NJ. The AT passes in and out of NJ and NY for some time.

The big rain that fell on us all day Saturday made for a very tough day. We walked 13 mi only as the rain fell hard and the temp was in the 40s. Was good to make it to a shelter, tear off our wet clothes and get into whatever was dry. Got into our sleeping bags around 15:00 and just stayed in them until we took off this a.m.

Shared a shelter with two very interesting guys the last 2 nights: Mad Dog and Wondering Bill. The former is 68 and the latter 74. They did a thru hike in 2006 and for some years now get together for 8 days or so each year and hike a section. Mad Dog is from Asheville and a good story teller.  

Tonight we pitched tents behind the barn of a guy who advertises on the trail that for $10/person you can pitch your tent and get a shower. We'll see about the shower in the a.m. but from the looks of his house I may simply pass. 

Popped blisters tonight on the right foot and slathering them with

New Skin liquid bandage. Hope it ends up helping me to prepare well for the hike tomorrow as we start with a climb called "Stairway to Heaven."

 

Uncle