7/16/21 Got a ride from Barbara at the hostel to where I was picked up at NY 17A. Once again hot and humid made for difficult hiking. A driver saw me cross a road and he had previously hiked the AT so gave me a bottle of Gatorade and a pastry. Climbed the Eastern Pinnacles which was easy with some views. Limited water available for filtering. Lots of weekend backpackers and thru hikers were camping by Island Pond which I don’t think was legal. A young woman who I had met a few weeks ago recognized me and was crying because she was exhausted and didn’t know exactly how to hang a bear bag. She was a “LASH” long ass section hiker and had been on the trail for over a week without a break. She was a teacher from Richmond VA and her parents were picking her up in 2 days to get her off the trail. I hung her bear bag for her and she felt better and was very appreciative of my assistance. By then it was late and I was exhausted so I camped there as well. I had planned to go to the Fingerboard shelter before this occurred another 4 miles. My tent site wasn’t good as the best areas were already taken. All night the frogs in the pond were croaking loudly so I slept poorly.

7/17/21 I felt exhausted the whole day and had a hard time hiking. I went through the lemon squeezer which wasn’t a problem. Had to take my backpack off and handed it to another hiker ahead of me and then put it back on. Again hot and humid weather really slowed me down. Severe thunderstorms were predicted so I stopped at the William Brian memorial shelter. This was an old Stone Shelter with some wooden bunks. Per gut hook there were some rattlesnakes presumed living in the shelter but I never saw any. Initially I was the only one there been a weekend backpacker from New York City arrived and it looked like a big storm was coming but never materialized. A thru hiker arrived who I never met before his name escapes me. He told me he was getting off trail tomorrow for good because he was getting terrible chafing throughout his body. His rashes were quite extensive and I felt bad for him although he had a good outlook on things. He was from Blacksburg Virginia. Later that evening the thunderstorms predicted came in with heavy rain and wind. Several young through hikers came into the shelter soaked.

7/18/21 I felt exhausted nervous and down but had no choice but to continue on. Crossed the 1400 mile marker . Again worried about water and running out. They were some empty water catches. Saw one big Turkey which ignored me.Got some water dripping from the sides of rock ledges which took forever. Then I Climbed Bear Mountain with lots of rock steps but took a long time as the AT seems to circle it. At the top there were lots of people as you can drive there.Saw the Perkins Memorial Tower.The scenery was beautiful however as you could see the Hudson river. Climbed down the mountain to Hession Lake where lots of people were picnicking.Checked in at the Bear Mountain Inn which was beautiful but my reservation was for the lodge which I had to walk to around the lake which I could barely do. Got there and collapsed.Ordered a Pizza to be delivered.

7/19/21 Took a zero day and slept. Also had to arrange for next stop to resupply. This is the worst part of thru hiking.

7/20/21 The Trailside zoo wasn’t open until 1030 so I didn’t wanna wait and skipped it. Crossed the Hudson river on the Bear Mountain Bridge which was impressive and on the other side climbed the mountain. I had left messages for a place to stay on Saturday and fortunately heard back from Barbie and she has a room and will pick me up in Kent Connecticut. Trail went right by the Appalachian market where I got a hamburger, milkshake and iced tea. Hiking was much easier today after the rest I had. After passing the Hudson river there wasn’t much to see and I camped at a stealth site next to a stream.