What a sad state of affairs. But nobody wants to read about whats wrong: negatives, the dark side. Even though the looming darkness appears to be all that has happened this summer that is simply untrue, there a bright spots, tons of them and they are along the Appalachian Trail in New York and New Jersey.
We have done 3 mile hikes in the morning, shuttled cars so we could get in a quick hike and a swim at Wawayanda State Park before dinner, we have had a picnic at the NJ/NY state line, and found some national pride over looking Greenwood Lake.
We have met countless thru-hikers, listened to stories of life on the trail, where they have been and where they are headed. Some of them with trail names that made us laugh until our sides hurt. We have been caught in the rain, in the dark and run out of water but through it all we have been together.
Some hikes are more memorable than others, a pleasant stroll across the board walk between 517 and 94 is remembered as a breeze, while descending the stairway in pouring rain thunder rattling and lightening flashing around us, plain scary. Listening to the hum of the cicada at cat rocks, chasing fire flies on Pochuck mountain, being startled as a bear crossed the trail in front of us, or when a dozen deer took off running along next to us or the 4' rattle snake.
So fond are the trail memories that I would like to think that the other stuff just doesn't matter but of course it does. Everything matters really but when the other stuff, the darker side of life seems to force you into treading water grab a pack, a snack and take a HIKE. You will be glad you did and I assure you as time passes the memories will be of the time spent together on the trail.
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| 4' rattle snake |
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| Sate Line Picnic |
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| Together |
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| National Pride |
