New York

24 July 2007 - mile1375 - Made it to New York a few days ago. ahve seen a group of hiker trash consisting of JB, Director, Unicycle Pirate, Tennesse Jed, Tenacious T, Cocoa, Sven and Uffda. New York has so far been very up and down with elevation changes in the 500s. not too much more. A second Roller Coster. but the trail is not as rocky as PA, Hiking the ridge line for the majority so far, then dipping down into the gaps. Stopped at Tiorati Lake for a quick dip, then called my old trail buddy Sylvan. She had gotten off the trail earlier due to illness, but told me to call her when i got close to NY. and thats just what i did. she hooked me up with a place to stay and the next morning, i went into New York City with her via the train to where she works. I know what your thinking....after nearly 4 months of being secluded and cut off from the civilized world, how would i ever survive and adjust to the sea of people in the big apple. everyone was worried because while she worked for the day, i would tour NY for the day. a lone hiker amidst the designed chaos in NY. Well, all was well. i hit the subway to the WOrld Trade Center, which was the only thing i really wanted to see under such limited time, then i just walked around and got a good feel for the city. Sylvan works at Madison Square Garden so it was the perfect hub to start and finish my outing. Met all her co workers who feared that i had come to take her back to the trail. They were great people and i really enjoyed talking with them. Hi guys! So after a few down days to let my feet heal up, i head back out to the trail in a few hours. its always hard to leave friends, but at the same time, its always good to keep going. friends understand the pull of the trail and the sigh of relief to be back on, putting in miles for 10 - 12 hours daily and slowly hiking to the ending goal. Its countdown mode. Once i hit the hlaf way point, i had to mentally readjust my thinking. so, here it is. Im at Arden Valley Road, and 799 miles to go . The miles are going by faster now.