Mon Aug 1st Northville to Woods Lake ~12.5 miles
Dropped off re-supplies in Long Lake @9:30. met Dan in Northville at the TH to gove him and Carla the Swans delivery. We just transferred the big cooler from my car to Dan's. Signed in the register at 11:15, a bit ahead of schedule knowing I would be seeing Tom and Martin and spending some time with them. Passed by Vics Tacern where I was supposed to meet the guys but it was closed so I continued on down the road. It was hot, but at least the sun was not blazing down on me. At the big turn, the guys stopped and pretended to kidnap me. I told them the tavern was closed and I still had over a mile on the road to get to the woods trail. They went to Stewarts and would meet me up ahead on Collins-Gifford Rd. We shared a few beers and talked. Not as good as the tavern, but perhaps more appropriate. Two other hikers passed by on their way. Just before I took off, Martin ran back to the car to get me a big stick of beef jerky. Bye guys!
After our farewells, I headed into the woods a bit before 1pm. I tried to walk slow so as to not burn myself out and put undue stress on my joints. Approaching Mud Lake, some movement and sound alerted me to two bears running away from me. I have few encounters with bears, this is typical. <Most I ever see is their butt and tail as they make haste. Had a late lunch at Mud Lake outlet. Recollections of the trail came back to me as I recalled all the landmarks. West Stony Creek was very low, could almost rock hop it like Andy and I did back in 2018. I opted for the water shoes for the water to refresh my feet. The days temp was hot and seemed to be getting hotter. It would also force me to take a break. I took a short break at the lean-to but the log book was gone. Switched back to my boots but not before a younger guy wandered over. He was camping in the area and was just saying hi.
About two-thirds of my afternoon miles done. Next big stop would be camp at Woods Lake somewhere. Possibly "Andy's Campsite", if I can find it again. These next 4 miles had much more blowdown and almost no water. Travel was thus slowed. A small trickle of water about a quarter mile before the road. As I crossed the road a couple was readying some fishing gear for Woods Lake. They asked "how is the hiking"? My reply, "hot, really hot". By now I was very low on water as the trickle only quenched my immediate thirst but did not allow me to completely fill my water bottle, but the lake was here.
I had planned on stopping no later than 6pm each day. This should allow me plenty of time to make my mileage without over exerting myself. As it was not yet time, I passed by campsite #1. The second one had the couple from the road just setting up, so I wound myslef around the contours to the third, but not before stopping at a nice drainage to fill my water bottle. Glad I did. Site 3 was a nice spot, but water access was not the best. I also did not check other parts of the waters edge so it is possibly (likely?) there was a better spot. Hammock set up. All which was left was finish my sandwich, wash up and go to sleep. I estimate about 13 miles for the day.
Tuesday Aug 2 Woods Lake to Mud Lake ~18 miles
Boy I slept like crap. I could not fall asleep. It was too hot, but I don't think that was the only reason. I was at 5:30 and packed up slowly. Not sure why for this either as I have a pretty good system. Perhaps the lack of good sleep. Back to the main trail at 6:10. I soon passed by the other new campsite but did not check it out. About a quarter mile later I rounded a bend on the contour and noticed the small rise which I believe was where Andy and I camped four years ago. It was at this point I decided to name it "Andy's Campsite". I did not go investigate. I bet it would be easier to spot from the water with the lone white pine on the shore. Perhaps bring the canoe someday and fish too. Very soon the trail bent away from the lake and it ceased to be in view.
Took my first break at Abner Brook around 8am. I am really not a fan of these new sections.Not much further on the new trail section and I will be on the old. At least soon this part will be on an old woods road so the walking will be better. It was, but unfortunately it also had a lot of blowdown. I stepped over the old campfire circle along the old road. Not sure why this spot means so much to me, it is just a circle of stones slowly being swallowed by the woods. I filled up water again at Notch Brook and paralelled W. Stony towards the junction. I waved to Justin's super secret campsite as I passed the drainage which leads to it. A short break at the junction. 9:30am. Still trying to hike slow to not strain myself and it is too hot to be breathing hard. I was soaking wet with sweat and the water I would pour over myself at every chance. A bit more than a third of my miles done. I slow walked to Rock Lake trying to remember which tree was the spot I hit the trail after leaving Justin's site a couple years ago. Another short break at the Rock Lake junction and then Silver Lake which I would take a longer break.
At Silver, I ran into Derek with whom I had communicated online recently about hiking the trail. I recalled we were starting the same day. He spent the night at Abner Brook. I took an extra long break since it was only 1pm and I had only 5-1/2 miles left for the day. Not sure of the time when I finally departed Silver Lake. I passed by Derek near the old beaver pond which at this time was just field. I wondered whether the stream could be jumped in the middle instead of the trail going around the "pond". I mentioned to Derek that he would want to fill up with water before he gets to Mud Lake because it lives up to its name and I doubt the drainage a hundred yards past the campsite would have water with it being so dry. I filled up at Noisy Brook and was at Mud Lake earlier than expected. A longer evening to get ready for the next few days of longer miles. My left knee was starting to get sore, feeling the miles and uneven terrain. Hoping the extra rest will help. Tomorrow is 22 miles with 3 or so on the paved road. The raod will hopefully make the miles manageable. Not long after my arrival, Derek showed up. We both set up in the lean-to and then arrived Brendan and Katie, the couple from Woods Lake. While talking, we discovered Brendan grew up not far from me in Fairport and one of their kids is working on the ADK Trail crew. Small world.
I ate my heaviest dinner - all of 6oz. I needed to pack light averaging 1.5 pounds of food per day. Lunch/snacks made up most of the daily weight. Read the shelter log and noted Hobo was whining some more about the lack of tools (rakes, shovels, water buckets, etc...) at the shelters and the poor job the trail stewards were doing maintaining the trail. SMH. I took a woods shower so I feel clean and refreshed before bed. I hope I sleep well and my knee is better for tomorrow. Perhaps try to start a bit earlier. It is much cooler in the morning hours. The spider webs in the face are the downside. Too early for bed, but I will lie down anyway. A bit over 30 miles done so far in a day and a half.
Wed Aug 3rd. Mud Lake to Spruce Lake ~22 miles
I slept ok, at least much better than the previous night. Up at 5:30 moving at 6. Knee hurting. Already thinking I might have to pull the plug in Piseco. At Whitehouse a bit after 7. Short break with a quick breakfast. I had been planning on cold coffee at camp in the mornings plus some milk for the added protein and calories, but so far I have been skipping it. Glad the pack is getting lighter, but this knee... :( Took some exedrin for swelling and pain. I borrowed the outhouse at Hamilton Lake Stream lean-to and might have awaken the folks still sleeping in their hammocks in the lean-to. Sorry. I recalled the trip here with Rob when we met (Two-Ton) Tony and Adam and the most recent trip with Snapper. The major blowdown along the streams I recalled from that trip were still there. I started to use the Miop lemonade mix at my breaks as it was easier to chug 12 oz with the flavor added. Need to stay hydrated and many of the springs are dry, so I need to drink a lot when I can. Approaching Piseco the knee pain faded. A good sign! I popped a few blueberries near Rt 8. Even with the knee issue I was still making the miles in good time. Still on schedule.
Sent text updates at the cell service area along Old Piseco Rd. The road walk went well. I took it slow. No pain so I was pressing on. Arrived at the end of Haskell Rd before noon so I was ahead of my 12 miles by 12 self-imposed deadline. 10 miles to go with 6hrs. I entered the woods and signed into the register, the first part of the trail past the private land is shared by the x-country ski trails so it is nice and very flat. Afterwards a few rocky parts and then the old roadway. The steeper sections are rocky due to runoff. I tried to keep my feet flat so as to not aggravate the knee. I stopped just before Fall stream at a nice drainage to fill up water and have a snack. At Fall Stream I recalled cell service which proceeded to download over 200 texts and a few voicemails. Will need to top of the battery at camp. From the Jessup River to Spruce is a lot of ups and downs. Mostly ups. At least I was not pushing a canoe cart with a giant log this time. On the descents, the knee would bother me. At Spruce Lake by 4:30. If you had asked me at 8am where I would be at this time it would have been car camping somewhere not on the NPT. A quick break at the first lean-to and then onto the 3rd only a mile away. This extra mile would help with tomorrow.
A gentleman by the name of Jon was fishing and camping at the third lean-to. We chatted for a while. he was exploring the West Canadas and asked for some recommendations on lean-tos and fishing. Time to make dinner and take a shower. Another long day tomorrow.
Thurs Aug 4th Spruce #3 to Wakely Dam ~22 miles
Best nights sleep yet. A chilly night which was good. I like having my quilt over me. Those "too hot to use the quilt nights" are not good sleeping. I tried to be quiet as I packed up so as to not disturb Jonathann, but he also got up when i did. I was back on the main trail slightly before 6. Aggh. Some soreness the first hour. It is at this time I am questioning why i am doing this to myself. I am not really enjoying it, so why should I continue to punish myself for my vacation?
The upcoming crossing of the Sampson Bog outlet was a slight worry since the bridge is out, but I have crossed it in the past and I figured the water level would be low. It was and the beavers provided a bridge of sorts over the deepest portion. I stopped for a water break and breakfast. The rest of the miles for the day are very familiar to me which will hopefully boost my morale. The exedrin at breakfast should also help.
The repair on the W. Canada Cr lean-to looks great. I stopped just for a moment after stopping briefly on the bridge for a quick photo of what I believe is in the top 5 of most photographed spots along the entire NPT (the terminus signs notwithstanding).
Appears to be a tent near the South Lake lean-to otherwise I was planning on stopping to see how the repair was coming along. Always a nice view from the South Lake and the winding bridge. Glad it was not a sloppy mess along the boardwalks leading to it. I will never forget my first NPT trip with all that mess. Nearing West Lake (or North Lake on the really old maps) I passed another thru hiker heading SOBO. I signed in at the register in the old clearing. Signpost listed HQ as 16.5 miles which was my destination. Some rough terrain ahead but once I reach the woodstove campsite, it will be all old road so much easier, Plus I cleared all that this spring.
Arrived to Cedar Lake close to noon. Always interesting which memories surface when travelling familiar terrain. The fishing trip with Dan, the bushwhack adventure with Shannon, the solo trail clearing a few years ago. These memories and familiar trail have improved my mood. Landmarks come quickly and my knee doesn't hurt so much. My planned lunch spot was at Wagon Wheel, but it was still a bit early so I pushed on to CL #1. A gentleman named Chad? was also thru hiking but taking easier days. Smart man. He had also hiked the A.T. his trail name is "Mammoth" I forgot to ask how he got that name. I took a long break here, perhaps too long. Rumors of thunderstorms this afternoon. Was not really motivated to start hiking again. I guess my mental funk has returned. I suppose the only way to rid myslef of it is to get moving. If I could just get to "halfway bridge" I will have completed half of the NPT (almost 70 miles) in less than 3.5 days, and be a quarter done with this possible yo-yo.
The sky was overcast as it has been the last 2 days which is pleasant. I could not imagine hiking in this heat with the addition of sun blazing too. I continued to fill up with water at every chance and to pour some over me. Many of my go-to springs were dry. I passed through the part of "my" section which I had not cleared this spring and it definitely needs it. A lot of side cutting and needed and some more blowdown. A constant battle. Arrived at Woodstove just before 1:30. Mostly clear sailing from here.
Some new blowdown to take care of this fall or next spring. I planned in my head pursuing Saw Team 6 et al for an extended weekend trip for trail maintenance. Paddle to Carry lean-to, then a 10 mile (RT) day clearing trail. At least one person saty at Carry watching over the canoes and beer, and possibly prepping dinner. Three people clearing trail with one support person. At least the plan sounds good in my head as I walk. Crusied by suckerbrook trail and was soon upon halfway bridge. A wave of positive emotion came over me, "You're going to do this!" the voice in my head exclaimed. I wiped the sweat from my face, or was it tears?
I almost missed the Carry lean-to trail. No pain, legs feel great. Mood is superb probably from the lingering adrenaline rush. The signpost alerted me. 4.4 miles to HQ. Only 3pm. Still hasn't rained, but getting low on water. Just before the flooded section, I switched to my water shoes. I noticed the approach to the bridge was a lot drier than this spring. The half broken bridge was all above water yet the beaver dam was still intact. As I crossed the bridge, I saw the corrugated pipes the DEC installed under the dam to maintain the water level without knocking out the dam itself. Very creative solution. I wonder if it will confuse the beavers. The flooded section was now a dry mud flat. The driest this section has been in many years, and possible even better walking than before the beaver mess.
Still low on water so I stopped at the Cedar Flow campsite. A small group was just setting up. I asked if I could invade their space and get some water from the lake. The older gentleman offered to paddle me out to the m,iddle for fresher water. I politely declined and we discussed how it appears some folks have left their tents set up in all the other campsites, yet were nowhere to be found. A few at least were likely "claiming" the site for the upcoming weekend, quite the unethical practice. Unfortuntalely the DEC is understaffed to be able to curtail this here and elesewhere.
Not sure what time I arrived athe main road and trailhead register. I headed down the road, mostly downhill. A few times I had commented to myself that since it hasn't started raining yet, I was ahead of the game for the day. I had hoped to grab a water site at the dam to facilitate cooking and cleaning but all were taken. I crossed the dam and took the site we used for the HammockForum/NPT gathering from many years ago. This and other nearby sites were a bit messy. Trash and TP flowers. Odd since the outhouse was 4 yards away. Do I dare open the door to see why they opted for not using it?
I set up my tarp first still expecting a thunderstorm to roll in at any moment. Opted to wash up before dinner too that was I could stit in the hammock all clean while eating if needed. The site was far enough away and around the bend from the other sites so I did not feel the leasy bit guilty taking my naked bath next to the picnic table and fire pit. The wind begain to pick uo and sky looks threatening but still no rain. I finished dinner and was all cleaned up. Could hear rumbles of thunder far off in the distance, perhaps the storm is missing us. It does appear it rained here yesterday, but it missed me farther south. Perhaps it is switching locations. I do anticipate rain tonight, and starting in the rain tomorrow. Not ideal, but perhaps cooler and no bugs. I suppose that is the bright side.
Getting close to bed time even though it is still light out. Will be passing through another newer section of trail tomorrow, then Carla's lean-to and Lake Durant Campground. A shorter day of 19 miles compared to the last two of more than 20.
Fri Aug 5th Wakely Dam to Salmon River Campsite ~19 miles
Perhaps a sprinkle of rain overnight. Due to the relatvely shorter day and the fact I have been ahead of schedule in reaching my campsites I opted to sleep in an extra half hour. The Wakely campground area was alive last night with campers enjoying themselves while I was in bed far away from them bustle. Now it is quiet. I crept through the main area to the road and NPT. The road walks aren't really that bad especially in the shade and morning temperatures. I turned onto Gould Rd, if you can call it a road, signed into the register. Passed by the ADA compliant campsite which was further down than I remembered. Spotted a few water sources just past the site. At least better than the nearby pond. Gould turned into an old woods rd which the trail followed for the most part except when it was routed up the side hill to avoind significantly wet areas. No knee pain this morning, perhaps I turned a corner with that issue. Oh, for those curious the outhouse facility back at the campsite was totally fine to use. I guess people are just gross.
Stopped for breakfast at 7:30, popped an excedrin just in case.As the trail passed a few good water sources, I marked them on the map since most others were dry. Part way to Browns Brook bridge my knee started to act up again. Must be the downhill; long downhills. Will need to climb it in a few days. Another reason why I am keeping track of water sources. With all the winding around in these new sections I often wonder what a straight shot through the open hardwoods would look like. Will need to remember to map it ou on the computer later. Took a break at the drainage not far past Browns Brook. A decent flow here with a small waterfall. Next stop Stephens Pond, Carla's lean-to.
Making good time, knee is back to feeling good. Took a long break at the lean-to reading the shelter log, and the transcribed entries. By my calculations, if I was at Lake Durant by 1 pm I would be well ahead, so that was my plan. Approaching Durant I ran into a few groups of hikers and a couple trail runners going the opposite way. I also realized that I have the empire pass so I could use the campground facilities, like the showers without paying the day use fee if I wanted. It appears that is where the majority of people were right now, so i chose to plug along. if I had planned on camping closer it would be a good idea. Crossed Rt 28 at 12:44 so way ahead of schedule. The roads through the campground are time savers.
3 miles to the Oneill Flow Lean-to junction amd then another mile to my next break at Tirrel. While on the trail to Oneill, I thought of the chapter hikes in december for the Geminid Meteors. We never saw any, but always had a good time. I am thinking we should re-start these trips but change to the Stephens Pond lean-to instead. Slowing down now, not because of pain just sore and tired. I think the mileage might be getting to me. Stopped for a break at one of the creek crossings recalling the difficulty we had at this spot in snowshoes. Finally made it to Tirrel Pond, the south end. Still a mile to my real break. I noticed the bridge over the outlet to Oneill flow lean-to has been repaired.
Just a quick mile to the North end to the lean-to and my next real break . Always a nice view of Tirrel along this stretch. Surprised no one was at the lean-to. Perhaps too early still for Friday night. Cell service here, so I did my check-ins and took a long break. A solo tent is over near the water, but no one seems to be around. Crossed over the bridge we helped Carla install last spring. Soon after the trail conditions worsened. From here to the road was pretty much blowdown and sparse markings. Not that the markings are necessary, but their scarcity tells of the lack of trail maintenance. Very little water, so I noted a few possible sources for the flip.
The Salmon River campsite is now quite established and marked as a designated camping spot. The first time I camped here it was barely a a spot for a tent. I remember pushing into the bushy areas to find a spot for my hammock. Opted this time to try my ground set-up under the tarp. Even with the later start and long breaks I was still at camp around 4:30. I suppose I could take more breaks, or sleep in more but I get nervous around 2- 3 pm with too many miles to go. Gathered a small amount of wood. Just enough for bath water and dinner.
After my bath, and while prepping dinner a gentleman in a sid by side vehicle stopped on the bridge to relieve himslef. He got back into his vehicle and started to head up the road. He soon stopped and reversed. He hadn't noticed me while on the bridge, but did as he passed by the campsite. We chatted a bit, he mentioned they (The Salmon Pond Club) were having a BBQ tomorrow night and asked if I was coming. Only $5. Damn! One night too early. Will need to remember this for the future. Making a note to look up Salmon Pond Club, Blue Mountain Lake. His name was John. While chatting we discoverd a mutual friend, "Chairrock" who had given me a ride when I did the Cranberry Lake 50 many years ago. Was good talking to John. He also mentioned he had hiked the NPT with his wife many many years ago.
Time for bed but first need to determine what gear to dump at my re-supply. Certainly all my extra food, and will not be re-supplying all the coffee & milk. I can always re-evaluate on the flip as I pass through again in a few days at which point I will be carrying all of it over the height of land. Tomorrow as I make the 900 foot climb, I will have just my leftover food & trash from the past 5 days. 20 miles tomorrow.
Sat Aug 6th Salmon River to Cold River #3 ~20 miles
I did not think I slept much, but the hours went quickly so I must have. Very slow packing up this morning. Probably my subconscious delaying the inevitable climb even though my pack is lighter and the other direction is steep with more elevation gain. The last few mornings I have been starting with a drink made with the Nuun tablets. This provides electrolytes and a small amount of caffeine. Doessn't tast spectacular, but I am certain it has helped.
A short distance on the road, then the turn-off on the old woods road to chickadee brook. Uneventful, but the old woods road did have a little blowdown along it. A nice pre-dawn view over Chickadee Brook. The grasses were dew soaked and soon my pants were as well. I took a photo of the bridge and will remember to send it to Sylvia. She and Gary had maintained this section for many years after my first time though it when climbing to the height of land was almost a bushwhack. She told me they had spent 80 hours clearing it.
Started making my way up the trail to the hieght of land. Already nature has begun to eliminate all of Sylvia and Gary's efforts. Not just witchopple encroachment, but some massive blowdowns completely obstructing the trail. Easy to see where some hikers started to wander in the wrong direction. I filled up my water bottle at the old lumber camp. I also need to ask Sylvia about the old lumber base camp downstream of Chickadee. Now come the longer steeper pushes to the height of land. A lot of blowdown making travel slow. No hurry though. So far no knee pain, but we will see when the downhill begins.
At the top, well almost. There is still a few more feet to get to the true height, I slow walked along the ridge line just as a breather. Just before the descent, I took a real break. Just needed to sit for a while and eat something. The trail down was much more clear of obstacles, just the occasional blowdown. Both directions were quite muddy. This was just a pre-cursor for later. I took the downhill very slow so as to to aggravate my knee. A few times I felt some twinges, so I was trying to be careful. When the trail opened up and was less steep I allowed my stride to increase and let gravity help. Just before the Sandy Creek bridge, I passed by a young lady who was packing up her gear. She had camped off trail in the bushes near a stream. She said "they" were headed south with the short day goal of Tirrel Pond. Asked about swimming there. She wanted a "chill day". With her tiny solo tent I assume the "they" referred to her and her dog, or she was just being cautious with theis strange smelly man who came across her in the woods.It is sad women need to take these precautions.
From here it was a steady downhill with wide open trail so I made up some time from the slow going earlier. After the brief dirt road walk I entered the wooded section mostly shared with a x-country ski network. Will need to remember to mention these to Emily for the winter. I picked up my re-supply, discarded my trash and ditched the stove and fuel. 12 oz of dead weight I was not using. Time wise I was behind in the mileage for the day, but I expected it for this day due to the climb and re-supply delay. So perhaps not really behind.
Next stop Catlin Bay for a long break. Sent text check-ins as I did the road walk. At Catlin, a group has taken over the area with chairs, tents coolers, cots, etc... look like they are having a grand time based on their supplies but no one was around. I ate lunch nearby, just me and the ankle biting stable flies. After my long break I did my calculations to plan out the next hours and miles. Shattuck Clearing by 5 would be my goal.
After Kelly's Point lean-tos the trail turned sloppy. Like usual, just go through it. Some spots were deep, boot sucking mud. The sound of the boot exiting the slop would almost echo. Some new blowdown since the crew came though last. A neverending battle.The miles, mud and blowdown was causing me to drag, A lot of wasted energy it was catching up to me. I needed a break, so i took a long one at Plumleys. Glad I did since I ran into DaxWoodsWanderer, whom we mutually follow on Instagram. He gave me a soda while I sat next to a large rock enjoying the breeze off the lake. Man that coke was good. Lifted my spirits too. I was getting into a metal funk from the trail and also the voicemanil from the facility where my mother is currently residing. Of course the mind always assumes the worst. I was able to send Cindy a text from here. She said she recently spoke with mom which eased my mind on that front. So I can at least let that one go. This is also the main reason I try to go communication silent on these trips as there is nothing I can do in the woods except worry.
With that behind me, and another thanks to Jay (and Stephanie) I headed back to the trail. 3:15 with 5 miles to camp.More sloppiness interuppted what is one of my favorite sections of trail through the mossy piney woods. I love the pine needle path laid out before me like I was royalty walking atop rose petals. At Shattuck I opted to skip the bridges and ford the river downstream where the horses cross and near the original bridge site. I have crossed here before going Southbound. This time I decided to cross to the old bridge abutment still visible in the sand on the opposite embankment. Not very many people see this part of the Cold River, especially thru hikers since it is technically off the trail. The water felt good on my feet and it helped clean some mud from my pants. I was surprised by the force of the water. There was more volume than I remembered.
The trail to CR#3 was mostly clear thanks to Jim this past spring. It appears I have the lean-to to myself at least for now. It is possible someone could come later. The million dollar view! Love it here. This was definitely the long way in at 113 miles. I like the 11 miles from Corey's Rd better. Short day tomorrow of 17 miles.
Sunday Aug 7th CR3 to Wanika Falls ~17 miles
Later than usual start for the shorter mileage day. Also hoping to catch a sunrise over the river. In the middle of the night an extremely bright star appeared over the river ESE. I assumed it was a planet, like Venus but it didn't seem right. A quick check of the star chart app showed Venus below the horizon at that time. Apparently it was Rigel in the rising constellation Orion. Seeing it by itself without the rest of the constellation visible (obstructed by trees) was different for me, Boy was it bright. I skipped my planned breakfast and coffee. I thought the short day would be a good idea for a real breakfast when i planned this, but i was not feeling it. I just grabbed a granola bar and set out at 7am. Note: need to dig a new privy hole for CR3.
I waved to Big Eddy as I passed by. I noted the dpring I had dug out and lined with rocks in the spring was holding up well. Nice cold water. There were two tents at Seward lean-to as I approached. No sound, so I assumed the residents were still sleeping. I was quiet as I took a break in the lean-to. Had a snack, read the log book and made my entry. It was disappointing I was cruising through the Cold River section especially since my planned 5 day adventure earlier this summer was cancelled. At Ouluska I ran into Colleen and Becky. Two new trail stewards for the area and the residents of the tents behind the Seward lean-to. They had boated to Plumley's lean-to yesterday and hiked the remainder. This was their first time doing trail work in their two sections. They were in very good spirits, at least much better than my own. I am typically happier along the Cold River but I guess I am just passing it by.
A quick jaunt to the hermitage, and passing along a "Hello" to Noah from Lance. I noted the spot which Andy and I thought was the junction to the Petty cutoff, but looking more closely at the map, this was a different trail. the cutoff was still at least a quarter mile further, but little sign of it. Possibly the drainage? Then the longest 3 miles of the NPT. At least it feels that way. Nothing really to see, it just never seems to end. All the pointless ups and downs, the mind keeps telling itself this is the last one, and then the junction. But then comes along another.
Long lunch at Cold River #2 lean-to. For a moment it began to rain so I moved from the picnic table to the lean-to and put the rain cover on my pack. 7 miles to Wanika Falls for a much needed bath. I should get there with plenty of time to enjoy it.
From Duck Hole to Wanika is in terrible shape. It is always a rough section, but the side growth was intense. Way worse than the last time through four years ago. It doesn't seem like anything has been cut or cleared since. Took a full two hours to get to Moose Pond which was less than 4 miles. I had provided myself a 2mph overall pace, but that was for the daily average including breaks. Only a mile and a half to Wanika, while stopping here feels good right now, a swim at Wanika will be better.
The next mile was the usual tough. I bet Tony has taken care of some of the growth and blowdown when he visits Moose Pond.Soon the plane wreckage and sound of the falls signalling I was just about to the junction. Just a little uphill and rock hop (hopefully) to camp. I slipped on a root going up. First big slip of the trip, ugh. I started across the river above the lower falls as noticed someone was at the campsite. Oh well, I hope they are willing to share, because I am staying here.
Then I noticed it was Kalie! She had decided to hike in a surprise me which I was but a bit so tired I am not sure it showed. One of her first questions was, "How was the trail?" to which I replied. "F'ing sucks". She said I derserved a swim. She had just returned from the main falls. I agreed. I dropped my pack and headed to the upper falls and the swimming hole. I washed out my clothes and just soaked in the cold water for a while. Back at camp, another surprise. Kalie had gone to Swans market for bratwurst and she also carried in 12 horse from the brewery. We gathered a bit of wood and made a fire. With the wet clothes and the swim, this was the first time I was not "hot".
Cooked up the brats and drank some "cold barley soup" and enjoyed the company. I think this was the first time I was really enjoying myself on the trip. I had hiked 130 miles in 6 days for this. I said to Kalie, right now if you asked me if I was going to turn around in Placid just to do all that again the answer would be no. I said if in the morning I am not here it means I decided to keep going and will pass you on your way back to the car. If I am still here, I guess it means I will be hiking out with you and only finishing the trail in one direction.
Tomorrow either 7 miles or 22 miles.
Monday Aug 8th.
Best sleep I have had in days. I was cool enough to use the quilt and I do not think I got up but once in the middle of the night. It was 5:30. I heeded nature's call and without even thinking about it I laid myself back down in the hammock. I was asleep again immediately though it was short. Awake again at 6:30 and laid there a bit. Saw Kalie was up and about, which was quite early for her. So I packed up most of my gear and went to the firepit area. I must have said something to the effect of, "I guess I am done.". I ate a little and packed up the rest of my stuff. After Kalie declined me showing her the plane wreckage, we hiked out the final 7 miles of the NPT together. We talked a little but it was a relatively quiet hike out. I was not used to talking while hiking for the last week. But we both commented on the length of trail from Wanika to the flume is always longer than expected. Last night Kalie had mentioned the trail out was in good shape. It certainly was expecially when contrasted with the last 7 miles yesterday. Even the sometimes trick water crossings were a breeze. A few bidges and some pointless ups and downs and then the register. I checked myself out, and saw the note from Carla on the previous page.
I stepped onto the parking area, the accepted northern terminus of the trail at 11:07 am. A few minutes shy of 7 days since I started in Northville.
I cleaned up a bit in the Chubb River and put on a fresh shirt, the light pendleton which I never wore since it had been so hot. I took a few photos for some friends and jumped into Kalie's car. I sent the following update text to those whom I had been sending check-ins,
Turning around and going back?
Fuck No!
Getting a sixer, going to a lean-to and making a campfire."
We drove through Keene and Schroon Lake on the way to Northville. Back at the arch I transferred my gear, signed out of the register and put on some deodorant, a fresh shirt and socks. Kalie found a nice pub & grill so I could buy her a late lunch, though I owe her much more than that. The food was quite good and they had a decent beer selection.
Kalie headed home and I to Stewarts for some PBR and then grab my resupply. I now sit in a lean-to with a good sized campfire in the rainstorm which started five minutes after I got the fire going. I am by myself in camp again, but probably the first time in over a week with a big smile. This is enjoyable.
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