Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2000
Subject: AT Update 7/13

Hello again,

I hope these updates aren't coming too frequently.  I just happen to be taking a zero-day in Kent, CT and the library here has internet access.

Crossing the State line between New Jersey and New York was quite pleasant.  I soon came out to a series of rock ledges above Greenwood Lake.  At Prospect Rock the skyline of NYC was visable in the distance.  Fortunately the weather had turned cooler and the humidity had dropped so the view was unusually clear for this time of year.  The towers of the World Trade Center and the Empire State building were easy to make out.  And yet, the entire foreground was a series of green, tree-covered ridges with very few buildings to be seen.  Quite a contrast.

And the smooth granite ledges, colored green with specks of lichen, reminded me so much of the trails home in Maine.  I hadn't expected anything like this in New York.

The mosquitoes also seemed to be a bit fewer in number.  Although it only takes a couple of them to keep you awake at night.  That's why I've been heading to shelters (so I can cook dinner even if its raining) but setting up my tent there to have a barrier between me and the bugs.

I passed into Connecticut yesterday.  I did a 20 mile day, so that I could give my legs a rest today in Kent.  I think that my feet and knees failed to appreciate the irony of that.  I will sleep back on the Trail tonight, as there is no cheap place to stay in town.  But I have had a shower at the Outfitters, done laundry, bought groceries (including a pint of Ben & Jerrys for medicinal purposes), had lunch, and will have dinner before I climb back up that road to the Algo Mountain Lean-to.

I continue to clog up the web.  My friend from my high school days, Paul Toth (recently wed - congratulations!), has posted some of the letters I had been writing to Don Myers, who handles my Mail-drops.  Thanks to him and to Don for transcribing my ramblings.  For those of you who are gluttons for punishment, these missives can be found at:

http://www.fortunecity.com/boozers/edward/577/polls.htm   (Editors Note:  Everything's here on the Trudge site now.)

Included is Rick Dement's excellent account of his finding and surprising me on the Trail near Davenport Gap.  The included photo was staged, and was meant to convey my surprise at discovering him sprawled beside the trail.  I do not usually wear that expression while hiking!

I am out of time.  Again, thanks to all of you for your interest in my summer holiday.