Ward called tonight from Fort Montgomery, NY outside West Point. He's staying at a place called the Garrison House with Matt and someone else they met along the trail. They finished dinner earlier - barbecue . . . pork barbecue . . in New York. Hmmm . . . something doesn't mesh. The last several days have been good, despite what appears to be rainy weather. Yesterday was very cold and rainy, but the other days were simply overcast. Today's weather was very good. They routinely log 25 mile days now.
Smokestack, who is from New Jersey, and who left them in Virginia, met up with them again. They hiked together for a couple of days and then Smokestack's wife gave them rides to Harriman, NY last night and back to the trail this morning. They stayed in a hotel last night. It sounds as if he and Matt are happy to be back together, and that they very much enjoyed their reunion with Smokestack. There aren't a lot of people on the trail at this time. Perhaps they will meet some South-bounders soon.
The flies are particularly bad at this time of year - mostly mosquitos, but also some black flies. The mosquitos are the worst, such that they sleep in their tents (inside shelters) for protection. I asked about bug repellant with Deet, but that is apparently a no-no, as prolonged use is dangerous. Things have changed a lot in the past 40 years. When I was a kid we chased the mosquito truck through town as it dispersed a fog of DDT while driving up and down the streets of Richlands, NC. We had a blast doing this until Joe Matthews stuck his Frisbee on the blower's intake valve, ruining the motor. I don't remember the truck ever coming through town after that evening.
Ward says he can see the skyline of NY along the Pallisades Parkway. Matt is planning a trip into the city. Ward is considering a trip as well, but also thinks he may want a rest break. I'm encouraging him to go into the city. It's fun there - worth a double- or triple-zero.
We talked about supplies and such. He's switched his gas stove for an alcohol burner somewhere in Virginia. Now he wants the gas stove. He likes to switch gear. It must break the monotony. Whatever works . . .
I hope he spends some time in the city . . .
Ward is heading through "Mosquito Alley" on the Appalachian Trail. This area is scenic but has many low lying areas or "bogs" that you just want to get thru quickly. He is knocking the states out one by one now...3 of the prettiest (and most rugged) are yet to come. Is he prepared? I think we all know the answer to that question. Soon Ward will see his first Spruce tree since the highlands of Virginia. Later he will top out above treeline for the first time, an experience surely he will never forget!
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