After hiking some lowland swampy areas of NJ, we went up and down some modest hills. During a drizzly light rain it was very slippery, so Ed had to pick me up a few times.
Really nice waterfall early in the morning :
Late in the day, we passed a road and found this cooler right on the side of the trail. This is called “trail magic”. Left by kind souls, it’s usually some treat for thru hikers to enjoy. This cooler had fresh fruit and soft drinks.
Got an early start the next morning and our first challenge was to fit through the Lemon Sqeezer.. Since I lost all this weight, I had no problem fitting through this VERY narrow passage :
Mountain Laurel is at it’s peak
Last night we slept at the West Mountain Shelter. High on the ridge, it offered an amazing view of NYC 40 miles to the south.
This morning we hiked up and down Bear Mountain.
After lunch at the base of the mountain, Ed’s friend Kwan, picked him up and brought him back home to Cooperstown. It was great having Ed with me for the week. Grandpa has hiked the AT with me. Three more Bauer boys to go. Any other takers out there?
Finally, why did I title today’s blog “A big day?!” BECAUSE.. Today is my birthday and look at my new Birthday card:
I had a great day with Ed, and am now finishing my post packing some ice cream calories. Awesome.
Starting some solo hiking tomorrow.
Appalachian Trail Adventure 
I got mine in April, medicare card that is, and promptly forgot where I put it. Just ordered another one, now I have a back-up. Found the first one too! Great pictures, sounds like you are really getting into the hiking!! Heavy cool rains today, doing our best to save a bunch in rain barrels. Martha
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Thanks for following and your support Martha.
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Happy, happy birthday!
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Thanks Margaret!
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Happy Birthday to you Mike!!!!
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Thanks Jim
See you soon I hope
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Happy Birthday to you, Mike!!! Wow!! Such a coincidence! I got the very same birthday card myself this year! OMG!! LOL BTW – If I can hook up with Steph through Shelley, then I would love to do a little hiking on the AT with you!
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Definitely!
I am in NY just left bear mountain today. Another 50 miles and I should be at CT border. May skip short portion in northern section of MA.
Let me know what your options are.
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Missed you at the block party, Mike. Your son was a master griller in your absence. Happy birthday, and keep up the good effort.
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Thanks for the Pioneer Street support!
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Happy birthday Dr Bauer be safe out there
On Tuesday, June 7, 2016, Appalachian Trail Adventure wrote:
> Mike Bauer posted: “After hiking some lowland swampy areas of NJ, we went > up and down some modest hills. During a drizzly light rain it was very > slippery, so Ed had to pick me up a few times. Really nice waterfall early > in the morning : Late in the day, we passed” >
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Mike – HAPPY BIRTHDAY & welcome to New York!! Spent last weekend in C-Town and did some MAJOR hiking on Pioneer Street with your Dad, Stephanie, Ben & Henry – you should “attempt” it when you get back!! Now that Eddie has left, PLEASE stop all the slip-sliding-away!! At the rate you’re going, you’ll be catching up to your trail mates before long. Have fun, stay well & take care – Ken.
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Hey happy birthday Mike, one day late. Love the blog, especially seeing you on the trail with your dad and son. Making memories for sure.
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Happy Birthday Mike. And sign me up for a piece of the AT. I’m looking forward to some trail time. I hope I know I know what I’m in for. 🙂
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