Ed left the trail on June 7 and that night I spent a comfortable sleep at the Bear Mountain Inn. Early the next morning, I crossed the Hudson River via Bear Mountain Bridge :

A few not so bad ups and downs hiking solo that day. I ended up at a nice campsite at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center,  which is a Franciscan monastery. Although hiking alone all day, there must have been at least 10 AT hikers at that site that night.

Next morning, woke up to sound of gregorian chants in the background.

Hiked solo again through hills, lakes and streams, ending up at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. Food was not too bad!

Next day was a busy one. My son Ben joined me for several more days of hiking. Unfortunately, his initiation to AT hiking starting around noon was a wet one in the pouring rain.

It stopped by mid afternoon and we were picked up by car just off the trail by friends Deb, Jim and their daughter Rachel. After only 3 hours hiking, Ben and I had a rough night at their beautiful house on the lake

Actually did some serious hiking the next day

By following morning we were in Kent CT and were joined early by my cousin Dan who hiked the entire day with us:

Glad you could be part of our hike Dan!

Next two days Ben and I went through fields, then up and down some tough hills

Right now getting ready for bed in my tent after mac and cheese dinner with Ben. We’re both getting picked up tomorrow for a quick Cooperstown weekend visit with family. It’s father’s day Sunday and my wedding anniversary Monday. Thanks for reminding me Stephanie!  Although, really.. When have I ever forgotten!?!?
Back on trail early next week.
Great hiking with Ben this week who got a real flavor of what his dad is doing.