June 24 - 15.3 / 1,399.7

Raise your glasses as we toast my 100th day since leaving March 17th. To date, I have hiked 1,399.7 miles. Not too bad assuming 20 of the 100 days I didn't hike a mile either due to zeroing, trail days, or my brother's wedding.

T and T left before me by like 15 minutes, but I ended up catching up to them pretty quickly. Coming down Black Mountain, we had to cross over Palisades Interstate Pkwy. I literally think I was playing Frogger, and I was the frog. A busy four lane highway is not something we should be crossing. One of the funny things is, the local trail club had a register in the median. I guess the wanted to see who makes it half way across before getting hit.

I climbed up Bear Mountain after the road. Some of it was rocks and some was a two lane road. A nice stone tower is at the top. It was in dedication of someone. From the top, I could get a 360 view of the Hudson Valley and surrounding area. It was clear so I was hoping to see NYC in the distance. However, I could not due to the distance haze/fog/smog. The trail coming down the mountain was very nice. They are wrapping up a multiyear relocation and rehabilitation project. The trail was definitely catering to tourist now as there were nice stone steps and crushed gravel. We met some ladies and their children on the way down. They were fun to speak with and very inquisitive about the trail.

Bear Mtn, NY is at the bottom of the mountain. There were tons of kids out playing in the fields and on a playground. A few people were also out enjoying the lake by row boating. The trail passes the lake and goes into the towns small zoo. Hikers get to go through for free as the actual trail goes through it. It was almost just a nature trail, but they did have a few animals like bears, wolves, and a bobcat. The zoo is also a milestone as it contains the lowest part of the trail at 124 feet above sea level.

The four of us walked 0.7 miles into Ft. Montgomery to resupply. Our only option was a gas station with very limited choices. I came away with pop tarts, a box of rice-a-ron i, and some cinnamon buns. We grabbed some lunch across the street at a pizza and sushi joint. It was not listed in any of our multiple guide books. The place was awesome and the people even better. They were very friendly to us and even offered a free slice of pizza while we waited for ours to be cooked. Fusion and I split an XL meat lovers and 2 liter coke. I had to buy another 2 liter as we killed the first one. We sat around longer than expected as a strong storm came through. We heard that NYC and some other cities were hit with hail and possibly a tornado.

I stopped by the post office before leaving town to have my old trail runners bounced forward. I called another post office to do the same thing with my boots. However, they said they didn't have them. Turns out someone called them before me and told them to return to sender. Luckily, my parents have them, but it was quite strange for someone to call on my behalf.

We crossed over the Bear Mtn. Bridge leaving town. It was a pretty cool suspension bridge. Earl Shaffer, the first thru hiker, had to pay a nickel when he crossed. It is now free unless one is in a car. The climb out of town was pretty brutal in the heat and humidity.

We crossed a road with a convenience store 0.6 before the location where we were stopping for the evening. It was awesome. Had quite a selection. I wish I would have known it was better than where I tried to resupply in Ft. Montgomery. I still went in and bought a beer, a gatorade, and an apple. Fusion also got the drinks as well as a sandwich. T and T showed up a few minutes later and got ice cream and powerades.

We hiked on to the Graymor Spiritual Life Center and taking an unforeseen break. The monastery lets hikers stay on their ball field or in the picnic pavilion for free. They also have a cold, outdoor shower, water, and an outlet to charge things. The place was great. We sat around watching the sun go down, ate some food, and all took showers. Apple Juice and Grin were also there. AJ is a thru hiker but is having to take it easy because of a pulled tendon. Grin is an older gentlemen who is out to complete his section hike. He started in 2007 and plans to finish this year.

The cold front that came through made it a perfect night for camping. There was a gentle breeze across the field and the stars were out.