8/22/2022
William Brien Memorial Shelter (796.9)(12.3)
Crossed the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Picked up mail drop at the Fort Montgomery PO. Thanks Lu, everything was perfect. Included a drawing from Ames, and birthday cards from Lu, Shelly and Lynn.
Thru-Hikers have free access to walk through the Trail Side Zoo when the zoo is open. Lots of exhibits—could spend lots of time there.
Really enjoyed the AT exhibit leading into the ascent of Bear Mountain. Showed a lot about how trails and structure on trails are made (eg. steps, bog bridges, etc.). The trail crew also did a great job of creating the trail up and down Bear Mountain. The mountain ascends a thousand feet, but the grade and steps allows one to ascend or descend more easily. Even in rain.
It rained, at times fairly hard, for about half the ascent of Bear Mountain.
Shirt was already sweaty, so it got rain damp, as well as my pants and underwear. Trail runners and socks were soaked.
Met Dunk, a 58-year-old SOBO. We both decided to take the official route which crosses the Palisades Interstate Parkway (rather than the detour). Cars come fast, but patience makes crossing safe.
While setting up inside my tent, I heard “Hey Alpine, come outside!”
“Why?” I asked.
“Because it’s Biodiesel and I want to see you!”
Was great seeing Biodiesel, as well as Photo Op and Big Cat. They were moving down trail after a double zero in NYC.