Fishkill, NY (USA)

Rested in my room for an extra hour this morning, psyching myself up for another day on the AT. Fortunately, it was only a few miles to the trailhead (NY-301 in Clarence Fahnestock State Park). I started SOBO at 0930, headed for the same turnaround as yesterday. I saw lots of day hikers - and dogs - all day. Also saw a thru hiker who looked puzzled that I leap frogged him since yesterday... Like most of the AT in New York, the trail meandered up and down and side to side, almost like the trail builders were trying to make it mor challenging than it already was. After I started my backtrack at Catfish Loop Trail, I encountered two SOBO thru hikers, Water Bug and Spoon Man, who had stopped for a smoke break. We talked for about 20 minutes about the trail and a nearby deli (they were craving beer and roast beef hoagies). I learned that Water Bug was on his third thru hike (!), with another one scheduled for January 1, 2018. I guess he has a lot of free time... It was cool and breezy, especially on the ridges and near the ponds (there were several). Was relieved that my legs and feet had sufficiently recovered because I needed them in several steep climbs. Made it back to my car (after almost 10 miles) by 1400. Planning to reposition for an evening hike - what a great weekend! AT Today = 4.90 miles / G.T. AT = 969.66 miles