NY & CT: My First Bear Sighting! [Appalachian Trail Episode 12]

Описание: Days 111-119 ~ Miles 1359.4-1509.2
Vernon, NJ - Bear Mountain, CT

I have found it to be super bittersweet to leave home. A comfy bed, Meeko, my family and friends, my car, laundry, plumbing, ICE CREAM AT HAND?! It all came and went so fast. But the trail is calling my name and need to finish what I started. So we pressed on. All 9 of us..slackpacking. My mom, brother, and cousins walked a few miles with us up Stairway to Heaven, a hike that I can practically do in my sleep. My family rushed us away as a thunderstorm rolled in and sent us off on our way to Katahdin. We quickly crossed into New York in the thick fog and rain. Ate delicious homemade ice cream at Bellvale Creamery. A staple around this area. I was fortunate to pick up dry clothes from my mom before we headed to the Warwick Drive-In Theater where I would say my final goodbyes to my mom. My biggest supporter. I bawled my eyes out and watched her drive off in Dad's jeep. He would be proud.
We got drowned out during the movies and "Poor Candyman" became an important part of my vocabulary. Water was scarce as we entered Harriman State Park, my first set of paper maps that were gifted to me by my Dad. It's been 4 years. Island Pond landed in my top 5 camping spots on trail. Saw the biggest rattlesnake in my life sneak up on us. Crossed 1400 miles. Went up and over Bear Mountain, NY and into a car show. Food and beer were practically inhaled. We stuck out like sore thumbs in our oversized packs. Deli blazed for 6 hours in the air conditioning. I didn't realize at the time that this would be the last time I would hike with this group of hikers that I have grown to love. Took a naked shower outside at midnight at Canopus Lake. Hugged the Dover Oak, the largest oak tree on the AT at 20'4" around and over 300 years old.
Entered Connecticut during a major heatwave. Deli blazed again at Bulls Bridge. Found out that weed water is a thing. Stumbled upon mailboxes with A, B, C and E. My family has names in alphabetical order. D is for Don, my dad. Where's the D? Took a swim in the Housatonic River. I almost was starting to think that bears were a myth on trail until I FINALLY saw my first bear sighting! A mama and her 3 cubs that we witnessed from a far. Had myself an epic Spongebob moment hurling a pizza up the mountain on my head that I ordered to a random road crossing. Was treated to some creek beers for 9am trail magic. Deli blazed at Falls Village Cafe for lunch and charged up out of the heat. Crossed 1500 miles. Woke up early and hiked to the top of Bear Mountain, CT for sunrise with my gully girl for life! What an amazing journey this has been.