Trail Journal 07.21.02

Low energy, hot day.  Managed to eke out 13.8 miles but it was an effort from the start.  Last night's camp was swarming with mosquitoes even when we woke up.  Getting breakfast and packing up was an ordeal.  Once we got going the trail passed through dark, swampy forest so the bugs were constantly on us if we stopped.  Finally climbed up a rocky ridge and got some breeze but it was still hot and humid.  We crossed into New York, leaving New Jersey behind for good.  Walked along the ridge for a while before dropping back into the forest.  Trail got better at that point.  Pulled in for lunch at NY 17.  A couple of former thru-hikers showed up with cold soda, which sure made the day better.  Kutsa and Montreal joined us, as did Zues so we had a good crowd for lunch.  Pushed past Wildcat Shelter to Fitzgerald Falls which is almost completely dry.  Found enough water in a pool to make camp so we were in by 4:00--nice change from last night's late camp.  Not a bad day but tiring.  This heat is really getting to me.