I enjoyed a nice relaxing zero at the church hostel, hanging out with Fidget (one of the lesbian couple) who was nursing a bad spider bite on her ankle. I ate at all the local spots, and watched 12 Monkeys, Almost Famous, Twister, and Hercules throughout the day. It doesn't get much better than that.
I started walking back to the trail, intending to get some lunch at a restaurant on the way. The food was good, and much needed fuel for the day. I only had to wait about 60 seconds to get a ride back to the trail. I was picked up by a mother with her baby in the car, which surprised me, but I wasn't going to complain.
Back in the forest, it was apparent that I had transitioned from NJ to NY. Everything changed in the blink of an eye. I zipped right past the first shelter, where I planned to eat my lunch, because there was no sign. I went the wrong way multiple times because the trail is poorly and sometimes incorrectly blazed. The trail went straight up to ridge line over giant boulders. I'm not liking NY so far, though there aren't any bugs so far!
My problem with NY, other than the poor blazes, is that the trail doesn't avoid unnecessary climbs. Typically, if there's a giant imposing boulder on the top of mountain, the trail will weave around it unless there's a view. That isn't the case in NY, as the trail specifically aims for each of these boulders. It's like a game of connect the dots that ends in tears.
I hiked 10 miles today, but the terrain was so challenging that it hit me much harder than most 20's would. But after finishing I found the road that leads to Greenwood Lake, NY, and went straight for my nights lodging.
Anton's on the Lake is very comfortable, cheap for hikers, and has stunning views. There are a lot of other hikers hanging out here around the lake, taking zeros and resupplying. It seems like the place to stay if you want to enjoy a hot summer day by the water.
