Who? Tom Jones. [Backpacking All 9 of Harriman's Stone Lean-tos]

Today I am sitting here writing this with a smile on my face. D and I crossed another one of Harriman's Stone Lean-Tos off our list. We had made a challenge earlier in the year to camp at all 9 before the year was over. Unfortunately life got in the way and we took a 4 month break from hiking/camping. With a break that long, it was nice to put the pack on and get our miles in. Originally we had a friend who was supposed to come with us, but he was unable to last minute, which meant a late start for us and not many hours of sunlight. I was grateful as a shorter trek was a perfect way to ease back into backpacking. Earlier in the year, hiking almost every weekend with a 30 lb bag had made my legs stronger. Taking 4 months off seems to have been enough time for them to revert back to what they were. On some of the ascents I found myself wondering why I enjoy these things. By the time we approached the shelter, I mentally cursed my quivering quads as we descended and ascended again.

Watkins Glen

I wanted to say that this post is a milestone as far as previous entries go. I wanted to say that this was the farthest destination I've documented. But if I claimed that, I'd be lying. After all, I did briefly post some photos of New Orleans, which is significantly farther from me than Watkins Glen. (That post was rather lack-luster I will admit.)

What I can say though, is that this park was truly a destination. It was profound. I had never experienced a landscape like that before and I was totally blown away. First off, I don't doubt that walking through the trail astounds everyone, but I had the pleasure of taking the long way which made all the difference.