Day 97 – Clarence Fahnestock SP to Nuclear Lake (mile 1439)

We had another day of pretty good hiking weather. The temperature stayed relatively cool until mid afternoon and even then it wasn’t too bad. We left the state park in the morning and had a view of the lake on the way out.

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Canopus Lake in Clarence Fahnestock SP

We then had a small climb up to Shenandoah Mountain (there sure are a lot of things named Shenandoah).

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Shenandoah Mountain, NY

We then chatted with some other thru-hikers at the RPH Shelter. The growing sentiment seems to be that most of us are excited to get further north and back to the bigger and more scenic mountains. All in good time though, it will be here before you know it.

We popped into a pizzeria a half mile off the trail for lunch. They were a little unfriendly towards us hikers in that the dude told me he’d bring the pizza outside to us, which we took as a hint that we shouldn’t sit inside (not really a major problem, it was like 100 degrees in the place). Maybe he wasn’t being a dick, but it came across that way a little. Oh well, it happens. The food was still good.

Most of the hiking was similar to yesterday – nice, but not overly scenic. We stopped and made camp within sight of Nuclear Lake. Yea, this is a real thing. Apparently some company did contract nuclear experiments for the government from the 50’s to the late 70’s. I guess they got some plutonium powder in the lake during an accident. Oops! Tastes fine to me… It’s actually really a nice little peaceful place. I haven’t taken a nice pic yet, but it looks similar to the lake pic up above.

Vital stats for Monday, July 21st :
Miles hiked today – 19.1
Mood – radioactive
Physical state – good, except for the 3rd eye now growing on my ear
Smell – pure uranium
Song stuck in my head – Love Story by Taylor Swift (ugh)

5 thoughts on “Day 97 – Clarence Fahnestock SP to Nuclear Lake (mile 1439)

  1. AL

    You’ll glow in the dark! Cool. I do watch too many sci fi movies…watch out for the mutants! Amazed at 1429!! You guys are amazing (even if you glow for the next 1000 years-love ya anyway!)

    Reply
  2. Joann Adams

    I suppose if we start hearing that you guys are hiking 50 miles a day we can assume you
    drank too much lake water?

    Reply
    1. Mom - Tapey

      You are both strong…but now you’re charged! Wow! Shouldn’t the songs in your head be something like “New York, New York” or “New York State of Mind”? Dad tells me that the next time we hike he will sing “500 Miles” by the Pretenders to me the whole time. I guess it will be a long time before we hike. šŸ™‚ Wishing you continued good hiking weather and no more pesty or bitey critters or insects!! Sending glowing thoughts, more prayers and lots and lots of love.

      Reply
  3. AL

    Not sure you can see these comments. Day 100!!!!! Wowwowwow!!!!!! And what a beautiful day for it. Sounds like life is good (except for the hateful bug-readin 3, 26, 105, and 227 that I don’t like summer!). Some gorgeous views and shots- the big old oak tree is very cool. Love ya!

    Reply

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