(Daily Mi: 19.7) What started out as a lazy day ended up being an awesome marathon to the Episcopal hostel in Vernon. Hiked with the Potato Man across the state line into Unionville, NY this morning (he was getting mail, I was getting dry rolling tobacco).

Found the Flying Porkchop drying his gear in the parking lot of the PO. Wasted a couple of hours in the sun. Ate subs, drank soda, rolled cigarettes. Didn't hike on until after 1 pm. Had fun walking with the Porkchop. Nice flat walk and just out of town we lit a pair of unfiltered Camels, my first (and likely only) time hiking and smoking. We arrived at Pochuck Mtn Shelter five miles on at about 3:30 pm. I had planned to stop, but it was still fairly early and, with a little goading from the Porkchop and P Man, I decided to hike another 6.5 miles on to Vernon.

Turned out to be a fun hike. Steep climb out of the shelter up Pochuck Mtn. North of the summit, the Trail passes through a pretty but highly developed corridor. Took a break with the "gang" (Potato Man, Choo Choo, Porkchop and hiker named Trail Blazed) at a road crossing two miles from Vernon. A family from one of the nearby sub-divisions happened by on a walk and then returned with 4 quarts of freshly picked strawberries which we consumed (to their visible amazement) on the spot. Liesurely walk across "the longest bog bridge on the AT" (about 1 mile) Amazingly, not one mosquito in the entire bog (I am guessing heavy pesticide use -- it is a state park). Last mile to the Vernon roadhead crosses pretty and, in fact, active pastures. Had to do a little herding to get to the final stile. It's almost two miles into Vernon, and it was almost 6:30 when we all met up at the road. We were very lucky to catch a ride from a kind man who very generously shuttled the five of us to the church (in two trips no less). The pastor at the church was great. He was smoking a cigarette and drinking a glass of wine out back when we arrived (there was an ongoing event inside) Later, we helped break down platforms and lights, and they fed us left over spaghetti and wine. Took a shower. Did laundry. Dried my bag.