Aug 19th, Day Nineteen

We have noticed that our distances have gone down in the last couple days, so Miles put some thought into it.  The one option is that we are just getting worn down by the hills and duration of the hike, but Miles thinks it’s due to the sleeping pad he bought in Phoenicia.  He is no longer cold in the morning with rocks sticking into his back so he sleeps longer; it is logical.  This morning however with a great distance to travel we forced ourselves to arise early. 

It was our first day out of the Catskills, and would include road hiking as well as the trails.  Towards the midday we were hiking along an old country road when an old timer in a pickup truck pulled up and asked if we needed a ride.  Miles told him we were hiking a trail and would not feel right if we didn’t hike the whole thing; the guy got very excited at the idea.  He talked about how he loved young people adventuring and enjoying life.  He also offered us to come have lunch if we liked, now that was tempting for Miles; we all know how he loves food, but he was afraid he would not make the campsite we needed to get to so had to decline that too.  We stood around and talked with the old gentleman for about fifteen minutes then took off on our way. 

Trail through the woods.

Trail through the meadow.

The trail slowly deteriorated into a deer trail by the end of the day, we were simply going from mark to mark on the trees in the woods, and fighting our way through overgrown fields occasionally.  With about three miles to go, the trail went by a really beautiful waterfall.  As we took some pictures, Miles noticed a building on the other side of the river which had restaurant style table in the window.  We had been really conserving food all day and were very hungry, not to mention an extra meal could really spread our rations a bit better.  We decided to go check this place out.

The overlook for the waterfall

The bar, Nicks Waterfall House

Cheeseburger.

As we walked up a huge shepherd and two yip yap dogs came out and heralded us in.  We walked inside and pulled up a stool to a small bar alongside the other four occupants.  Miles ordered a bud light and people started talking with us asking us about what we were doing and such.  The bar was a biker bar and they all seemed to enjoy the excitement of adventure.  The crowd seemed to be split at this time of the good ol boy locals and a couple bikers; each equally curious about the expedition to this point.  After a bit, Miles asked the bartender if they made any food.  She was a sweet, good natured lady; and her reply was, “Well it’s my first night on the grill, so I’ll do what I can.”  Miles reassured her that he was starving and had not eaten real food in a while, so anything placed in front of him would probably seem like the best thing ever. 

Parmisan Chicken Cutlet Sandwich.

After looking over the menu and some suggestions from the local experts, Miles decided to get the ten ounce cheese burger with fries and pasta salad.  One of the guys said that if he got that he would not need anything else.  Now I know how Miles eats, and we both doubted that to be the case; but decided to try anyway.  The burger came out with all the sides, completely covering and hanging off of a regular sized plate.  Miles tore into it, rapidly reducing it to nothing.  When the bartender asked if we were ok Miles ordered up another beer, and a parmesan chicken cutlet sandwich with a side of fries.  When that meal arrived the disappearing act was again repeated; much to the amazement of the other patrons.  The bartender remarked, “Well I’d sure rather board you than feed you.”  Miles thought that was quite a compliment. 

Got to sleep on a bed!

During all this time, Miles had been chatting off and on with a gentleman beside him.  When the guy finally inquired where we planned to stay that night, Miles informed him that we were going to the campground down the road.  He said they would over charge us and that we should stay above the bar instead.  Miles got a big grin on his face at that suggestion, it turns out that for less money than we would have paid at the campsite we could rent a bed and shower above the bar.  The idea of getting to sleep on a bed after enjoying a nice hot meal seemed like the closest thing to heaven we were gonna find.  It was certainly an exciting day, we fell asleep listening to the waterfall shortly after.  If any of you ever happen through West Conesville, stop into Nicks Waterfall House and have a beer and a burger. 

Traveled 16.00 miles of trail.

-SM-

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