21 May.

21 May.
From: Bear Mountain
To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Mileage: 7.3
Weather: Sunny, mild to warm

I took advantage of the Bear Mountain Inn continental breakfast included with the room, eating lots of scrambled eggs and sausage in an attempt to regain weight and protein intake.
The Bear Mountain post office did not open as scheduled for me to get my bounce box for resupply. A park ranger told me this happens sometimes. I called the Fort Montgomery PO, and the only employee on duty drove over to help me out. He went out of his way to forward the box at no charge to Kent, CT PO as I had to checkout of my room before 11am (just made it).
Trying to eat more, I had a ham sandwich and chocolate milk at the Hiker café on the way out.
Passed through the donation supported Trailside museum and zoo and saw my first live bears on this hike.
Crossed high above the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain suspension bridge just before noon. A bit scary that high.
Bit of a road walk on other end, followed by a steep trail climb as the day warmed.
Stopped in at the Appalachian Market, did not resupply as planned but bought two 32oz bottles of Powerade for electrolytes, though I had plenty of water.
Short hike through woods and marsh with lots of poison ivy to Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, a Franciscian monastery that provides shelter for hikers.
Found ballfield pavilion hiker area, with power and water, but no privy and outdoor shower was locked. Was first there today.
Older southbound section hiker named The City of New Orleans was dropped off by a local trail angel, noting trail was impossible to follow to north due to trees down from storm last week. Not the first report, and makes me anxious for tomorrow.
Later joined by other hikers including Tenacious from Ottawa, and Timezone.
Used power and cell signal to get online.
Setup bivy and slept on top of picnic table under pavilion roof.