From the Journals: DAY 84, May 18

Coach
Fingerboard Shelter - Ft. Montgomery, NY: 15.6mi
Well, the morning was indicative of how bad the day would become. We had to cross a flooded stream that ended up finally doing in my left ankle. Apparently, the ankle just couldn't handle jumping from rock to rock across the stream. After the crossing, the ankle quickly deterioated, forcing us off the trail into Ft. Montgomery. The timing was not good; West Point is located here and having graduation this weekend. After several phone calls, we found a place about 20 miles away. Luckily, we looked so pathetic to the taxi driver (34 miles outside NYC mind you) that instead of taking us to the next town, a $40 ride, he took us around to a couple of motels to inquire about vacancies and then only charged us $8. Hopefully, my ankle onlyu needs 1 day of rest.

Professor
Coach is unable to hike. After about 6 or 8 miles I could look up in the mountainside and see Coach trailing behind me. This is unusual. He is almost always a hundred yards in front. When I had to carry his pack I knew we were done and needed to get off the Trail. A state trooper wouldn't help us unless we paid him. The ladies at the Visitor's Center gift shop were helpful, able to get a hold of the Ranger, who took us into Ft. Montgomery, NY about 40 miles outside of NYC. Home of West Point Military Academy, where it was graduation weekend. No vacancies, overcharging, we had the BBQ "Pig Out" meal at a nearby restaurant to make us feel better. Finally found a cheap motel room, had a 12 pack of beer. Try not to think about how few rest days we have left.