Date: 2003-08-18
From: Appalachain Trail Station

To: Pawling NY- Murrow Park
Miles today: 0.0

Do you know how difficult it is to wake up in this city?! Since all of the buildings are so tall, our window looked directly out at another building, and the light of the sun, which has become our alarm clock, cannot reach the ground! As a result, we dozed intermitantly 'til 9:30! That is very late for us, but we were feeling somewhat indulgent, so we didn't mind! And obviously it is a common problem, because hotel checkout time wasn't til 12:00, so we enjoyed our morning.    We went to a deli across the street and tucked into a healthy breakfast, with the idea that within a few hours, we would be hiking.However, I was somewhat troubled. I had been leaving messages for my friend Jill for two days and could notget through to her. The idea of coming to Manhatten and not seeing her was completely against my nature, so I knew I had to try one more thing. Sure, enough, her address was in the phone book, so I asked Bumpkin if she would mind us going over there to see if she was home. Bumpkin, being the wonderful friend that she is, agreed. Her building happened to be right down the street from our hotel, so we donned our packs and headed that way. After greeting the doorman, we found out that she did indeed still live there! I was so happy! However, when he called up to announce us, Jill told him she wasn't expecting anyone, and hung up on him. Shrugging his shoulders, he explained that there was nothing he could do. Well, there was something I could do!!! As soon as he turned his back, I jumped on the elevator, and seconds later I was ringing her doorbell. Later, I had to endure somewhat of a lecture from the very angry doorman, but the joyful reunion I had with Jill made it all worthwhile!    Well, what are old friends to do, but go have lunch! The three of us had a great time laughing and catching up. For me, I was just so glad to see Jill again! She and I were always the unlikeliest of friends. Tall, elegant and beautiful, Jill is all about class. A consumate New Yorker and an extraordinry musician, she is comfortable in all situations. Together, we always resembled a classical version of Mutt and Jeff, and our friends would shake their heads at us in bewilderment. She was all classic black and white movies while I was more "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes". But, somehow, it worked! :) Needless to say, she is one of my favorite people in the world, and seeing her made my whole day!   Our time went by too quickly, and before we knew it, Bumpkin and I were in a cab speeding towards Grand Central Station. Bumpkin was hysterical as she alternated between terror and joy during the cab ride. You just haven't lived til you've taken a New York cab ride! A quick phone call home assured my mom that, yes, we were actually in New York. But I told her, "Don't ask how we are getting back to the trail, and don't ask where we are spending the night, cause we don't know!". "I don't worry about you girls at all!", she said. Exchanging "I love you's", we hung up and Bumpkin and I hurried to catch our train.   The funny thing is, the train only stops on the AT on the weekends. Today is Monday. So, we headed for Pawling, the closest stop to the AT. We truly had no idea what we were going to do, and at this point, it was almost 7:00 at night, but we knew it would all work out. So after a lovely train ride, we got off at Pawling and headed for the row of little shops.   We were walking along when a woman said, "Look! Hikers!". We stopped to say hello, and she told us that the town allows hikers to camp in the park pavillion for free! This was a hold back to the days when the trail used to go through town, but since it has been re-routed, not many hikers come through to take advantage of it. She offered to drive us up to the park, but nodded at the establishment we were standing in front of and asked if we wanted to eat first. It was our introduction to Sharon and the local tavern. How could we say no!?    Ten minutes later we were bellied up to the bar being introduced to everyone else and it was pouring down rain outside. This was definitely a good move! We spent the next couple of hours meeting the nicest people like Heidi, a friend of Sharons, and Dale, the bartender. Dale gave us the hiker register to sign and told us about different hikers that had come through. David, Rick, and George came and went, each sharing a laugh or two with us. These were some of the nicest, friendliest people I have ever met! But, Sharon was the cream of the crop. Obviously well-known and well-loved, she sat with us and shared stories of her life. When all was said and done, she drove us to the park and helped us find a good tent site. Her kindness left such a warm feeling, and she helped me to remember that this country is full of people who have a world to offer, if we are lucky enough to stop and meet them.   Laying in my tent, I think back on the day. The rain has stopped and the crickets are singing. It doesn't seem possible, but this journey just keeps geting richer and richer.Love, Anna aka Mud Buttwww.trailjournals.com