Date: 2006-07-02
From: Schaghticoke Road/Bulls Bridge Road, NY

To: Schaghticoke Road/Bulls Bridge Road, NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

Cell n/a.Today was excellent! I'm at home in the real world. My day consisted of sitting around this morning exercising my remote control finger while changing the TV stations. The old couch potato is still in me. I then checked over my gear and decided it should remain in the trunk of the car for fear of leaving something here when I go back on trail.We went shopping for supplies for the get the together we had with friends this afternoon.We then had friends over, and I had a great time telling them about the trail. It was really great to see them, and to hear their enthusiasm of my journey. There was never a doubt of me returning to the trail - hearing how they and others are following me is a real boost for me.I would like to thank all those that stopped by, and those who couldn't for all the support you have given me. It is great to have friends cheering for my success.Old Goat - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size Sue's Note: It is wonderful having Old Goat home! Our daughter, Cindy, and her children (our grandchildren) Kyle and Natalie, came over around lunch time ¢ Old Goat loved having time with them. Natalie was sweet ¢ she kept wanting Papa hugs...Cindy encouraged her to go to him for hugs whenever she wanted. Old Goat loved it!! Friends came over starting at 3pm ¢ a nice group...some of Old Goat's work friends, and a whole bunch of Scouting friends. He enjoyed his time with everyone, and had fun talking about the AT, his gear, etc. I've been getting all of Old Goat's pictures printed and I've put them in photo albums that I take with me when I think I'll be around people who will want to see them. One of the things we did earlier today was to get the last of the pictures printed and put in the albums so the albums were absolutely current for the party this evening. It looked like everyone loved looking at them. They also enjoyed looking at my copy of "The Thru-hikers Handbook," where I mark where Old Goat is every night with the day number, date, and I circle the miles completed. You won't find me anywhere without that handbook and my small notebook while Old Goat is on the trail! I jot down things he says when we talk, and I track where he is every night in the handbook.I was surprised to be asked lots of questions about my end of Old Goat's adventure. I didn¢t expect that ¢ I thought the focus would be on Old Goat only. I enjoyed answering questions and explaining things from my side of the story (e.g., mailing the mail drop boxes and what¢s in them). I did a couple ¢show and tells¢ and completely enjoyed myself. I thought I might have to cook, but Dean took over (I love that I didn¢t have to ¢ THANK YOU!), and I planned to take pictures. Every time I started to take pictures, I was asked a question and had to stop. Thank you, Cindy (our daughter), for taking the pictures! Thanks! They are terrific!I enjoyed being asked lots of questions, and I loved listening to Old Goat share his experience with all the friends who were here! It was a special evening!