Date: 2003-07-04
From: NY17A

To: All over NY, especially West Point, NY 
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a great day. I had thought I would be somewhere on the trail for Independence Day, but thanks to Hotdog and Shari's families, I had a wonderful day. Mike, Carol, Hotdog, Mrs. Hotdog and I got moving in the morning with bagels for breakfast, then went to a nearby town to meet Hotdog's brother, Willy, his wife Cathy, their daughter Ashley, and her boyfriend Nick. Once we met them, we invaded a local grocery store en masse to get a few picnic necessities: chips, salads, beer, soda, burgers, etc. We made quite a train going through the store!Food bought and coolers packed, we headed to Shari's Uncle Graham and Aunt Mary's in Cornwall for the picnic. We invaded their home, overwhelming Mary with all of us strangers. Then we took over the back yard, and the washer and dryer. Graham and Mary were wonderful hosts, offering us anything we needed. Before we ate, we walked down to the local park, as Cornwall was having a festival. We walked through it, most of us buying only cold drinks to cool us off in the hot day. Then we sat in the shade for a while, before walking back to the house.Once back at the house, Graham fired up the grill and before we knew it, he was asking for takers on hamburgers and hotdogs. The rest of us scrambled to get the salads, dips and chips out too. The food was excellent! The company was even better.After filling our bellies, we left Graham and Mary to the peace of a quiet house and headed to West Point. The campus of West Point is beautiful! Huge chapel, and huge old buildings! And on the Hudson River! Just an awesome place! We found a place in the grass, above the bandshell, and looking down the Hudson River and set up blankets and chairs. It was a hot day, but didn't feel too bad in the shade. It was nice to sit and relax and just talk. We helped our neighbors on the lawn with their game of Scattergories. After a while, they either got tired of playing, or got tired of us "helping" them play, and offered the game to us. We had enough time for a few rounds, and, in teams, came up with some very creative answers.Soon, the plebes came marching in and our game ended. Each state's flag was carried across the stage, giving the crowd a chance to yell for their favorite state. I didn't have much company yelling for Florida. And if I heard correctly, the guy carrying the Florida flag was from Ft.Myers. The West Point band then started their concert. They were great! We listened to the band, and chatted, and I might have had a beer or five, thanks to arm-twisting by Willie and Cathy. When the fireworks started, all conversation stopped and I laid or sat on my sleeping pad, enjoying the show. The fireworks were awesome, showering over the Hudson River. My view was partially blocked by a huge tree, but it didn't take away from the effect. It made the show better in my opinion. When the fireworks exploded in the sky, the sound rumbled up and down the river, and through the neighboring mountains. Too cool!Today wore me out! I had a wonderful time with the Dog Pack. They took me in and immediately started picking on me, just like family. Shari had warned me that some of them will be excited to meet me, as they've been reading my journal, but I was shocked to hear Cathy, in a phone conversation to daughter Sarah, say "Guess who's here." Pause. "Wench." Sheesh, it's like being famous, without all the paparazzi! I'm glad everyone is enjoying my journal. My goal, before the hike began, was to have a journal for my own records, so I'd be able to recall what I did, or what I thought on this hike, but I like to find out that others are reading too. I feel good sharing my experience, especially knowing there are a lot of people giving me support! This hike is a great thing. And the people are the best part of the adventure! I'm thankful to have met all of these wonderful people.