Date: 2008-07-25
From: Culver Fire Tower

To: Unionville NY- The Mayors House.
Miles today: 21.2

Planning a 20+ mile day again today. Sure, why not? My feet are grinding in the new pair of boots. I haven't had enough pain lately, I don't want to get too soft out here.A couple of deer crossed my path today, I always enjoy the close encounters.Further on, was the unmistakable crack of a Stick. That snap could only have come from a very well fed hiker or a blueberry eatin bruin. I kept looking but the thick bushes obscurred my view. Somewhere in the forest, I found a large flat top boulder near the trail.This was an invitation to stop, kick off my boots and have lunch, so I did.I wish I had a nickel for every time I tore open a pack of tuna for lunch, I could buy a more comfortable pair of boots for sure.Not long after, the trail came out into High Point Park. Sprite was there, and Freckles had already gone to the snack bar about a mile away. She soon returned with a hamburger, chips and pop for each of us. Thanks Freckles, how did you know?Enjoying this second lunch, leaning on a tree and feeling the sun, does it get any better? Answer....Yes!Heading over to the Park HQ, we used what I refer to as the "automated privy".It was here we met for the first time "Hell on Bad Wheels" or "Bad Wheels" for short. He was back on the trail after enduring a full compliment of torturous ailments. Health, feet, knee and gear issues. But make no mistake, this Texanwas here to hike.The trail would later dip into New York, then back to New Jersey before finally going into New York for good. It was at this first dip we arrived into the very small town of Unionville New York. This was going to be one of those "You never know what the day is going to bring" kind of days.There had been trail buzz about being able to stay at the Mayors house in Unionville. The actual Mayor of Unionville's house. We stopped in a local establishment, got directions then walked until we were knocking on his door. It was right then, I met one of the most extrordinary Trail Angels on the entire AT. Mayor Dick Ludwick with a constituancy of approximately 135 citizens, was opening up his home to me, Sprite & Freckles along with any other hiker who happened to hear of this amazing oasis.In his modest house, Dick had converted his basement into a bunk room. Other than that, his home was simply that, his home. He offered his back yard for tenting and that's what we chose. In addition, Dick provides dinner and breakfast to everyone to include laundry and showers. The meals are prepared by Dick and an older gentleman, Bill. Dick had become friends with Bill while visiting the nursing home in which Bill lived. Upon hearing of Bill's impending eviction due to his money running out, Dick offered Bill his home to come live in. The rest is history.To compliment this trio, there is Butch. He works for the city of Unionville and has close ties to Dick. Butch's life seems to be here at the Mayor's house.He does about everything that requires handy work, shuttling and what ever else is required. Butch is the strong arm of this operation. I have dubbed them all "The Second Hand Angels".I asked Dick, why he does this? With a warm smile, he said "It is how he honors the memory of his wife". He went on to explain that his wife had been confined to a wheel chair for many years before passing away about 5 years ago.Dick would often run into hikers at the post office and come home and tell her stories of these dirty, smelly, emaciated people of all ages and walks of life that were hiking some trail called the AT? He was not an outdoorsman and knew nothing of the AT. However, shortly before her passing, Dick's wife mentioned, what if we were traveling and our car broke down in a remote area, Who would help us? Wouldn't we become smelly and hungry after a while? What a difference it would make if someone provided us with a shower and something to eat?A year had now passed since she left Dick. He still ran into the hikers until perhaps one stood out and needed help? That's when Dick heard her words and offered this hiker a shower and something to eat.News travels fast on the AT. Before long Dick had more and more people showing up on his door step than he knew what to do with? The numbers have rapidly multiplied. The rest has become Trail legend history. There is a mug above the kitchen sink, in which you can offer any contribution however, the only requirement Dick has, is to watch a video. Really!It's Dick's way of sharing inspiration for everyone to believe in themselves and persue their dreams. This video brings tears to Dick's eyes. I know, I have watched it with him 3 times. You're tougher than me if you don't shed a tear?In short and doing it no justice, the video is about a timid an unlikely fellow with a big dream to sing opera. In a televised talent search in Britian, he stepped out on stage, the audience snickering, and the judges preparing for torture. The sound that came out stunned everyone. By the songs end a female judge had tears in her eyes, and the audience stood with a standing ovation. I do not recall the name of the song he chose however, the last verse ended with (sp?) Vin Cerra, Vin Cerra, Vin Cerra!These words, each time being sung louder, tranlates to "I will win, I will win, I Will Win!The singers name was Paul Potts, whom went on to perform for the Queen and has sold several million albums. The show migrated to the US and became America has Talent & American Idol, the judge most impressed was Simon Cowell.So much more has happened today, I will just have to catch up tomorrow. Dick has an usually big heart and has no doubt been chosen to do this?I asked him again why does he do this? He said "I can't think of a reason not too"?My Dad was alot like this all his life. Certainly not to this scale, but an angel out of the blue to many people who never knew his name. He would have enjoyed being a part of this if he had the chance. It was only fitting I thought, to be meeting Dick today and being a part of all this, as today was my Dad's birthday. And although he passed away 2-1/2 years ago, I couldn't help but feel that he was here.