7/27/99: Murror Park/Pawling, NY   Miles Today : 13.1 Miles to Katahdin : 737.3

Let me once again thank Kiarnan and his entire family for being such great hosts. They let DB and myself stay in there with our smelly packs and all. You guys are the best.

We woke up a little later than I wanted today, but hustled and got our stuff together quickly. We got to drive back to the trail in Bill's Wrangler, which was a very nice bonus. Finally, Colorado dropped us back off in New York. I was sad to see him drive away, unable to make Katahdin this year but then again Jake (yes, that is his real name) is going back to college in Colorado, so I don't feel THAT badly for him.

DB and I celebrated Colorado's departure with our slowest pack since first meeting him. On top of that, we only hiked 13 miles! Ah, much better for this old man. I got to Murrow Park around 4:00 and found out that thru-hikers get the run of the place, including the swimming lake. Nice.

This place is very nice. Also here is Eric, Holly and Mudtubby. We were all hanging out at the Pawling Pub earlier, where I was able to get a Guinness! It is now after 10:00 and I am very tired from my time off in Hartford. Tonight is beautiful with a full moon lighting up the sky more than I have ever seen. You know, it's the subtle things like this that really make me love the trail. After all, how many of you notice a bright moon from inside your house? Or notice the gentle rolling hills along the highway while driving home from work? I love the way that the trail has changed the way that I see things, and I try to share that with as many people as possible. Nature is much more visually appealing than anything we have created, yet we continue to tear down forests and erect buildings. Give me a house that BLENDS with the woods around it, not contrasts with it, and that would make me happy. Next time you are driving to work, or home, or some other route very familiar to you, take the time to notice what you many have been missing all along. Good night.

-Chomp

< Previous Entry | Next Entry >