northern hospitality

Last night, we had camped out on Nuclear Lake, and in the cool post-rain morning, hiked the five miles (plus 2.5 miles on pavement) into Pawling. I had finally eaten all of my food and didn't need much water at these temperatures; my pack was wonderously light. I also had handfuls of mountain blueberries as a morning snack.

In town, I ate breakfast, did laundry, used the internet, made phone calls, ate lunch, and resupplied (food). I was all set to go, when a lady with a friendly demeanor stepped out of the library and struck up conversation. I asked if she wouldn't mind giving me a ride back up to the trailhead, and she did, and almost dropped me off, and then suddenly asked if I wanted to stay at her house for the night. We hadn't even exchanged names at that point! Since Kent, CT was only less than two days away and I had to wait until Monday morning to pick up my mail-drop anyway, I accepted.

Her name is Joan, and the AT used to run my her house. Her house is on the register of historic buildings and now boasts a Hillary sign on the second-story window. Joan's husband, Walter, was just as warm as she. He invited me to stretch out on the patio recliner, and brought me iced tea and the newspaper (Christian Science Monitor and The Nation) and a little table to set it all on. Joan cooked up a delicious dinner, and I get to take a shower and sleep in a bed tonight. Joan is also quite the social activist in her church, so I got to pick her brains a little.

On the trail, I'm often surprised how few days have gone by because so much happens in a single day. Today was no exception. How quick and wonderful this turn of events!