The Other Side of the Hudson

Resuming our walk on the other side of the Hudson River has been sort of like "Bizzaro Hike", with everything that was hard about the first NY leg made easy. No climbs or descents over 500 feet, no need to boulder with packs on or off, water available via spigot or pump (no need to filter), delis aplenty, so ample fresh food (and delicious pastries). We've taken at least 1-2 hour mid-day breaks since we've resumed. We've used this time to nap, swim, bathe, and eat. It almost feels like a vacation! Our legs and feet definitely benefited from our break in Queens, as we're walking easier, faster, stronger. We've heard that Connecticut is rocky, Massachussets is buggy, Vermont is muddy and New Hampshire is just plain tough. But we're enjoying a relatively obstacle-free week. Looking forward to a shower and motel stay in Kent, though. Our clothes and bods would definitley benefit from some serious cleansing, despite the rain that has kept the temperature thankfully under control.

Thanks everyone for reading and commenting, and special props to the mysterious Dshep for a great trail magic package, and to all those other trail angels out there, who've left sodas, fruit, water and other goodies at numerous NY road crossings. We smile whenever we see a cooler on the side of the trail--and even more so when we open one to find the treasures within (see above!).

Billy Goat