Friday, April 21, 2017
Stormville, NY (USA)
Wasn't planning to work very long this morning but several work "emergencies" kept me in my room until noon. Fortunately, I didn't waste any sun - it was pouring all morning. When I finally got going, the downpour had been replaced by thick fog. No matter... I drove to a place where the AT crossed I-84 in Stormville (Grape Hollow Road) - Mollie and I had hiked there in 2015. Had to park a pretty good distance from the trailhead (because of guard rails) but was headed NOBO at 1245. Didn't see another human until I made it back to my car at 1800 (lots of pesky bugs, though). There were lots of muddy places but what really affected this hike was the big drop in temps (high 40s on the ridge, with a breeze). It also wasn't as green as I'd seen to the south: Spring was running late. Saw several owls and large woodpeckers (their color was starkly different than everything else on the gray day). Made it to NY-55 before turning around. Soon afterwards, I startled a female mallard who appeared to be trying to build a nest along the trail - we both headed away from each other rapidly and noisily... Some birds sang happily, like the conditions were much better. I was reminded of Elizabeth Cheney's words in "Overheard in an Orchard", which my mom cross-stitched and hung over my bed when I was young. The sound of the Interstate as I neared civilization again proved the point of the poem. Logged almost 11.5 miles before I was done for the day. Ate dinner at KFC in Fishkill (1830). It is supposed to be nicer tomorrow - I hope that work can wait until Monday... Ready for more! AT Today = 5.60 miles / G.T. AT = 910.36 miles