July 10th: Unionville, New York

They arrived in the town of their first mail drop Friday night (a little behind projected schedule). Unionville, New York has 4 establishments - post office, general store, used book store and the Back Track Inn (bar, restaurant and hostel). This hostel (their first) was nothing more than a storage shed behind the Inn, complete with shelving to lie on and a bathroom available in the Inn during business hours (but no showers). These accommodations had been appropriately dubbed The Royal Order of the Shelf by a previous hiker. The cost was $3 per person so I guess you get what you pay for. Madeline, who left for the trail with one book in her pack, has left her completed book in this first hostel and purchased a second one at the used book store. This book store, conveniently enough, has books to purchase even when closed. A selection of books is available outside with a money box for paying on the honor system - thoughtful.

They have been hiking in areas of dense healthy forest with great diversity in plant life and teaming with interesting fungus - huge red toadstools, clusters of neon orange toadstools that give the impression of paint on the ground and a fungus that looks like pools of melted red wax. The forest opens up to ridge line a couple of times each day providing breath taking views. They have supplemented their provisions with wild blueberries and blackberries. They have encountered many newts, frogs, toads, birds, horses, a groundhog, a duck and 2 black bears. Part of their hike has cut across private property - meadow land which has fence lines that are traversed via ladders. They have also hiked a lowland section of swamp. Weather has been great - one brief thunderstorm for the week. They have had one uncomfortable night in a lowland shelter teaming with mosquitoes. They detoured off the trail on Friday for High Point State Park where there was swimming, showers, grilled cheese sandwiches and an opportunity to wash out clothing. Their longest day so far has been 16 miles. They have encountered other hikers along the trail, but have not encountered crowded shelters. With the exception of an Outward Bound group camping nearby, there may be another person or two around when they end their day. They are both happy and well.

This resupply point was the first of 27. Their packs weighed between 40-45 pounds as they began the trail, but they lighten some each day as supplies are consumed. They headed back on the trail Saturday afternoon with their packs again heavy. They appreciate all who are sharing their adventure. - Amy