Aug 1st, Day One

Well a journey of 360 miles begins with the first step, actually though it begins with a 4:30AM alarm.  Miles and I knew we had to get an early start because camping is not allowed in the first section; therefore we had to walk 23.15 miles to reach a Motel 8.  After taking a subway and a bus across the bridge, we walked to the beginning of the trail.  We took our picture and first steps right about 6:30AM. 
 

Sunrise over the Hudson River.

A deer our for an early breakfast seemed unfazed by our company

 

 

The first four to five hours were really nice, there was lots of wildlife, great views over the Hudson, and the walk was pleasant.  All that changed however with the arrival of a rainstorm.  It was more demoralizing than anything, but we kept on trooping.  

Baby turkey too young to fly using its camouflage to blend in.

 

Upon our determination that we were over half way through our first day, we spied upon a burger place on the side of the road we were currently walking on.  It looked like a great place to get out of the rain, and enjoy a warm meal.  This would allow us to slowly transition into the through hiker life.  The burger and beer were very enjoyable and uplifting.  They, and the shocked reactions we received upon the revelation of our journey, lifted our spirits and helped move us down the path. 

A view of the Hudson from when it was nice out.

For the second half of the day it continued to rain off and on.    We kept moving forward knowing we had to make the distance by night fall.  Miles body was beginning to wear down, he was slowing his pace, and we stopped a little more frequently. 

In the late afternoon we reached the hill above the town which would be our home for the night.  The rain was steady and hard, as we descended it turned into a downpour.  Miles was moving at the pace of an old lady with a walker; each foot not quite passing the other to complete a step.  Dripping wet and "dog" tired we hobbled into the hotel lobby.  For Miles I believe the highlight of day one was the bath that he nearly fell asleep in once we settled into our room.

And a view when it was raining.

It was a rough day one, it tested our resolve, but we are still going; we are resolute.

Traveled 23.15 miles of trail.

  -SM-

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