Catching up, big time.

Day 4-

It was such a relief to hear we only had 35 miles from Kent to Poughkeepsie, NY. Sore legs and disgruntled knees were getting to everyone. At lunch, Walter waited patiently to tell everyone where we were eating.

Getting into Poughkeepsie at noon instead of our usual 4pm deadline, I met up with my aunt and uncle from the Catskills. After seeing FDR’s house and eating at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) we parted ways and I passed out.

Day 5- The hardest day?

Poughkeepsie to Roscoe, NY = 80 miles of hills, rain and dehydration. Supposedly the hardest stretch in our whole entire trip, we set out in the pouring rain. Soaked within the first 5 minutes, things were miserable to say the least. Lunch was cancelled due to lots of people needing van rides. My shoes formed their own great lakes, and I was hit with the realization that I was incredibly dehydrated with 20 miles to go. Geez, I’m such a complainer. Though we didn’t have lunch, Ali and I checked out an adorable diner in the village of Ellenville. I stayed somewhat warm in a rain jacket that Natalie lent to me, and even though a felt like crap for 15 of those 20 miles, it felt amazing to make it to the church, even if it was 7:30pm.

Day 6-

It could have been a century, but it was 10 miles short. From Roscoe to Binghamton, NY, we rode 90 miles. Straight to showers off our bikes, most of us just had to put our sweaty chamois back on and biked to the next destination, a house dedication. It was a beautiful house that habitat had recently finished for a mother and her son. As tired as I was, the ceremony was beautiful. The sun peaked out and the new family cut the ribbon to their new home. Cake and house tours followed the dedication showing us what we have chosen to do with our summer.

The next day was supposed to be our first build day, but due to raining weather, the garden we were going to work on was postponed. Instead, we took a trip to the zoo where to cleaned out animal habitats and took adorable pictures on penguins and otters.

Day 7- One week down

This was a beautiful ride with only a light mist. From Binghamton to Wysox, PA, I entered yet another new state! The view from Wysox was incredible.

Greeted with lots of food and a shower trip to the Y, everyone took advantage of the sun’s rays. Knees seem to be getting to everyone, but we all know it will soon be getting easier. Our first week was incredible. The group as a whole is already much closer and we are all finally starting to get used to this crazy food/sleep schedule. I apologize for not updating on a regular basis. There are no excuses. Plan to hear from me tonight, we are riding 50 something miles to Wellsboro, PA.

-Alie