Harriman State Park to Graymoor Campsite; Distance = 15 Miles; People Met = 8
We are now weaving our path on and off the Appalachian Trail, which I first thru-hiked in 1975. One of the most memorable stops then, for me or any other thru-hiker, was the Graymoor Monastery. Back then they opened up their cafeteria for virtually all any one can eat, free of charge. This policy was not targeted specifically to thru-hikers, but rather corresponded to their general philosophy of helping wayward travelers. They just happened to be on the path of wayward travelers with the most voracious appetites.
They no longer open their cafeteria to all; definitely can’t say I blame them given the increase in thru-hiker traffic over the years and what type of cost that would impose. However, they still take their mission of helping wayward travelers seriously. Fathers Lenny, Mike and Brian confirmed this when I approached them to ask about the campsite they created for thru-hikers on their property.
Fathers Lenny, Mike and Brian
The campsite includes a pavilion, port-a-potties, good water, a shower and even electricity! We spent the evening at the campsite with thru-hikers Mike and Autumn, whom we met the day previous, and Tribhuvan. Tribhuvan shared a story of having come down with giardia on the trip. He revealed his illness to the postmaster in Port Clinton, where he was picking up a mail drop. After a quick phone call to the wife, he ended up going home with the postmaster.
Thru-hiker Tribhuvan
Thru-hikers Mike and Autumn at the Graymoor Campsite
Other Photos
Lois Small and Alex asked us for directions
Thru-hiker Danny (Miller Time)
I’d like to share an experience I had with trail angels while hiking the Appalachian Trail this month. This day was rather warm and I had not had a shower for a number of days and I had a package to pick-up at the post office in Fort Montgomery, NY. I awoke early and started hiking early because I had 15 miles to hike and didn’t want to risk missing the post office being open. I arrived at the post office about 3:30 pm and asked the gentleman behind the desk, whose name was Mokie, for my package. He brought it to the counter and I asked if he knew of a hotel that might take dogs. Mokie grabbed the local directory of businesses and found one for me to call. I called and found out they didn’t allow dogs. By this time a gentleman named Bruce walked in and immediately Mokie and him began talking and Mokie asked him about a hotel. Bruce mentioned one and we tried that but again to no avail. So we chatted a minute and I thanked them and began to walk out with Bruce. Bruce offered me a ride to wherever I wanted to go but first said how about I take you home and feed you. I agreed of course and we went to his house about 2 blocks away. Bruce got me a beer and gave me a couple options for dinner. His wife came out in a matter of minutes and within a minute of talking to her she said, why don’t you stay here tonight? Wow, this was a little overwhelming and not what I expected. I said yes and they fed me dinner and a wonderful breakfast, I showered and washed clothes and had a wonderful bed to sleep in, we also had some wonderful conversations.
The next morning Bruce and Pauline invited me to come back and visit. He said we’re not far from Manhattan if you want to visit the big city. I immediately said, my wife would love that so I may take him up on his offer. He also wanted me to have his phone number in case something happened and I needed help. To say the least I was positively impacted by this act of kindness by total strangers.
Bruce took me and dropped me off near the trail and we said our goodbyes. While hiking you have time to ponder things and I pondered what Bruce and Pauline did for some time over the next few days. He took me in, treated me like a king and my dog Okie also and wanted nothing in return. This was a case of unmerited favor, in other words Bruce and Pauline owed me nothing but showed me grace (ie. unmerited favor) even though I’d done nothing to deserve it.
I pondered this act of unmerited favor in my own life and found out how often I do things only to somehow keep score or set a limit on how often I’ll do something. I found out how often I fail to show unmerited favor. After pondering and praying about this great act that was showed to me, I decided that I’ll begin calling two friends that seem to almost refuse to call me but seem to enjoy when I call them. I’ll put this call on my calendar and begin to call these two friends–not keeping score by how often they call me (or at least work hard not to). I’m sure other things will come up in my life where I’ll be reminded of the kindness that was shown to me by two total strangers and it will have a positive impact on my actions.
Greetings Scott,
Great tale of kindness! You are the first guest traveler to share such a story. Many thanks! Once I’ve caught up to the end of our journey I’ll cut and paste this for a regular post as well.
It was a pleasure bumping into you, I believe, three days in a row along the AT. When you resume your section hike in Salisbury consider contacting us.
Kirk