goodbyes / ithaca

Writing you from Ithaca, New York. It really feels like you're on a journey when you cross into a new land. That was how we felt crossing the border, although there was no Welcome to NY sign for us to take a picture of! Unfortunately, today we had to say a sad goodbye to dear Carly, in Towanda, PA. We salute her for her accomplishments and wish her much luck and joy in whatever other journeys her summer may hold. After our goodbye lunch (first "real" meal in 4 days) and some bonding time down by the river, Peter and I moved on at around 2:30 in the afternoon. We made good time despite the rain & wind (not too many hills) and made it the remaining 50 miles to Ithaca in about 4 and a half hours. We were soaked by the time we got there...and i found out that my waterproof coat doesn't live up to its name, and I was carrying about 5 extra pounds of water inside my shoes, and it was cold, but oh we felt so alive whipping along with the rain in our faces! Our stuff stayed pretty much dry (everything important, anyway) even though we didn't. While we were trying to contact our wonderful new friend and Ithaca host Madi, we stopped in at this wonderful local coffee shop and cafe called the Smart Monkey. We enjoyed incredible coffee, great art on the walls, and the fact that the middle of the place was made of two trees. The people at the next table started singing songs, and that really warmed our hearts as well. We spent some time talking to the employees around closing time, and then eventually found Madi & her place from which I am typing just now! We've been having a great time discussing and playing music and chilling out. Tomorrow we'll spend time around here and take a much-needed rest break. Not that I'm tired. Not that my legs are tired. Never.