Date: 2020-08-28
From: Schaghticoke Rd (Kent)

To: Water St (Falls Village)
Miles today: 25.0

Kent was shrouded in mist at dawn. Drops continued to strike the tent from trees above. Condensation coated the inside. I try to avoid pitching in the rain, but of course that's why I have a tent in the first place. Just have to air it in the sun when I have a long break. As I was breaking it down a maintenance truck pulled in. The driver noticed me but went about his business and left soon after. Grabbed breakfast at Gifford's, the only place open, but they happen to make a great lox bagel. I never thought of putting avocado on it. Leaving town I found Pringles at the gas station. She had weathered the storm in Bulls Bridge, then at dusk followed a gravel road that bypassed Schaghticoke Mountain and stealth camped on a field at the Kent prep school. She had to pass downed power lines and tornado damage. Hopper last night told me he had watched air swirling over Schaghticoke. Being on top of the mountain I never felt like I was in or near a tornado. Either they missed me or the forest cover protected me.The trail in Connecticut has two styles: laid back strolls along the Housatonic River, and roller coaster rides over steep ledges and rocky hills. The latter are indistinguishable from New York. I remember the river strolls from my sectioning, not the roller coaster. The climbs and descents are short but often very steep. One descent to the river from St. John's Ledges was trickier than the Arden descent in New York. So now I'm pinning my hopes on Massachusetts giving me a break before I get to the Whites.Fortunately almost every stretch of roller coaster leads to a village with a store or deli. I got breakfast in Kent, lunch in Cornwall Bridge, and a cold Coke in Falls Village to end the day. This is my kind of hiking.Met a handful of hikers. No Chill is a SOBO who started July 16th and was being slackpacked by her husband. She got caught in yesterday's storm as well. I passed two more SOBOs, including a sixtyish guy, but didn't get their names. Also a young guy sectioning Connecticut. I had planned to stay in Salisbury with Vanessa Breton tomorrow, but called to see if she'd pick me up tonight in Falls. She was very obliging, so for the first time since Waynesboro, Virginia I'll be in the same place two nights in a row. I still plan to hike the few miles into Salisbury in the morning but I'll have most of the day off.Had a chance to talk with two of my kids this afternoon. It's been awhile, I keep waiting until I have wifi for a video call, but that's been rare so the good ol' fashioned audio will do. Vanessa picked me up at the package store in Falls where my "package" was a liter-sized Coke. She has hosted hikers in her home for years. In fact I stayed there during a section three years ago. Her home is in the center of Salisbury, an historic and well-kept classic New England town. After an amazing shower I walked to the corner to eat at Neo in the cool evening air. I treated myself to a steak, by far the finest meal I've had on this hike. Two older locals were performing a light jazz set. The forecast is now for rain all day, particularly heavy in the early morning. So we'll see about hiking those few miles. Once dry it takes some fortitude to go back out in the muck.