Date: 2015-07-04
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter 

To: Town of Lime Rock
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Happy Independence Day! Today ended up being an amazing day! I got an early start on the trail and got in one of my higher mileage days. The trail is getting harder and more challenging for me every day. I expected it to get easier, but I'm told this is not going to happen. I also thought I would have what everyone refers to my "trail legs" by now. Maybe my legs are as strong as they are going to get. I really thought I would be doing 25 miles a day by now and I would hardly feel it. This is also not happening. In fact I am getting slower as the trail gets more vertical. I also have a big fear of falling ever since I injured my wrists last year. Being careful is good, but I am taking it to an extreme. Yesterday had some scrambles and down climbs in the rain that took it's toll on me.Today's morning hike continued along the Housitanic River. We found some awesome trail magic at the end of a road right before a brook crossing that had signs warning it may not be passable if rocks are submerged. Despite all the rain we've had we all were able to make it across. The father of a thru-hiker Lost Boy and Girlfriend had left a note and sodas, candy bars and fruit as thanks for all the trail magic his son had received in 2014. It was quite touching and much appreciated. The rain soon started and we were soaked and cold again. It amazes me how cold it can get in the middle of the summer here. I had to wear my rain jacket to keep from freezing. We made it to a shelter around noon and stopped for lunch and to let the rain let up a bit. I had my favorite lunch that I enjoy on the trail, salami and parmesan on a tortilla. I was still craving a hot dog for some reason. A group of twenty something NOBO'S came in at the same time. Wish I could remember their names but it was enjoyable talking to them. They were clearly having a good time. I was feeling pretty good about covering 10 miles so far today until they told me they did 17 miles already and had left at the same time as me. Just a little discouraging.The downpour finally stopped and we took off in a light rain. The afternoon wad long and rocky but parts of the trail were really nice especially with the fallen pine needles. Someone told us the Lime Rock Speedway was not too far off and that there would be a fireworks display. This got me motivated to pick up my pace. The Lime Rock Shelter and camping area was closed do to fallen trees so a large group was going to the last camping spot before the road detour through Lime Rock where the speedway wad located. We decided to bypass the camping spot and head for the speedway in hopes of finding a concession stand. Soon the sound of engines roaring were echoing through the mountains for miles. It sounded so close for hours.We finally reached the road where thereally was a one mile detour because of a bridge repair. We passed a house with a big red barn and a man and woman came to the end if their driveway and waved us in. We waved back thinking they were just being friendly. It turns out they were having a huge 4th of July party with about 40 family members and friends. They insisted we join them and we were immediately given drinks and shown tables laden with every delicious kind of food imaginable. Eliza and Steven introduced us to their family members and we were asked many questions about our hike. It was their son Henry's third birthday and we all sang happy birthday to him and had a slice of ice cream cake. He is a cutie pie with curly blonde hair. Everyone was extremely friendly and we had the best time. We were invited to watch the fireworks from their property and had the best view in the house with a dazzling display. One of the best I have ever seen. We were also invited to spend the night in their barn with the adorable chickens. Another completely unexpected show of generosity and hospitality. A wonderful day of celebration!