Date: 2008-08-02
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Ten Mile River
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Ate, packed up and on my way by 7:00 a.m. Within the first mile I came upon the famous Dover Oak. It's hard to believe that something so close to a road is still standing? Already over 300 years old, hopefully it will last another 300 years?2-1/2 miles later, I crossed a small foot bridge that Sprite & Freckles just behind me would see and photograph a Beaver swimming. The area was marshy but fortunately there were boards to walk on. Coming out of the marsh, I came upon a set of railroad tracks. On the otherside was the bench and platform that represented the AT RR station. The train only stopped 1 day a week?Just under a mile to the east, was another deli. Should we go for it? What do you think? Breakfast is always a good way to start out the day. It's now been only 3 miles but I am hungry. So I had a bagel, twinkie, pop & chips. I really enjoyed the beer I was carrying yesterday and had with dinner. So I got a couple more for tonight. And just because I can and normally would never do, I had a cold beer with my breakfast. I don't know where this craving has come from as of late? Whether it's the calories, or quinches my thirst better than gatorade or just goes well with a Little Debbie?As we sat at a picnic table, we briefly met a guy who had made an elaborite dream catcher, nearly the size of and attached to his pack. It was all made with foraged materials and was an impressive piece of work. I regret not remembering his name, I didn't get the sense he was thru-hiking the trail, I never saw him before or after? For lack of a better name, I will remember him simply as "Dream Catcher".Not long after, thunder came booming overhead. I mean right on top of me and so powerful I nearly fell to the ground. Next came the lightning, soon followed by a torrential rain that lasted 1-1/2 hrs. The trail turned into a flowing creek and as I went uphill, I was walking into small pools and waterfalls as the water flowed down over my boots.I stopped briefly at the Wiley Shelter to have a quick lunch and check out a small gash on my leg. There was no point in trying to get dry, so I headed back out right away. After only a mile, I noticed a small sign nailed to a tree. "Connecticut". I am here, my 10th state, only 4 more to go? After Virginia, the states come and go much quicker.I stood and visualized in my mind, a map of the states I have traveled since Georgia. Is it possible, of course it is, however I still find it hard to believe?Another 3 miles brought me to the Ten Mile River Lean-To. There lying inside was a ridge runner named "Spork". We spoke briefly, however he was ill from something, so I thought it better to move on.In perhaps another mile I noticed a clearing away from the foot bridge that crossed the river. The three of us set up our tents, I hung my gear up in a futile effort for them to dry, it was not to be.We did however drink a toast and celebrate arriving in Connecticut.We have traveled a long way together. We are of the very few who have done so this year. Other than a small handfull of people whom started together, most of which are couples, I know of very few? That is a celebration of it's own!