Date: 2007-08-08
From: NY 22

To: CT 341
Miles today: 18.3

August 8, Nine States Down, Five to Go!Today was an odd but good day. Melk, Yellow Snow Man and I got up and Melk's uncle, Bert, dropped us off at the trail. No one was really feeling it but for some reason I was less dreadful than the others. It was drizzling which never makes for great enthusiasm.But we started hiking. We went through a field and about a mile later entered the woods. I was actually enjoying the trail this morning. All trail is now compared to PA and the trail in the morning today seemed like carpet compared to that. So I got lost in thought and just enjoyed myself. A little more than five miles later, we all met at Wiley Shelter. Melk informed us that she was calling her uncle for a ride - she just wasn't feeling it today. She was totally exhausted (I think we all were) and she didn't feel like she could do 12 more miles. So, that's what she did. It was mighty tempting to go with her and Yellow Snow Man actually fell victim to it but I somehow stayed strong. I wanted to get to Connecticut, to New England, to my goal for before I leave for home. I kept going.Soon after the shelter, I crossed into Connecticut - super exciting! I stopped for photos and reveled in my happiness. There was even a beautiful sign welcoming me to the state. I was thrilled to finally be in New England. It felt great knowing I am finally in at least the right region of the country as my goal.The hiking in CT made me happy too. It was like a magical line had been drawn and things in New England became prettier. All of the signs of the trail were beautiful - fresh sage-colored paint with white lettering. And the trail was soft under my feet. I soon came to the Ten Mile River Lean-to and the area around it was gorgeous - definitely one of the prettiest so far. I stopped for a break and enjoyed the scenery before heading on.The Ten Mile River was amazing - I wanted to keep moving so I didn't stop but for a photo but I highly recommend the river. It has been added to my list of favorite places on the trail.I walked a bit more before lunch and my big climb for the day up Schaghticoke Mtn. - a tough 1,000 foot climb that zapped my energy. The weather was hot and steamy and didn't help. On the way up, I met three southbounders (my first ones) - Prancer, Sweet Tea, and Dutch. I was so excited to meet them - it meant the end was in sight (I hope).The rest of the day was up and down and pretty tiring but I managed to finish around 5:30 p.m. and Melk picked me up. We stopped for Ben and Jerry's on the way home - mmm. I. Love. It.I am so happy to be in CT. It really did feel more magical here today.Can't wait to head home tomorrow.- Sound of bugs outside the window.Post Trail Thoughts:Well, it was an odd thing that happened when Melk got to Wiley Shelter. She had officially come off the handle. She'd lost it. My initial entry relayed the feeling that Melk had made a calm, sound decision to call for a ride. And, for her, the decision was sound. But her state of mind was not. As she walked up to the shelter she made the announcement that she was going home. There was no prior discussion so it came as quite a surprise. Though I was a bit baffled, I understood. We'd both reached a critical point - a point where either of us could snap at any moment. The hiking was getting to us and the late nights and energy spent socializing with family had zapped our will to enjoy each step. So home she went. And Yellow Snow Man with her.I would never say it out loud but I was extremely proud of myself that day. I was very rarely the one to hold strong when the lure of town comforts beckoned. No, not me. I was usually the one with the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach feeling guilty. But I needed to see that state line and I was enjoying myself that morning. The weather was perfect and I knew I could go on with the day my way - hiking and stopping when I saw fit.I am so glad I stayed strong that day. The day struck me as one of the most beautiful we'd had in a while. I'm not sure if it was more poignant to me because I felt sorry my friends would not see this hunk of the trail - or if it actually was that much more beautiful. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed this day. Got some respectable miles in, met some SOBOs, and knew I had a four day break coming up. The day was also special because I got to eat a great lunch of a turkey and cheese bagel sandwich on the side of the trail.Schaghticoke Mtn. was tough but I knew the hard part was over after that. If I recall correctly, there was a Native American reservation nearby. I called Melk shortly after that mountain to give her my ETA.We hid the Ben and Jerry's in the fridge that night so we didn't offend Melk's aunt who had kindly stocked her freezer with several tasty ice cream flavors. It wasn't just an ice cream addiction. No, it was a narrow addiction to Ben and Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk minus the Super Fudge Chunks.