Date: 2013-08-24
From: US 9 and NY 403

To: Campsite near Rt. 41, Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 91.4
Weather: clear sky

Take nothing for granted. Not one blessed, cool mountain day or one hellish, desert day or one sweaty, stinky , hiking companion. It is all a gift. Cindy Ross. "Journey on the Crest"   I'm sitting under a majestic maple tree, in a cozy fleece shirt to be comfortable in the cool morning air. I have my music on softly, and am enjoying the view: a mountain spring on one side, beautiful forest surrounding me and a great camp spot just behind.    Here's how yesterday went.....walked to picturesque Salisbury, CT on good trail in great hiking weather. Met Lisa, an enthusiastic friend of hikers at the market area in Salisbury. She gave Alex and I a unique talisman--an odd shaped, hand made die. Shopped for fuel canisters at the outfitter, got yummy baked goods at the bakery (my fav--I do this every chance I get and have been downing fabulous cinnamon buns, cookies, croissants and doughnuts with abandon) and shopped for a few supplies at perhaps the best grocery on the trail. Very gourmet.    We then walked just out of town to where I am, a perfect spot known to Alex from previous hikes. Best was yet to come for this terrific day--we arranged for a pepperoni pizza to be delivered to the trailhead parking area, a short distance down the hill from where I sit. No cooking, just a great pizza on the trail. And then a good rest after a long, productive and enjoyable day.    It's no surprise to me why I love it out here, walking from GA to ME. I could write about stinky dirty socks, tired legs and sweaty bodies, bug bites, rain or days when my brain tanks a bit. But wait--I have mentioned those things in previous musings but I always see the positive, appreciating the life I'm living and finding something to enjoy every day. This mystifies Alex and others I've hiked with but it's just how I see things. Every day holds something new and the adventure is in finding it and enjoying it, being fully in the present and not mortgaging the great moments right in front of me by worrying about what's next or fretting about what happened yesterday.    That's not saying I don't plan or learn from yesterday's missteps. I regularly screw up but try harder next time. I've learned so much on this journey. Practical hiking stuff and a lot about myself. The personal growth part evolves every day. I'm becoming a better planner and have learned to use maps in addition to a data book. I've learned the value of a meal in town and a rest stop regularly. LOL, Tie likes her zero days!       I'll get to where I'm going and I'm doin' it my way. Fall in New England sounds good to me. I'll be spending lots of time in areas where others will come for a week or weekend to enjoy our beautiful world.   In my book, you can't beat that.    I'll soon need my warmer clothing to be prepared. I have a wonderful hiking partner who is always busting me for just about everything but that's how we roll.   It's most often hilarious (for me, anyway) but sometimes tension builds when tiredness or hunger takes over. I've learned a lot from Alex. He copes with much that most people couldn't understand on a daily basis with clarity and dogged determination. And no, I don't mean dealing with neophyte me, which can be vexing to say the least. I know that at this point on my journey having found a compatible hiking partner is perhaps the biggest blessing yet. I would not want to be walking alone at this point for many reasons. I've enjoyed hiking with many people and have learned things from so many folks I've met along the way.    Here's what else has transpired in the last week:   Walked through the Graymoor Spirital Life center and heard a group of Guyanians singing and chanting in a forest grove.    Met my wonderful friend Jolly at Fahnestock State Park in NY for a great overnight visit. He was a trail angel par excellence, bringing personal shower supplies for both of us (my own scubby and fragrant body wash!), turkey burgers for the grill and cold beer, fuel canisters and other supplies we needed and the best--his happy self. We talked about our early experiences together and it was so good to see him. He looks great! So many thanks to a wonderful friend, another blessing from this hike.    Stopped in Wingdale, NY for a rest day. There is an AT train stop there, taking hikers right into NYC if they wish. We enjoyed meeting Jennifer at the Webatuck Cafe. She was a bundle of joy and bubbly enthusiasm for life, my kinda woman. Laundry and another good pizza rounded out a needed day of rest.    Walked to Kent, CT on a beautiful day and saw Storytime and Sweet Cheeks in town. Had a little snafu with our bounce box at the PO, but eagle eye Alex noticed our box at the outfitter and all turned out well. We would not have wanted that box to go astray. Camped by the river just a few miles out of town.    Enjoyed the trail along the scenic Housatonic River in CT. I love the sound of water, seeing birds on the river and the occasional train on the tracks alongside. This part of CT is picture perfect. We stopped into the village of Cornwall Bridge where the owners of the package store offer thru hikers a free beer.   Not a Bud, either. I chose a Harp and Alex's pick was Anchor Steam.   The proprietress had sign in registers dating to 1978. She was so nice and what a treat on a warm day. It's things/people like this that make this journey so unique and such fun.    That brings me to this morning again.   I'm four miles from MA and am headed towards Great Barrington for a rest day, probably Sun/Mon. Always looking forward and lovin' my days.   It's all good in beautiful New EnglandTie (Extra pix)