Date: 2005-08-31
From: Linda & Randy's BackYard Cabin

To: Norwich Inn
Miles today: 8.3

This morning we woke up and it was pouring outside but we were so happy to be dry and leisurely getting ready in Randy and Linda's cabin. We both slept well and were ready to get to NH even though the rain was coming down. Randy made us breakfast; eggs, coffee, and biscuits. Once again it was totally unexpected and made us realize what wonderful people the Hart's are. They were so welcoming and made us feel as though we were part of their family. The generosity that we received in West Hartford was one of our best experiences on the trail. We said our goodbyes to Randy and Chris as they began talking about their busy work day to come. Harts: We hope that we conveyed to you how much we really appreciated your hospitality, getting out of the rain and getting to know your family is something that we will always remember. The trail is a great place because of special people like you.We hit the trail about 8:30. We had a nice road walk to start and it warmed us up right away as the rain continued to pound down on us. We were happy to get into the woods and off the road because it offered more cover from the rain. The trail was extremely slippery and I watched as Piker almost wiped out. Thick branches and smaller limbs were falling from trees and landing in the trail as the wind picked up. It was pretty miserable hiking. We were both soaking wet and the water just continued rolling down our faces and ending up in our shoes. Squishing along though the miles went pretty quickly and before we knew it we were walking the road into Norwich. We decided to hit the Post Office and send home some things that we do not need anymore to try and lighten our packs, which are feeling pretty heavy these last few days. After we decided to walk down to the library to update our journal and then we would decide what to do after that. Typing away, we were making progress. I was almost done putting in one of my long drawn out entries when the power went out. DAMN!!! All was lost. The librarian told us that a tree near by had gone down and that it would be a while, so we left the library. The wind had picked up considerably and it was not very appealing to take off hiking in, so we took up Mama and Papa Piker on their offer to put us up for the night. We got a room at the beautiful Norwich Inn. It would prove to be one of our favorite spots so far on the trail.Of course first of all we took showers and put some clean clothes on. Piker went and ordered some lunch to go from the restaurant. Dumplings, cheeseburgers with housemade ketchup, potato and mixed green salads. I don't think that we sayed anything besides "MMMMMMM" as we chowed down. The cable continued to go in and out as the storm seemed to be approaching. I was content lounging on the bed watching Oprah through the power surges and Piker decided to hit up the library again. It was wonderful to be out of the horrible weather and just relaxing. We spoke with our families and decided to hit the Pub for some dinner about 8:30. As soon as we stepped out of our room the power went off. We walked into the dark Pub and grabbed a seat at the bar. The bartender seemed pretty stressed out already but was still really friendly to us. We ordered 2 Oatmeal Stouts, made by the Inn, and it was so yummy. As a result of the outage they had a limited menu but to us anything other then mac & cheese, potatoes or Ramen was an upgrade. We ordered ceasar salads, a brisket sandwich and Ahi Tuna. Everything was awesome, extremely fresh, tasty and the highest quality. It may have just been our favorite food on the trail. The bar atmosphere was cozy and intimate and we almost liked it better than when the lights came back on about and hour and a half later. We got to talking to the bartender, Carol, and she was telling us how she used to live in NYC. You all know how I am always so intrigued and interested about the city. We talked and she was really impressed by our hike and asked us a lot of questions. She bought us each a beer, which was really nice, and we took it back to our room. When we got there the cable was out so we sipped our oatmeal stouts and chatted out this crazy adventure that we are on and read some of our old journals outloud. It was really fun and we just enjoy eachothers company so much. The evening winded down and it was way past our bedtime. I think that we were both asleep in a matter of seconds. What a wonderful stay, we were able to escape the pounding storm that hit when the power went out. We are so lucky. Thank you Mama and Papa Piker for the wonderful stay.The rain slowed us down a bit the last few days but it looks like nice weather is on the way and we will try to push hard through NH. 440 miles to go. Thats nothin', right?As I struggle through the hike and sometimes I get frustrated or down about our situation I am reminded of the terrible state of New Orleans and Mississippi today. When we did have cable during our stay I was glued to CNN and taking in the destruction and pandamonioum that is occuring down south. SO many lives lost, so many in situations that they can not escape. It makes my life seem so blessed right now. I am constantly thinking of all of the people walking down the highways, piling onto buses, looking for a way out. I pray that supplies get to the area soon and that the Federal Gov't stands up and does what they say they will. Through the looting and violence that is occuring I hope that everyone comes together and realizes that now they are all fighting the same fight: the fight to stay alive and keep the peace. May God Bless all of the people struggling in New Orleans and Mississippi. I wish that there was more that I could do right now but hopefully my prayers will be heard along with the rest of the worlds.                        Peace & Love,   Ms. Mileage