Date: 2008-08-03
From: Ten Mile River

To: Kent Connecticut
Miles today: 7.8

As I opened my food bag to make breakfast, my last bagel and piece of cheese had been ravaged by some critter? The only consolation was that my snicker bar was left untouched. Normally, I carry a little extra, however my appetite has been growing more than usual. I noticed the bottom of my bag had a hole chewed in it. Odd, as my bag was hung, I never did figure this one out?It will be a stomach growling 8 miles until I reach Kent for resupply. The next part of the trail involved several climbs, I was already hungry and this just burned more starvation into my gut. As I was making my way down the mountain, I could see the road that would take me into Kent. I couldn't wait, I was tempted to start chewing on pavement once I reached it.Approaching the road there was a car pulling up. Day hikers I thought? I passed a man and small boy. The other man to my surprise was "Dah Wah He". I haven't seen him since I was headed into Palmerton PA. They had just arrived and "Dah Wah He" was providing trail Magic.Just when I needed it the most, and now suddenly appearing!Dah-Wah-He had been off trail a few days treating his Lyme Disease. His leg had the big red tell tale bulls eye ring. He was now on antibiotics (Doxacyclene?)and will be returning to the trail later today. His friend Mike was driving him. I can't even begin to tell you how good that stacked sandwhich, fruit, cookies and pop tasted. What a life saver. Had we passed a minute or so earlier or they arrived a minute or so later, we would have missed this. Once again the timing, a coincidence, I think not.My buddy Gonzo had arrived just behind us. We thanked Dah Wah He & his friend Mike for making all this possible. The mile walk into Kent was now more of leisure, rather than a mission to find food.Upon reaching town, I went to the St Andrews Church on the corner. I spoke with Father Roger about tent space they provide at times for hikers. There was a small patch of grass between the daycare fence and bushes next to the church parking area. Not exactly a rustic setting, but a much appreciated home for the night.I ran into Powder River across the street sitting in front of the Outfitters.He informed me that after he & Y2K left us at the Telephone Pioneers Shelter, they pushed on until well after midnight. They had 21 miles to do before the post office closed yesterday at noon.Unfortunately, Y2K was now in the hospital with a severe stress facture in his foot. He is now off the trail, was it really worth it? I hope he has a speedy recovery, although, I bet he will be back out here before he is suppose too.He was suppose to return here tonight, but never did. Good luck Y2K.Kent was a nice little town, it was more like a weekend place to come to, while enjoying the drive. It consisted of several art galleries, boutiques and some nice dining establishments. Everything was a bit upscale but friendly. Not many people knew of the AT and of hikers passing through here.Once Laundry and resupply were out of the way, lunch and dinner were the days hi-lite. The little patch of grass at the church became quite crowded.Besides the three of us were Dah Wah He, Walkie Talkie, Gallons, Kirk, Gonzo Thor & Hornswaggle. Hornswaggle is a fellow Hoosier who carries a trumpet with him. I've only heard him blow it a few times however, I'm not sure if he's learning to play or exactly what? Definitely something you won't forget but not entirely surprised to see out here either. You get used to oddity and what was once considered abnormal is now pretty much the norm.I was glad that Kent had a pay phone and that it was only across the street instead of at the other end of town. As I walked back to my tent in the church yard tonight, I couldn't help but laugh to myself in thinking of all the strange places I have slept while hiking the AT?