Date: 2007-05-17
From: Kent, CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 16.2

I would like to make an official retraction. Kent does not, in fact, "suck" as I mentioned before. Actually, Kent has become one of my new favorite memories to treasure.Where to begin...After getting offered a ride into town in the pouring rain, I visited the local Outfitter to check out their gear, and to see if they knew anything about cheap (free) lodging in the area. They and my guide book both suggested I ask the Rector at the church.Across the street, I found the church to be open, but with nobody inside. So, I wandered around to the adjacent building and found three people frantically running around a big kitchen, shouting orders, chopping hurridly, talking about sauteed mushrooms and not letting them cook too long. I was heasitant to interrupt, but one man noticed me. As it turns out, these three delightfully, though high-paced, people were catering the big event this weekend: The local Inn/Snazzy Restaurant/Pub owner's granddaughter is getting married! Very big deal, I got the impression.They tried to be as helpful as they could by telling me where the rector lived, but then had to quickly get back to work. They suggested I drop my pack while I figured out what to do.I wandered around the tiny town a little more, stopping at the Rector's unoccupied house with no answer, walking down the streets as people everywhere turned their noses up at me. I stopped at the Restaurant to ask about room prices for the night, but at a whopping $125 "discounted rate for hikers," I knew there was no way I'd pay that (or any, I guess!) amount.Went to library, went to outfitter again... Wander, wait, wander, wait... Still no rector, and still raining.Back at the church where the caterers were by then packing up, I waited inside as I checked my guide book to help me decide what to do for the night. As the rain continued to pour, and I continued to be an absolute rain-wimp, the caterers asked me if I would at least like a ride to the "Fife." The restaurant/pub, that is.I didn't really because I'd just been there, and not only that, but it was literally a two minute walk! But, I accepted anyway because they were really trying to be helpful.So I sat at the bar and had a beer, not really knowing what to do with myself, but enjoying the cold drink regardless. The bartender had an accent, and come to find out, he is from Mexico. We chatted (in english) a bit until he asked me about my...delimma. I described it when the woman four seats down proclaimed, "Well, I think you'd just better stay at my house tonight. I have tv, internet, and you can sleep in my daughter's room." Before moving on with the thanks, I should note here that I also met two other fascinating characters at the Fife. One frequently visits Katahdin, and the other is a new black belt in Tae Kwan Do, at age 65. Her grandchildren like to ask her how she breaks boards.The thanks:Susie. Thank you. You turned this judgemental town into a blessed relief. Your home is beautiful, and you invited me into it. The bed was perhaps the most comfortable EVER, and the shower was hot, with endless supplies of soap! I watched my weekly tv show (after setting my alarm, sleeping, then waking up again for it... Hikers sleep early!), and your house cat slept much of the night at my feet. I felt very much at home, and at ease.Again, I am reminded of the experiences both on and off the trail that make this journey so wonderful. I am reminded of the goodness within people, and the willingness to bring strangers some sense of happiness through kindness. You did little, yet you did so, so much.Kent, CT is now one of my favorite stops. Nice, level hiking by the river today. CT is really beautiful. I had a lovely morning, but the afternoon was difficult. There are two italians here at the shelter with me tonight. They were a kick trying to figure out their brand new bivys! At one point in the hike, I had to cross a river. I stood at the bank and could see, very clearly, where the trail resumed on the other side of the water. But there was NO way to cross that river unless I waded in. I laughed at it, and stomped my way upstream until I found a felled tree which served as a slipery, but effective, bridge over the water. I first put all my important things into dry sacks, then hoped for some good balance. No problem.Beautiful streams, falls, pine trees, perfect rocks covered in moss... beautiful hiking.