Date: 2010-07-28
From: Native Landscaping

To: Kent Laundromat
Miles today: 18.4

Before I go into the details of today, let me paint you a picture of my immediate circumstances. I am sitting at the Kent Laundromat in Kent, CT and it's almost 9pm. My clothes are done but I've got no where to go. I had my mail drop sent here so I have my computer and this laundry place has WIFI. However, the cheapest hotel in Kent is like $200...I don't think so. Plus, I can't exactly pop my tent in someone's yard. So what are my options? The answer to follow at the end of the blog.So I left Native Landscaping (a place that lets thru hikers camp). I was camped between the railroad tracks and the highway. As you can imagine I didn't sleep like a champ. So I was up at em on the trail by 730am this morning which is technically early for yours truly.My mission was to get to Kent, CT by 4pm at the latest. The first ten miles weren't that bad. I finally got out of NY and into CT. You always feel accomplished when you arrive into a new state. Its like being promoted at work I guess only theres no pay involved and I can't go home from work everyday to sit on the couch and watch TV Then you'll never believe what happened...I hit the wall at about mile 14. Fancy that!!! Now, I'm no doctor but if for the last several days I've hit the wall at mile 14 guess what might happen today?? BING, you are correct! I hit the wall at mile 14 today.Yup, I hit the wall at mile 14. Kent, CT was at mile 18.4 (since I am Mr. Technical its really mile 19.2 because you have to walk .8 into Kent from the trail). What could I do? Well, you read the opening paragraph so you know I'm in Kent. I hoofed it! I got my butt in gear. I want to put this out there as well...I use the Companion for all of my data on this trip. It tells me whats coming up on the trail, water, motels, towns, elevations, etc. However, twice in the last two days it has failed to mention mountains. When I looked at my data at mile HITTHEWALL (14), it showed no indication of a mountain. Well, there was a mountain. I felt like a 90 year old blind man (no offense to any 90 year old blind man) wobbling up the mountain. I took my time because I couldn't do anything but take my time. I stumbled down the rocks very weary.But I made it to Kent, CT by 550pm. Not exactly 4pm but I made it and got my bounce boxes at Backcountry Outfitters. Now what? The guy at the outfitters told me to check with the Priest to see if I could tent on the church grounds when I asked him if there was any affordable place to sleep. I knocked on Father White's door but no answer. It was a no go. I staggered around town with all my gear plus two big boxes. Kent is a nice town. I was treated with a mild neglect. Eventually, I found the laundromat and walked in. Whoops. "Can't come in here like that!" said a lady. Um what? I just want to do my laundry. "You hikers break all of the rules and don't care" she continued with rolling eye type tone. Well, how bout this, I'll make sure I'll do whatever you ask me and I won't bath in the bathroom sink. That brought a smile to her face and she was nice to me after that.So thats where we left off from the first paragraph. Where am I staying tonight? No idea. The lady said I could sleep on the back porch (not much of a porch...just a cement slab) so thats what it looks like I'm doing. In fact, I'm sitting out here now...getting bitten alive by CT mosquitos. I don't look forward to this night's sleep but oh well. Sometimes you gots to do what you gots to do. Tomorrow there is a large street festival here in Kent so I might stick around for a little while and partake...see if theres anything free in the food department. The funny thing is, by the time you've read this tonight will have already happened so the drama and excitement will have passed.Health update: its not good after 14 miles. Thats my limit right now. Now, I just want you to know that I'm letting you in on my life on the trail. I want the world to know what I'm going through as it may help someone else down the road. I hate the fact that I come off as a complainer and someone who can't handle this. Ladies and gentlemen, I play football and baseball so my body goes through a lot but my body is failing me. I've received a lot of advice and I think I just need to eat. However, I have no appetite so its tough. I try though.UPDATE!!!!!! As I sat here on this porch typing my blog a gentleman named Pete the Mayor came over and gave me the low down on Kent, CT (as we were discussing this a car dangerously sped by and there were two gunshots in the distance). Anyways, he offered his yard for me to tent in so thats what I'm doing. Yaay. God will provide. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. I'm thinking of taking more than a day or two off so my body can rest. What do you think? Put yourself in my shoes. Anyways, thats all for tonight.He is ALWAYS there for me!