Date: 2015-06-30
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 14.3

6/30, 14.3, Falls Village, CTAfter a beautiful night under the stars we woke early and were on trail at 7:30. It is interesting how little our morning routines have changed since we last hiked together. Ironman Bill (IB) and Just Pete (JP) work together taking turns each morning with one fixing breakfast while the other packs up the tent and bedding. Their routine really hasn't changed since I last hiked with them several weeks past but I guess mine hasn't either. As such we were on trail together at 7:30 heading north once again. Our plan today was to hike to a shelter, 17 miles out, positioning ourselves to go into Salisbury tomorrow on a short hike, picking ip my resupply and doing laundry. Morning temperatures were nicely cool but he humidity made for sweaty hiking irregardless. We started with a significant climb so my achilles got a workout a little sooner than I like but it is showing signs of healing each day as I keep it taped and supported. We took a break at 9 and then at 1 stopping by rocks or downed trees to snack with a place to sit. The mosquitoes are getting thicker with all of the moisture of late so I am getting very close to using a little deet. Growing up in Wisconsin I seem to have a higher tolerance for the buggers, but even my deet hating habits are being challenged as I have been "bit" or "stung" twice by an insect I have yet to get a look at. They have nailed me at the back of my knee, feeling everything like a bee sting for about 15 minutes after the bite, but I do not generally react to those things, so there are no extended symptoms beyond bug bite itching. Soon after our 1 pm stop our discussions had evolved to merging plans and resupply points up the trail all of which are complicated by a forecast of significant rain and thunder tonight. Soon JP suggested to IB that his friend they stayed with a few days back may be even closer to the trail now than before and had invited them to call him again if need be. Since IB had taken a bit of a slide down a steep rocky trail yesterday, leaving several scrapes, he thought it might be a good idea to see about another stay where he could assess and clean his wounds. I was planning to take a rest in Salisbury anyway so an overnight would not be a bad idea. IB made the call and his friend agreed to pick us up in Falls Village. We reached Falls Village at 3:15 and Walt and Lynn picked us up there around 4. It was a quick trip back to their beautiful home where we were able to shower, then headed out for dinner. Back at the house we started some laundry before taking a tour of the property and feeding the Llahmas Walt and Lynn keep as pets. Soon we were all fading and decided to turn in making a nice complete evening with our latest trail angels. The forecast for tomorrow is for the overnight heavy thunderstorms to continue in the morning and rain most of the day. Walt offered to let us use his extra vehicle for resupply, and to stay another night, so we discussed it and decided it would be a good plan. Soon we were all settled in and headed to sleep by 11:00. Tomorrow we will rest and resupply getting ready for the next push north. We will supply for five days and plan to hike 15 to 18 miles each day as we continue to let our bodies strengthen. We hope to finish by mid August so with just under 700 miles to go we have a goal of 100 miles per week with few or no zero days. We will take some short days for rest and laundry when necessary but must push on to finish. It feels very right to be back hiking with IB and JP making our way to Katahdin. Hike on!Silverback