Date: 2014-07-03
From: Telephone Pioneer Shelter

To: Simbury CT
Miles today: 13.1

Oconee and I both ran out of water in the night which is kind of ironic given the deluge of ranin we had last night. Less than a mile down the trail we were fortunate to get double trail magic with a house that allowed us to use their outside hose and there was also a cooler there from a local Girl Scout troop which had various snacks for us to eat. At the crossing we also saw the "Dover Oak" which is the largest tree on the AT. After some pictures we headed up the trail which was already becoming quite warm. By the time we got to the top of the ridge we were both soaking wet with sweat rolling down our faces and through our "dry" clothes we had put on this morning. The good part of the day however was the trail which remained good for traveling. Ten miles into the day we crossed out of NY and into CT. Nine states down and only five states to go! Just when I thought I could sweat no more we had a steep uphill 600 foot climb to the top of 10 mile hill leaving my shirt and my shorts saturated and sweat running down the back of my legs and my forearms. For me these are the toughest. Not because of the climbs or the mileage but because the heat and humidity maike the air thick and hart to breath. We make sure we stay hydrated by taking several water breaks throughout the day, but with so many breaks, climbs uphill seem endless. Finally after almost an hour more of hiking we finally topped out and started to go downhill and while this may seem better than climbing up, with the rocks and roots that are wet from the rain, it has been dangerous at times with a number of misteps and near falls to deal with. I was the first to slip with my right leg slipping and buckling under me putting all of my weight on it in an unnatural folded up position, stetching all of the ligaments on top. I was able to catch myself before completely wiping out but feel the strain and soreness that has resulted. Hopefully it won't be anything long term to deal with. Oconee is next as he slipped going down, also straining his knee which was already giving him some problems. He is slow to get up but finally does and carefully hobbles down the trail. We reached the 10 mile river which then flows into the housitonic river. We follow the river where we pass "Happy" a North Bound Thru Hiker. We then ended up meeting 2 Trail Maintainers who tell us about a gas station which has groceries that is nearby. What an oasis it turns out to be and 2 powerades, a sub and some chettos later I feel so much better. But the heat and the humidity didn't go away and we continued to walk through it and it is kicking my !#%&. Went back into the store and got a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream and a bootle of water while we waited for Oconee's nephew Kevin to pick us up. Called and talked to both Laura and Jack and it was good to hear from them. While at the picnic table this guy in a truck stopped to talk to us and offered us some t-shirts from his lumber company. Its amazing the people we have the opportunity to meet. While still waiting the bar/restaurant next store opened up so since it had air conditioning we moved next store. OH WHAT A RELIEF AND IN THE WORDS OF A VERY FAMOUS PERSON IT WAS "PHENOMENAL" ! We watch the news about Hurricane Arthur moving up the coast which is hopefully going to go out to see and only dump some rain on us which we won't mind because we will be at Michelle and Kevin's. Keving picked us up at 6 and Michelle had tacos and chocolate chip cookies for us. After a shower and some journaling it was time for bed and oh did it feel good. The bed and pillow put me right to sleep with the sound of thunder and rain coming down outside. Thank you very much God for all you do.