Date: 2018-06-15
From: Edward R Murrow Memorial Park

To: 10 Mile River campsite
Miles today: 12.1

I was conscious of the singing bullfrogs all night but not bothered. I did think about Duck Dynasty and how they like to eat them and thought about how I tried to catch them when I was a kid staying with some distant family in Turners Falls Mass in the summer. I don't know who would run around that pond with me trying to be stealth enough to catch the frogs but I like the memories of childhood innocence I'm getting. I feel like we worked for hours on those frogs. We got a late start this morning, River slept a little late. When we were packed up we called for a taxi back to the Dover oak tree where we left off the day before. 2.4 miles later I was passing through a marsh area and gorgeous boardwalk where I stopped to talk with Hugh and Molly. Molly, being 4 legged didn't have much to say but did offer her head for a petting. Hugh thruhiked in 1979 and still looks at the experience fondly. He enjoys the boardwalk with Molly on a regular basis and he showed me some wild mint that I could use as aromatherapy. It's nice to be taking time for these moments now instead of a passing hello. People have so much to offer.I then passed by the Appalachian Trail train station and took a moment to photo before meeting a southbound hiker talking about hot dogs. I got the scoop on that and went to the nursery at the street where he directed me. I was alone there except for someone working in the outside sales area. I went onto the front porch and noticed some information on the Harlem Valley Appalachian Trail Community and some instructions for hikers. I found the gazebo the notice directed me to and rid myself of 35#. I checked my shoes to be sure they were clean and went inside. In the front of the store I found hiker snacks, fuel cans, patches and in the far corner a table and bench with passport stamp, register and other great stuff including a hiker box. Turns out for $5 you can shower here and there is a refrigerator out back you can go to and pick out ice cream and cold beverages for purchase. I picked up a blackberry iced tea and a Klondike bar, a patch and a little turtle I call hitchhiker, cashed out and went to the gazebo to wait for River who I texted to stop here. Stuff Sack and Trowel ( formerly Andrew) showed up along with River. At 11am the food truck Roseanne's showed up down the street slightly and she hooked me up with a homemade chili with extra cheddar cheese. I'm trying to get more calories because that is my issue with the butt dragging. I'm not getting enough calories for immediate needs and for glycogen storage in my muscles. It was delicious. I sat a while digesting before moving on. A few miles later I came to the CT border and stopped for pictures and a Marco Polo for Brian before I was challenged by 10 mile hill. I'm not a fan of the end of day climb but it's sometimes necessary and this time totally worth it. I wandered into 10 mile river campsite after a quick tour of the shelter and privy nearby and I was so excited to be here. It was just after 5pm and I'd texted River to let her know. She wasn't far behind. We had beautiful accommodations for the 2nd night in a row! We set up and bathed in the river before cooking dinner. I just love not being sticky and salty when I crawl into my tent. Just one couple was there in their tent when I arrived. After dinner around 8-8:30 Rainbow arrived and then Grizzly and Turtle Mom. We talked to Rainbow for a few minutes after she set up. She's from Canada but lives in the UK now. I hope we see more of her. She just started out and today was her 1st day. Her tent is really different looking and I've never seen another one like it. The shelters and campsites are all close to a road here in CT. They all have bear boxes and the privy is larger and has open sides from the shoulder up. I like them. Better than the small, dark smelly variety we've seen so far. The gorgeous sound of the river is going to lull me to sleep tonight. I can't wait!