Date: 2003-08-10
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 12.7

Every once in a while, I hike a certain number of miles but to me it seems (and feels) like a lot longer day -- well today was one of those days. I knew from the elevation profiles that I had 2 climbs to make but I didn't envision them being quite so dramatic or exhausting.Actually, though, the day started off on a pretty good note. Yes, it was raining, but I've gotten so used to being wet that it really doesn't phase me anymore. What brightened my day was some trail magic that I encountered about 4 miles into the hike. There was a youth group at the 10-Mile River Lean-To and the adult leaders had just heated up some homemade soup. Apparently the kids weren't very keen on the soup and the adults asked me if I wanted any as I arrived at the shelter for a rest -- need I say more here? Well 4 bowls of soup later I was back on my way north. That's when things started to get pretty ragged. I crossed into Connecticut and almost like magic, the rocks appreared and the grade started upward at a relatively steep angle. I found myself stopping numerous times to catch my breath and dry out a bit. The humidity was in the mid 90% range and even though the rain had pretty much stopped, I was dumping sweat into my clothes at an amazing rate. If this was a taste of what Connecticut is all about I'm really going to have my hands full. then again, there are only 50 miles of the AT in this state so before long it will be behind me. Meanwhile . . . back on the mountain . . . it seemed like the climb upward would never end but just then it leveled off. and, as we all know, a steep climb is typically followed by a steep drop -- and this would be NO exception. What made the drop particularly difficult was that it ran through a boulder field. So, rather than being able to just lean forward and walk the trail with my brakes on, I had to pick and choose every step. The combination of mental and physical activity was a real drain on my system. When I finally reached the bottom at around 4 PM I was totally worn out. I guess the good news is that the town of Kent was only 3/4 mile down the road at this point. I started walking and stuck out my thumb in hopes of getting a ride -- but no luck. The way I looked (and smelled) it was probably just as well. I headed straight for the outfitter. They normally have the "scoop" on what's good and bad for hikers, and besides I had broken a hiking pole and needed to get it fixed.He had my hiking pole repaired in less than 10 minutes and I was on my way to find a cheap hotel room for the night -- CHEAP being the operating word there. Well folks, there just ain't no such thing as a cheap hotel room in Kent or anywhere else in Connecticut from what I gathered. But I did find the room and was able to share the expense with another hiker. The really good news was that the room had a shower with water pressure like a fire hose. That was just what these old muscles and bones needed.Next I was off to the laundromat followed by a huge plate of baked ziti at the Poison's Restaurant and a couple beers.At that point I called it a night. I need a few re-supply items and to hit the post office in the morning and then it will be back out to the trail to continue my journey northward.