Date: 2016-06-30
From: Falls Village, CT

To: Sallsbury, CT
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 98, Thursday . I am at mile marker 1499.2. I covered 7.7 miles today. Last night my sleep was not as good as I hoped for. But, the outstanding coffee and sweet potato waffles made up for it. The owners, Anne and Greg, of The Toymakers Cafe in Falls Village were awesome. Even though they did not open until 7, Greg graciously invited us in at 6 for coffee. Which also meant we had access to a bathroom!! A very simple treat for hikers. A flush toilet . We were not in a hurry this morning, which was very nice, because we only had 7+ miles to get to Sallsbury, CT where we are staying to Vanessa's Hostel. It is a private residence, right in the middle of town. This makes it very easy to do resupply. The cost is $40 a night for bed, shower and laundry. I am in a room with two bunk beds and I am sharing the room with, Snake, Little Kiss and Magic Man (who I also know). Upon arrival, we all set up our tents so they could dry from last nights heavy dew. Showers were taken... Very high on the priority list. Then off to grocery store. It is 2:25 and I am done with chores. It is very tempting to take a zero tomorrow but, we will move on as the miles will not get covered by sitting. However... I am hearing a zero calling my name in the near future. I had an interesting conversation with , Lucky Dog (pic is in photo section), last night. He is 68 years old and like me struggling with the mental aspect of this journey. He talked about going home but was concerned that he would let so many people down. Don't you find that interesting?? Here he has walked 1500 miles and he is worried about what others will think. Trust me... I totally understand where he is coming from. Sure, we are all out here, "to hike our own hike".... But, there is that unspoken pressure we (hikers) feel from those who are supporting us. I have eluded to this in previous journal entries. We also understand that it is simply encouragement , positive thoughts, well wishes, cheering us on.... But somehow we start to feel like ... Gosh, if I don't "reach Maine" it will not be a success. I know this is as far from the truth as possible!! So, as I sat with Lucky Dog and reassured him that he and everyone else walking the trail is successful - regardless of the how far we walk. It was at that time I could see the tears in his eyes and I think it was tears of.... Thanks, I needed to hear that. I stood up , gave him a big hug... At which point, my eyes were full as well. I told him that our loved ones at home wish the best for us but, only those who are walking or who have walked the trail totally understand all the emotions, challenges, etc that come with this adventure. Today, I bid him a good day... And started hiking. Low and behold he showed up at the same hostel. The first thing he said was, " thanks so much for listening last night." He needs to realize, by me listening, I too was reassured... That regardless of the distance... We will all be just fine. Then he said, " I promise, I'm not sleeping in your room!"   I laughed out loud because.... Lucky Dog is, by far, the worse snorer in the trail, thus far!!! I have uploaded a few more pics in the photo section. Our next "goal" is Dalton, MA by Tuesday, July 5. Our packs will be heavy with food as that means 4 full days of food resupply. Thanks for following along. Safe travels to everyone over the 4 th. I so miss my family !!!