Date: 2013-06-22
From: Kent

To: Kent CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

June 22nd: Zero Day Simply put, the last 28 hours have been overwhelming, a sweet New England homecoming that screams "You are one lucky bastard". You know how there are those friends in your life that you haven't seen or spoken to in eons and then you you meet up and the span of time just melts away and you pick up where you left off like forever ago was only yesterday? That's Hilary. Hilary could not have made me feel more welcome or more at home. And what a home. As my laundry was running, we sat on her waterfront deck over looking Lake Candlewood, the largest man made lake in CT. And what a view! I have walked over 1400 miles to get glimpses of such views and Hilary just opens her slider. She put me up in the guest suite, complete with private bath and balcony, a far cry from a cramped tent in the mud. Hilary then treated me to a wonderful meal of paella (one of my favorites) at her local "Cheers" restaurant/bar where I met some of her friends. Called River Bistro this place had REALLY good food, live music and a nice neighborhood vibe. Then in walks Melissa, a close work buddy from my days at Aetna, with her boyfriend Tom. They had heard from Hilary that I was in town and had driven over an hour just to see me. Was great catching up with Melissa and meeting Tom. Got back to the house after hiker midnight (AT educational moment: 9pm is hiker midnight) and after chatting for a little bit, I retired to the guest suite and slept like the dead. Hilary had told me she doesn't/can't cook but to help myself to breakfast in the morning. She had stocked up on hungry hiker food including bacon, eggs, fresh squeezed OJ and a medley of fresh cut fruit. Like I said, I was told to help myself and I didn't need to be told twice. Hilary had to bring her car in for service so I "slummed" it on the deck while waiting for Jan to pick me up (great day or what?). And the good times kept rolling. Jan finally got here around 11:00 and we drove back into Kent so I could buy new hiking shoes and meet Meredith, a dear friend and partner in crime at Aetna, and her boyfriend Bob for lunch. Meredith and I worked together for over 10 years before she relocated to the west coast. Since that time, Meredith has made a twice a year pilgrimage back to MA and we never fail to get together for lunch. Lamenting with the knowledge that I would miss her this time around because of the trail, imagine my surprise and total elation when I found out that not only was she on the east coast but her and Bob were touring along the NY/CT boarder and that Bob had actually attended a high school reunion right here in Kent. AT gods at work? I think so. Was able to get all my errands run and meet up once again with Hilary before Meredith and Bob arrived. Meredith treated all of us to lunch with spicy Bloody Marys. As always it was great catching up and just enjoying the afternoon. Jan and I will be camping tonight on Waramaug Lake. A far cry better than my one man tent in the mud. This whole AT experience on and off the trail continues to amaze and bedazzle me. I want to thank Melissa and Meredith for making this such a special time off trail and a huge Thank you once again to Hilary for everything. There is nothing she could have done to make me feel more at home. When I referred to her as a Trail Angel, Hilary shook her head adamantly and said no because Trail Angels help total strangers. She may have a point on a minor technicality but in my AT world, Hilary is a warm hearted loving person and yes, she has wings.