Date: 2008-08-21
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

You never know when you wake up in the morning what the day is going to bring?I took my time and had a leisure breakfast, I was hoping that S&F would show up just so I knew they were ok? It was about 8:00 when I headed down the trail. After about 3 miles I came to VT 103. The companion indicated a store 1 mile to the west. I could use something cold to drink so I headed that way.I eventually came upon this little mom & pop store in the middle of nowhere. There was a pay phone out front so I made some calls, one of which was to wish my mom a happy birthday.I spoke for about an hour in total, then I filled up on junk and satisfied my sweet tooth. I took some junk for the road and started back. About halfway, I came upon Sprite & Freckles heading toward me.Finally, I am glad you are ok, I was starting to worry? I found a shady spot along side the road and watched their packs while they headed on down to the store. A little while later, a pick up came rolling up and stopping just a few feet away. They had been able to score a ride, but not just any ride, a Trail Magic ride.As I stood up and they were unloading, I recognized the driver as being Tim Jones, I had met him several days ago on the 15th at VT 9. Surprisingly he had remembered our tentative plans? He had met S&F the same day after we had spoke. He had decided to find us and bring us Trail Magic. Can you believe that, you briefly meet someone days ago and now this? Unbelievable!He was waiting where he thought we would be, after a couple of hours of a no show, he was heading back and happened to spot Sprite & Freckles walking on the road, and here we are now. Tim had brought us his personal favorite, Cream Soda & ice cream to make floats. He had brought chips & cookies as well.Unbelievable, we stood at the side of the road having a little party until we thought the better to drive down to the parking area where a trail head happenned to be.Once there, we continued to enjoy this terrific trail magic. Right away, John & Kelly, Dutch and Fat Jim were there to partake in this magic as well. It is just hard to imagine sometimes how people like Tim are motivated to do this extraordinary good deed for strangers? Although we tried to express it, I don't think Tim can fully appreciate just how much this meant to us? Not just for the tasty treats, but more importantly, thinking enough of us and doing it! Thank you Tim, I will remember your generosity always.None of us really were wanting to say goodbye, however we were burning daylight and needed to keep going. The Trail went immediately up nearly 1000 feet. Near the top, the 3 of us stopped for lunch on a rocky outcrop that extended from an opening in the trees. It was a scenic overlook of the Gap below between these 2 mountains. Sprite then pulled 2 cans of beer from her pack for us to share. Thanks Sprite you never cease to amaze me with your generosity.A couple from Belgium joined us for lunch. They were currently hiking the Long Trail, they shared stories of their hikes in Europe. I had seen them on the trail but never really spoke with them until now. They do not tent, but rather find their way down the mountains in search of a place to spend the night as it is done in Europe. There isn't much around for that, but good luck.Eventually we arrived at the Governor Clement Shelter. There was a family with 3 young children there doing a weekend outing. It was good to hear children laughing and playing outdoors. I complimented the parents for showing their kids a better form of entertainment rather than from a hand held electronic device. We tented as usual, although this shelter is apparrently visited from time to time by locals whom vandalize and harrass hikers, we just weren't concerned. I was able to wash and collect my water from a nearby creek. The mileage was low today but the abundance of trail magic and good times were over flowing.Although there is now less than 500 miles remaining, I can't help but feel this trip is coming to an end too quickly? I must get this thought out of my head, I am not even close to being ready to end this journey.