Today was a day for the books! My hike was beyond enjoyable. We started off early, although not as early as I would have hoped (again). I wanted to be walking with the sunrise. Maybe tomorrow!
After we packed we trickled out of camp and down the beaten path. Shortly into our hike we came across the biggest oak tree on the Appalachian trail. It was magnificent, to say the least. It would take at least five hikers to hug all the way around the tree! I was so happy to be there with friends. We all took pictures together and spoke of its magic. It was a refresher for me because we have been walking through forests of American Hemlocks, which are all dying. I love evergreens so it was a sad feeling to walk through these forests of dead and dying trees. I think they are dying from Hemlock woolly adelgid.
Gigantic Tree!
The gang! Sprout, Bubbles, Mountain Man, Karma, and Whiskers
We left the Goliath of a tree and walked up stone steps into the most beautiful field. There were purple flowers everywhere and tall grass swaying in the breeze. I was captivated by its beauty and again felt beyond thankful to be here. I am right where I'm supposed to be. The fragrance of the purple flowers was so wonderful I would have laid in that field all day, but ticks are bad around here so I didn't linger. I wish you all could smell the heavenly scents of the flower fields. It's a memory and smell I won't forget.
Field
Sprout and the gang ahead of me on the trail
After the field it was back to forest. It was nice to be in the shade of the trees. I walked behind Sprout for a while and then he went ahead at his own pace. I met him again at the beaver pond where our trail family was soaking in the sun. The boys left and headed to Tony's Deli to get sandwiches. Yayyy. I am so thankful that Karma and I have such great hiking partners.
Karma on the trail
Blazes on a tree
I massaged my feet and put fresh socks on. Karma and I went to the garden center to wait for the boys. It was a nice break and the garden center was very hiker friendly. I am thankful for businesses and hiker friendly towns that help us hikers. It's amazing.
Appalachian Trail train stop!
This is LOUD. You might want to turn your speakers down!
After eating half a sub we hopped back on the AT. Today's hike was pretty much next to perfect. We walked through more fields and cow pastures. Up and over electrical fences. Again, the fields were littered with flowers but this time there were birds fluttering around. It was a sight to see.
Trail today
We got to the next shelter (Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter) and stopped to take a break before trekking to our destination. I laid with my butt against the wall and elevated my feet 90 degrees against shelter wall. Hopefully that helps with my achy feet and ankles. Whiskers came into camp and he developed two new blisters from his shoes. I hope he doesn't have too much pain or problems with those suckers. He is a really nice guy and we enjoy seeing him in camp. He takes great photos of the trail. I thought he might be a professional photographer but it's just a hobby.
AT Wiley Shelter
Nice selection of cooking pots for over a fire
Free Library on the trail!
Made it to Connecticut
I finally made it to camp and we set up at a beautiful campsite close to the Ten Mile River. We took a dip in the river and rinsed our clothes out. The sound of the river is peaceful and I am again caught thinking to myself "I am living in a dream world, how lucky am I?"
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