Day 46: The Sound of Water 

Summary 
June 10th

Mt. Algo Shelter to Silver Hill Campsite

NOBO mile# 1477.5

Tolmann’s daily mileage 10.5

Tolmann’s total mileage 553.8

Most everyone was up and out of camp this morning when I got up. I was vacillating about heading in to Kent to do a light resupply (and get some coffee!). While I ate breakfast, I got a text message from my oldest son, Jeff, asking if we could meet up over Father’s Day weekend, and wondering where I might be at that time. Now that I’m getting closer to home, there are opportunities to meet up with folks. It is strange compared to being on my own through the mid-Atlantic states. 

I was packed and on the trail by 8am, which seems on par with most days lately. 

As I started down to the road, it occurred to me that this was the 4th day I have been on the trail since my zero. I tend to lose track, although these journal entries ground me to some extent. I also notice when I finish off my breakfast foods in my food bag!!

I got down to the road, and realized it was a considerable road walk into Kent, which set vacillation into high frequency. After a significant number of cycles, I found myself walking toward town. 

Since I wasn’t sure where the grocery was, I did some wandering, and ended up at Griffin’s for coffee, chocolate milk and a breakfast sandwich. Then I did some online research and saw the grocery was a longer walk, so started back to the trail. There was an outfitters store along the way, so I stopped in. They had the same Swiss Army knife that I lost, so I bought it, as well as a few Snickers bars (a bow to the idea of a resupply) and a small cup of chocolate ice cream. As you can probably tell, food is becoming a more intense focus for me. 

Then it was back to the trail. 

 Immature snapping turtle
Something interesting (and a strong positive) happened to me today, a realization and hiking technique: I found a way to release tension in my left shoulder blade. Today was the first time, maybe ever on this hike, that I didn’t feel pain in my shoulder. I discovered if I breathed out of my mouth with a woosh, what I believe is called a water breathe, and imagined breathing from my shoulder, it stayed looser, and I felt no pain. By the end of the day my neck and top of the shoulder was tight and bothersome, but that spot beneath and inside of my scapula didn’t trigger. 

I hope this is not just a temporary thing. But even if it is, I experienced a miracle today!

The trail continued after the road, climbing up (of course) for a while, but I felt strong, especially since my shoulder was not singing its old song, so topped out relatively quickly and came to Caleb’s Peak, and a wonderful view. 

Then it was on to St. John’s Ledge and the “steep stone stairs”. That was a trip (not literally, although I was anxious that I might)! Some scrambling and hands needed to let myself down a few times. It was dry, and that was a blessing, but I’m not sure I would have wanted to negotiate that section of trail when tired at the end of the day. 

It was a long, slow slog, but at the end was River Road, a long section of dirt road mostly along the Housatonic River. I was able to sit by the river for a bit and rest; it was very beautiful. 

I don’t listen to a music player or audio books when I hike, preferring the sounds around me. Since entering NY, I’ve found myself tuned into the sounds of streams, since they are the predominant water source. And over the past few days, the shelters have been near running water. Today, after crossing a number of streams, I had the pleasure of listening to the Housatonic burble and splash. It’s a different, lower, more melodic sound. And since finding water becomes such a part of my daily routine, the sound attracts me in a physical, visceral way. I dare not ignore that Siren call! I feel the water in my body, like a magnet, pulled toward the Source. 

The afternoon was dominated by that section, mostly flat, affording a fast pace. Very enjoyable, for the first hours, then becoming a little grueling as the heat of the day set in and it Just. Kept. Going. 

Still, hard to complain about beautiful weather and a road walk that Just. Kept. Going. 

I was still appreciating the looseness in my shoulder, and the beauty of the day, but there’s a point where one starts looking for something different. 

And there it was: the climb that was to be the last mile up to the campsite. Be careful what you wish for. 

Still, I had been strong for the 9 miles up to this point, so I took it a little easier on myself going up this last section. 

Silver Hill Campsite is a pretty site with picnic tables, a pavilion, a deck with benches, an old-fashioned hand pump (it takes 30+ strokes to get the water moving!), and a bench swing. I was able to find a pair of trees pretty easily. There were two dad’s and their sons here when I arrived, and one the boys repeatedly asked if he could help me with the pump! Of course!! 

Since, a couple and their puppy have arrived and set up a humungous tent. 

So I’m not alone here. I’ve had a little more time with my guitar, which will most likely go home with Debbie. She’s bringing my Waterman uke, which will be considerably lighter and more durable. 

And last night in the hammock for a while, too. I’ll miss it, a lot!! I hope I get used to ground dwelling. It will give me more privacy, and a place to bring my stuff out of the rain. 

So, just 5+ miles to West Cornwall Rd., and I meet Debbie at noon-ish. Be still, my beating heart!!!