I love tenting by a flowing water source. It soothing and lulls me to sleep. It was later than usual when I looked out my tent. The sun had already rised and I was amazed that I slept through the bird song. Yeah for me. I packed up my possessions and headed down the trail.

Within a mile or so, Bill drove by. Bill is a Volunteer who has claimed a piece of the trail that he is accountable to maintain. “Do you need a ride? I’d love a ride. I was hoping to get to a motel today to get my body and clothes cleaned. It’s been way too long. I always feel bad when I get in a car with a random stranger. Sorry I stink so bad. Bill had his window down and I did the same.

Before I knew it, I was at the Hitching Post Motel. Jack checked me in and already had a room ready. Bless your heart Jack! He did my laundry and I took a shower. My hair is matted like the beginning of dreadlocks. Yuck, it’s not a good look. No conditioner so my flimsy comb was going to work overtime. Luckily I have very thick hair so when my comb attempts to do what it’s suppose to do, there’s a lot of stray hair that comes out of my head.

Bill, my original morning ride, returns after I’ve bathed and took me back to the trail. But now, I can hike in my Town Dress, and walk without my backpack! Before I knew it, I was on the trail again. Slackpacking is such a luxury. My daypack weighs maybe 3-4 pounds compared to my everyday backpack that is 20-25 pounds. I could do this walking on my hands. Well maybe not.

Once I was dropped off, there was a climb. Bill asked me to report back of any needed maintenance that was required. Honestly, the only thing I saw was a few grasses that encroached towards the ribbon of dirt. No trees down, no blowdowns, everything was in its place. I love Connecticut.

I made it to Caleb’s Peak, Bill’s section of the trail that he inherited. The sign was clear and no moss was growing on it. He told me that he’d hike up there and would bring a brush to make sure the sign was clear of any dirt, debris or grub that would distract from its beauty. I never gave that thought till he shared this with me. Such pride that he has in his stretch of trail.

I headed off the ledge and started down to the water source. Cali-Roll shows up. I met him back at Unionville weeks ago. He’s also a flip-flopper. Cali-Roll hiked with me the rest of the day. So why Cali-Roll?

This is such a great story. He’s Japanese-American. Someone thought he should be named after the Avocado Sushi Roll named the California Roll. I shared with him the fact that my Mom was the inventor of this roll. Seriously? Yep, while she would eat sushi in Pasadena back in the 70’s, she asked the Sashimi Chef if he would add avocado to her roll? He told her if she would bring the avocado to his Sushi Bar, he’d name the roll after her. Hence the name, California Roll.

We had a great time hiking together, sharing our faith and what we were doing out here. Cali-Roll just graduated college and said he always did things half-way. He wanted to do something different and was ready to prove to himself that he was better than half-good. What a thought, a revelation to consider. We hiked for hours, sharing tails of the trail and similar friends we have met.

Cali-Roll ended his day at the Stewart Hollow Shelter and I continued to Cornwall. The trail was the flattest on the AT. As I ended, Bruce was checking on his sheep and cattle. His wife inherited a ranch that has been passed down for generations. He loves working the farm, and his son-in-law helps quite a bit. Bruce is a very content man. Would you like a ride to town? Heck yeah, and off I went in his work cart. With the wind in my face, I was thrilled to be riding, and not road walking. I think I have finally found Mayberry RFD!

Before long, I was back at the Hitching Post Motel. I’m eating dehydrated Chicken Fettuccine and drinking tea. Another incredible day. My feet are sore, my legs are hurting but I am sleeping in a bed tonight. And I can take another shower! Life is good.