It's been quite a few trail miles since our last post. (Tried to post in Kent, CT but the computer was being finicky) So since our last post from Mass, we've been through Connecticut and New York and are now in New Jersey. (although technically this town is in NY but we left the trail in NJ to get here)
We've met several other southbound hikers in this section- Just Jill, Day Tripper, Black Eagle, and Hit Man. Our mileage is still high- 15 to 22 a day, and man has it been HOT! New York was sweltering! The heat, accompanied by limited opportunities to pick up water, and countless short steep climbs made for a tough couple days.
We were pretty worn down when we came to a road crossing with jugs of water in a cooler (trail angels leave water for hikers during dry times in the area) and a note to hikers offering a shower, comfy bed, hot meals, and laundry. The note said call John and Susan. We were in need of all these things (it had been 8 sweaty days since our last shower) so we did. Turns our they're a super nice couple with house near the trail. They picked us up, fed us Chinese take out, got us showered, let us do laundry, put us to bed, and made us breakfast in the morning, all in the most nonchalant,we-have-strangers-in-our-house-all-the-time way. Time and again we have been shown great kindness and hospitality by complete strangers during our journey. We are getting the best of the wilderness and also the best of humanity at the same time. Whoever thought we'd find both in the same place!?
We hope all is well with everyone back home. You can expect our next post to be from Pennsylvania!!!
