Kevin's AT Thru Hike

Day 128, Friday, 7/22 – I started my hike with an easy, 6 mile, downhill, section of trail. I hiked to a road crossing and stopped at On the Edge Farm, which was only a quarter mile down the road. I caught back up with Aqua and Birthday at the farm. I picked up some cold coffee drinks and we shared a blueberry pie, a blueberry turnover, and some fresh raspberries. We found a picnic table in the shade and were joined by Gandalf and Nude Beach. We took a long break and I spent some time catching up on the blog.

I hiked with Aqua and Birthday after leaving the farm. We had some tough climbs, it was hot, and I did a lot of sweating. We passed the time playing Contact. Eventually, I fell behind and hiked the last 6 miles or so alone.

I hiked 20 miles into West Hartford (Mile 1742), and heard some shouting from a nearby home. It was Aqua and Birthday who were calling me over. They were on the porch at Lynda and Randy’s house. I walked up to the porch and was given a cold soda by Randy. Lynda and Randy have allowed hikers to stay at their home for 34 years now. I setup my hammock between a couple apple trees in the backyard and cooked dinner at a picnic table with Gandalf, Paul, Birthday, and Aqua.

I laid in the hammock and chatted with Gandalf well into the evening. We mainly talked about the White Mountains in New Hampshire. He has hiked the Whites many times, and had some good intel on what to expect going forward.