Salisbury, Connecticut

Hiked just 8 miles this morning into town, where I am now taking refuge from the heat in the public library.  I will grab something cold to drink from the cafe down the street, chill out for a while, then walk the remaining miles to the shelter when the sun gets low. Drank a gallon of water before noon and still feel dehydrated.

Yesterday I tramped up to the Toymaker Cafe (Toymaker as in the motorcycle) and had a cheeseburger. Annie, one of the owners, then showed me where I could tent in back of the cafe for free.  I had set up camp and was journaling at a picnic table when a truck pulled up and a guy named Hudson introduced himself.  He was one of the owners of Bearded Woods-- a "One of A Kind Bunk & Dine"--just outside Falls Village.  I hadn't seen any mention of it before (probably because it's not quite on the right page in the AT Guide). He then offered me some amazing trail magic:  a night including shower, laundry, dinner & breakfast, clean linens and a comfy bed, a beer, and good conversation -- all for free. Usually l'd have had to pay $55 for all that (which is still incredible).

Hudson and his wife, Big Lu (both trail names), have been running Bearded Woods for two years now, and I have to emphasize that theirs is the best, most hiker-friendly operation I have seen since Harper's Ferry.  Where to begin?

Maybe with the inlaid walnut "AT" emblem in the floor at the top of the stairs to the bunk rooms.  Or the exquisite joinery and framework in the common room.  Or the white blazes painted on the raw pine bedposts.  Or the 4' x 6' photo above the couch of Hudson looking back along Katahdin's awesome Knife Edge.  Or the separate and refreshingly clean double shower bathroom complete with tile and towels... And then there were the burgers (yes, more burgers!), the twice-baked potatoes, excellent pasta salad, professionally served cake and berries and ice cream (all courtesy of Big Lu).  And they did our laundry for us while we ate!  So much hard work and attention to detail, so much enthusiasm for providing a comfortable resting place for other hikers -- I will not forget it.

Thanks Hudson & Big Lu!

Let me also mention that we went back this morning and had a killer breakfast at the Toymaker.  I don't want to leave them out of my praise here.  Thanks for the excellent black sesame french toast, sausage and home fries.  (Gee, do I have to have Ramen tonight?)

Looking forward to more s'miles.

Still Sailing,
Wilderness Samurai