Sunday, October 12th 2008

Update-New Hampshire into Vermont (Trail Mail # 2)

It's been a busy few days! Thursday afternoon, Ben and Rick made it to Hanover, New Hampshire, after getting through the infamous and stunning White Mountains. Report has it, conditions were icy and the trek proved to be one of the most challenging legs to date. Once in Hanover, they had the opportunity meet with Emily and some members of the Dartmouth Endurance Racing Team that afternoon - after inadvertently missing each other on the Trail. Emily and her friends made an extraordinary effort to meet up with Ben and Rick afterwards for a chat - and they were so grateful for it; it happened to be homecoming weekend and they relished the chance to sit outside and talk with their visitors. Thanks to Emily for helping spread the word - and spurring our team forward; you inspire us!

That night, Ben and Rick were fortunate to have lodging donated, affording them a good-rest in preparation for a 30-mile-day the following morning. Not long after the crack of dawn, Chris Garrett, the host of 99.3's Rock and Go Morning Show had a call-in interview with Ben - where the two discussed the mission behind 2175 as well as some of the highs and lows of the experience thus far. (We will post an mp3 so you can listen to the interview, stay tuned...) Chris was ready and willing to lend his support - helping us to connect the dots with other local media in the area. Thanks for helping us to get our voice heard through the Upper Valley airwaves!

Yesterday, as the sky darkened, Rick called in with an update from North Shrewbury, Vermont - having recently returned from the second Trail Mail stop. Saturday morning turned out to be a "gorgeous, crystal clear, 64-degree day" - perhaps one of the best of the trip, Rick speculated.

No doubt the happy-glow was influenced by the visit to the post office earlier where Rick found several packages waiting; home-made cookies and letters from Jenn and her young students, Cowboy cookies from Jane Hosmer, a care-package from DAD in Florida, home-made beef jerky from Simon Caleb out in California and a re-stock of Drymax trail socks from Bob and Gus @ DryMax, one of our great sponsors. Of course, before he could elaborate, Rick spotted a figure walking in the distance. "Ben! Over here!" he called - as Ben emerged from the forest.

Ben had just finished a 32-mile day and made assurances that he wasn't being "stoic" when he said he was, in fact, feeling good. As Rick suggested in an earlier posting, Ben's being fueled by something a great deal more potent than the food he eats; your well-wishes, kindness of spirit, your stories of suffering and of hope - your epic journeys carry us, all of us, further than we ever thought possible.

Today, 33 miles lie ahead, over the hills and valleys of the Vermont skyline; here's wishing you a full and happy day ahead*

Also, today Katie Black from Northern Vermont drove 2 hours south very early in the morning to meet Ben at 6am on the trail head as he was getting ready to head out on his 33 mile day. Katie was a breath of fresh air and we were so happy to be able to visit with her. Katie also gifted a care package full of desirable goodies as well as fresh vegatables and apples from her garden.

Wonderful people like Katie are the fuel and inspiration Ben has been running off of. Thank you again Katie, it was a pleaasure to have spent time with you.