August 7: Day 9
Aiming for an 8:30 am start, our group of 25 walkers started off at 9:00. The weather was more kind today, hot but overcast, so we kept a good pace and stayed together with Dhela as our leader. We had to finish by 2:30 pm since we had our “Himalayan Hoedown” fundraising party at 4:30 pm in Easton, Connecticut so it was a good thing we did an extra mile the day before.
As our lunch was running on Tibetan time, we kept walking and reached our stopping point for the day in New Haven at 2:00 pm and then enjoyed another delicious meal provided by the Tibetans in Old Saybrook. Due to traffic and other delays, we didn't reach Easton until 3:45 pm, and Cholsum, the Tibetan dance troupe from New York City, was already there practicing. The Tressler family graciously let us use their beautiful grounds and barn (which doubles as a performance space and dining area) for the party. It was great having a night off from presentations, and we had a wonderful time relaxing, playing hackey-sack, and exploring the property. Cholsum performed many dances and songs, but everyone's favorite was by far the yak dance! The walkers and guests joined Cholsum for the traditional circle dance, go shay, during which we all forgot about our sore feet and had many laughs. We are very grateful for Cholsum's time and support, and also to the Pema Thinlay family in Fairfield for providing momos that were enjoyed by all.
After the dance program, Dan Tressler and Dan Carluchi, of Stamford, provided more traditional music (of the bluegrass tradition) as we all danced. Many of the Tibetan walkers had been curious about exactly what a “hoedown” is and they finally understood how much fun it can be.
We all returned to Tracy's parent’s house, where we enjoyed free pizza, courtesy of the Nauti Dolphin of Fairfield, and a good night's sleep.
