The Luxuries of Connecticut and Massachusetts

Day 122 

I enjoyed a relaxing zero day today. I spent the morning updating my resume and writing a cover letter. It would be so nice to apply for a job now and have something luned up when I get back! I'll just have to wait and see.

I watched a good movie in the afternoon, "The Book Thief." It took place in Germany during World War II. It was a very touching story and made me cry. I recommend seeing it!

We were treated to dinner and I had spinach pie! It was quite good and came with a big salad. Horray for vegetables!

Day 123 

We had a lovely day of slack packing. My pack felt so light with only water and lunch inside. The weather turned out nice, especially considering the rain that had been predicted (which is why we never check). At the end of the day we were supposed to meet Peg in a town. The trail had a detour because a bridge was under construction (completely gone) so we found ourselves on the wrong side of the river looking at our meeting spot. Thankfully one of the construction workers offered us a ride to the other side.

The town we were staying in had an outdoor concert series in the summer. We went to check it out but it was the children's show. We didn't stay long but it reminded me of my hometown. One last night of showers, good food, and laundry then back on the trail tomorrow.

Day 124 

So many milestones today. I have walked 1500 miles on the AT and walked out of CT. Only 4 states left! The weather today was much cooler than it had been. I never even needed my sweat rag! It was a refreshing day for a hike. I'm wondering if I'll be cold tonight in my 50° sleeping bag.

A friend from college met us in Salisbury and brought us lunch. It was great to see Chris again, even for a short time! Thanks for the ginormous subs!

I walked up another Bear Mountain. The view from the top looked out over a couple lakes and a lot of mountains. The way down was quite steep though thankfully it didn't last long.

Day 125

Today was the worst experience with mosquitoes thus far. For a while I was trying to swat them away but eventually I couldn't take it anymore. When I stopped to get out bug spray the mosquitoes attacked in full force. I couldn't even get the spray out of my bag because I needed both hands to slap them away. Chameleon came to the rescue and slapped the bugs away so I could get the spray. Thankfully it provided much needed relief for the rest of the afternoon.

I got an orange from some trail magic. It was just what I needed to get me to the next road where we were meeting Mufasa and Dory. The timing was perfect and they were coming down the road just as we were walking up. It was great to see trail friends off the trail!

Day 126 

We had an amazing zero with Mufasa and Dory. This morning we relaxed a bit then went to out to lunch and had so much sushi. I got to see Mary Poppins the musical! There friend was Mary Poppins and she was fantastic.

Later we made it out to the lake. We all went out in the boat and went swimming. It felt wonderful to be in the water. Afterwards we went to a small brew fest and enjoyed the tastings. So much fun in just one day. Thanks so much Mufasa and Dory!

Day 127 

Back on the trail today with lots of mosquitoes again. Late in the afternoon it began thundering but thankfully it didn't rain much.

When we arrived at the shelter we were happy to see Rabbit and Gravity! The last time we saw them was in Pennsylvania just before the New Jersey border. The other hiker in the shelter started the same day as Chameleon and I but we had never met him. The trail is crazy that way!

Day 128 

I hiked over the Mass Pike today! That was one of the few places where I knew where the trail met civilization before I hiked it. I remember always checking for hikers whenever my family drove under the bridge on the way to a folk festival in New York. I was excited to be crossing the bridge as a thru-hiker. Someone gave a friendly honk to me too!

Erin picked us up after we resupplied in town. She took me very seriously when I told her we would like to have some fruit. We had blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon! It was great to see her and Matt again!

Day 129 7-21

Today I stopped at the Cookie Lady's house. She gives homemade cookies to thru-hikers. There were also blueberries and raspberries to pick. I must admit I didn't pick any, I was enjoying relaxing under the apple tree in her front yard too much to want to spend more time on my feet.

We seem to be in a bit of a bubble of hikers. There were at least nine through hikers here and I know some were staying at the Cookie Lady's and others went into the next town. I played some ukulele for the first time in a while. There was a fire tonight too!

Day 130

I walked through part of Dalton today. I enjoyed looking at all the houses and flowers. Sometimes it is nice to have a change of scenery! I rang the bell at a friend's house but no one was home.

Weedeater's mom picked us up in town along with The Moons. We resupplied then settled in for the night. Chameleon and I enjoyed the pop-up camper! It was Weedeater's birthday so we all sang. His mom made a great cake depicting him conquering a bear. We couldn't believe he was still at home. We thought he would have gotten back on the trail a while ago.

Day 131 

Stormcloak was home in the morning so we chatted a bit before heading out for a slack packing day. It was fun to see him again too.

Mount Greylock had beautiful views from the top. Dark clouds were rolling in behind us while white fluffy clouds were ahead. The contrast was quite striking. Lots of people were out enjoying the views and picnicking.

The four of us hikers played Phase 10 with Elmer's husband Handyman. It was fun to have a trail family game night. We took a break for cake and pictures. Elmer made us a cake too, celebrating our hike! We finished out our game with a sugar high and laughter.