CT done...in MA

Wow! We are checking off states and miles, and are 2/3 done with the Appalachian Trail. We can hardly believe it ourselves because the time has flown by. This past week we finished up Connecticut. There were some challenging climbs of rock “walls” and descents were just as hard. We just take our time and go slow...one step at a time. It seems to be working!  We spent one beautiful night at Silver Hill campsite where we were completely alone. There was a swing and beautiful view. It gets no better than that (especially with a privy and bear box). We hiked for miles and miles through mountain laurel lining the trail in full bloom. It felt like we were walking through wedding decorations or something!  We were also “treated “ to a large black bear lumbering across the trail about 20 feet from us. It looked at us, seemed unimpressed, and just walked on.

We are now in Massachusetts and taking a “zero” in Great Barrington. Our impression after one day is that there are many different hiking conditions in MA, such as hardwood forests, pine groves, pastures/fields and riverside paths. It is getting warmer (AKA “hot”!) so water sources are very important. There was some left as Trail Magic which we greatly appreciated. We passed 1500 miles and are mentally preparing for the mountains we face further north, while trying NOT getting psyched out or anxious about it. I find people on trail love to tell horror stories, and everyone who lives in a trail state thinks their state has the most difficult portion of trail. Our strategy is to hike each day and that day alone. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, right?  And with that, I’d suggest you do the same...live in today and enjoy its pleasures to the fullest.

In closing, a huge shout out to Yolonda Johnson! She is our house sitter, pet lover, box mailer, Amazon delivery acceptor and friend extraordinaire. This trip would not be possible without her commitment to caring for our home needs and resupply. Thanks Yo! You’re the best.