And just like that, it’s already July. Half of 2025 is over! It’s not like the construction of time has been something I’ve thought of in ages. At this point, I feel like you could’ve told me any amount of time had passed, and all I could say would be… “ok, and?”
I slept… alright? I’ve become spoiled a bit with the bevy of hotel stays that I’ve had in the past month. I actually did a count, and I spent more nights in a real bed than on trail. Oops! I think I needed it though. The Mid-Atlantic took a bigger toll on my mental health, and physical health, than I could’ve expected. While the election was smooth, the terrain, bugs, rain, and heat wave were anything but. I’m glad to be making more progress North than East now.
When I woke up, the hostel felt like a ghost town. I assumed that was cause everyone else was asleep, but if I’m up first, that’d just be… shocking. I made a trip over to Sweet William’s Coffee Shop and Bakery for an Americano and croissant, before taking one last dip into LaBonne’s Market for a sandwich. Of course I’m going to pack out town food when I can! Plus, I’m pretty sure there are trash cans today.
The walk out of Salisbury and back into the woods was pleasant enough, into fields and a relatively calm ascent. At least, that’s what the elevation ma promised. In reality, my brain was still kind of out of it today. I don’t know what’s up, but I’m still not feeling that strong while hiking! It’s crazy how 1500 miles in, I still haven’t been able to dial in my footwear. In retrospect, going to a gait analysis before the trail would’ve been my best bet. Or at Mountain Crossings. Or at Outdoor 76. There were so many opportunities. But I was too worried about what was on my back to focus on my feet. Good to give as advice, though.
Eventually, I came upon the ascent to the highest point in Connecticut, CT’s very own… Bear Mountain? Yeah, turns out for some reason, CT also has a Bear Mountain. The ascent was nice, but the descent was quite tricky. Another mini boot camp in preparation for the Whites. At the top, I enjoyed the sandwich I packed out, and drank in the views. Though, it was terribly warm again. My speed’s dipped, and I can finally with confidence say that the correlation is all with humidity. If there’s any, I just can’t perform well.
During my descent, I ran into Trash Panda and Velcro, maybe for the last time. Both are getting off trail for a few days, just to take a break. But at this point, I got one way to go. Forward. And into Massachusetts! My home state! I’ve actually never been on this side of the state really — I had a car camping trip planned last year that included a day hike of Mt. Greylock, but that got canned due to some pretty intense rain. As a musician, I’d also always wanted to make the trip over here for Tanglewood. But never did.
As much as I’d like to espouse how great Massachusetts is, it starts with the beautiful Sages Ravine. Except… Sages Ravine has one very major flaw. It’s basically a swamp. Not basically, it is a swamp. Which means my enemy’s back out… infinite bugs. Even though I’d DEETed up to start the day, and DEETed up at Bear Mountain, and sprayed my clothes with Permethrin, they were relentless, going for my uncovered hands and legs constantly. I quickly picked my way through and before I knew it I was on the intense climbs up Mt. Race and Mt. Everett.
In the heat and humidity, my heart rate was constantly spiking. So, I constantly had to take breaks just to let the heart calm back down. I was constantly breaking into upper Zone 2/lower Zone 3 heart rates on these hard days, and while Zone 2 is technically fine, I don’t want to break into it too much during longer days.
At the top of Mt. Race, there was some beautiful ridgeline hiking, even with the sun beating down. I expected more of the same on Mt. Everett, but that’s when the weather finally decided to turn. As the crackling sounds of thunder grew nearer and nearer, I started trying to get down as fast as I could. But with the rocks getting slicker, it was all I could do to not fall! And I did a few times. Luckily, always on my butt. But at some point, I just accepted my fate, and started butt scooching down the mountain instead. I quickly passed by the Hemlock Shelters, and saw a few hikers ducking out the rain, before continuing on my path.
The last four miles of my day should’ve been the easiest. It was nothing but flat fields, flat dirt, and flat woods. But, for some reason, my feet are still absolutely on fire. I don’t get it! I was trying the Superfeet Green setup that seemed to have worked before the Shenandoahs. Maybe I should’ve never changed out, my body seems to have to get used to this stuff again. Ouch ouch ouch ouch.
After a few miles of plodding along, I finally got to US Route 7, and stuck out my thumb in hopes of a hitch into town. And voila! Almost instantly a truck pulled over, and he drove me to the Travelodge where I had booked the night. Yes, another hotel, again. But I wanted to explore a bit of Great Barrington! It seems like such a lovely town. We’ll be back in nature tomorrow.
At the Travelodge, it was all I could do to not immediately crash out for the night. I went over to an East Asian fusion restaurant, where I ordered some… mediocre food. At least the sushi was good. I got an Oreo McFlurry from McDonalds, and then called my mom after showering. My parents are visiting soon, and it’s time to really get the logistics in tow! Which feels unreal. I originally thought I’d be further than this. I was a bit snappy, since it was late and I wanted to go to bed, but we got a plan together. So yay.
(title lyrics from: When You’re Home, Mmandy Gonzalez, Christopher Jackson)
