Last update, I was enjoying the simple pleasures of a day off-trail with family. 

Day 68: Back On Trail 

I got dropped back off near Unionville fairly early by Mom and Aunt Ruthie. Logistically, it made sense to spend a night out here and reconnect tomorrow evening. I have roughly 50 miles in 2 days, piece of cake!  

I will be seeing them tomorrow night so let’s get as dirty as I can! It sure felt nice to have new podcasts to listen to and fun snacks! I am hopeful to get done more than 25 miles today. 

Nothing super thrilling terrain-wise, but knowing my next shower is tomorrow sure has a pep in my step! I walked until sunset and found a tent site near the trail, 27 miles behind me today, July 7th. 

Day 69: Hotel Aunt Ruthie

The earlier I am packed up and hiking, the sooner I am picked up and back in some air conditioning! I am either becoming slightly tolerant to the heat or it’s a few degrees cooler today, but the humidity remains the same. The baby hairs that frame my face are my weathervanes. They’re either dripping wet and stuck to my forehead or look like near-perfect curls held together by dried sweat. 

Even in the heat I was hauling tail to the trailhead. I only had 23 miles to a parking lot near Bear Mountain and I wanted as much time in a bathtub eating ice cream as I could.

Day 70: For Real This Time

I’m back at the trailhead as clean as I can just before noon. It’s never a goodbye but rather see you soon. 

Three generations of fearless female travelers!

The hilly terrain and tons of road crossings had me in a tizzy today. Just when I thought I had been sweatier on the Appalachian Trail, I got swiftly humbled. Dripping sweat in my eyes, I manage to find a small stream to filter some water onto my face and clean the salt off. It was a nice relief until I made it to a place to rest. In total, 20 miles to a lonesome solo campsite. 

Day 71: Soaked To The Bone

Have I mentioned before how much I disliked packing away my tent? It’s tiring on days like these. I wish cowboy camping could be an option for me, but the bugs are a dealbreaker. 

Up as early as I could manage another big day ahead, trying to walk as late as I could. Taking as many breaks and opportunities to rehydrate today as I can. Doubling my electrolyte packet consumption today as I have not been on a regular schedule with it! I need to recoup even more as the fun stuff is slowly yet surely approaching!

Just shy of 30 miles today! The cold breeze flowing through my tent, I bid the trail a goodnight. 

Day 72: Kent, Connecticut 

I woke up with a hunger to cross another state border! It was roughly 9 miles away from me this morning. Pushing along to the last road crossing before the signs in the woods I was greeted by Karla, two female thru-hikers I caught up to on the descent were heading for a night with their aunt, Karla. She also brought tons of trail magic and the best kind on a hot and humid day! Popsicles, cold water, sodas, watermelon, you name it she had it! 

It sure did make walking into the new state exciting! It also was a stark reminder that I had one serving of my favorite dinner, pizza rice, and nothing else.  

Just put my head down with my tunes and made my way to Kent, Connecticut. Shopped as fast as I could with as much efficiency as I could as well, still had to walk back to the trail and around this town! 

A road soda to go and I was back to pushing myself to exhaustion on the trail. Now that I’ve seen my family, the next thing I’m looking forward to is New Hampshire! Thoughts of the rugged states ahead helped me hike 32 miles today! 

Until the next update, happy trails and hike on!