CT Challenge and Entering VT

Since NYC, I've covered some ground and passed through some states. With the rest I got from being in NYC, I thought about doing the Connecticut challenge: completing the entire AT through the state, 45 miles, in one day. Before you call me crazy, I'll explain. I hiked up to the NY/CT border and set up my tent. 5 hours later, my alarm went off at 3:30am. I packed up camp and hit the trail by 4am. Night hiking in the morning (or anytime for that matter) isn't too fun, but the sun quickly rose through the Connecticut fog. I hiked...and hiked...and hiked all through the day. I made a quick stop at mile 21 for lunch, then pressed on to the border. At around 3pm, the rain started and decided to join me the rest of the way. It was a mental and physical workout to make it the whole way. The rain made the hiking harder, and I was already dead tired. I got to the CT/MA border at 9pm and immediately set up my tent. It felt good to complete the challenge and push myself to the limit. The day after wasn't as ambitious with only a 7 mile day! I guess that's why I'm doing the trail itself but little mini challenges are a mental boost. Alright, now you can call me crazy...

Massachusetts has been a beautiful state to hike through. There are lots of ponds, pines, and small towns. One of the highlights was Upper Goose Pond Cabin, a small cabin on a lake that had a caretaker who made pancakes in the morning! It was amazing and seemed like it was out of a movie.

I made it into Vermont today after conquering Mt. Greylock in Massachusetts. It rained all day and was one of the most challenging days yet. The mud and streams were out of control. I am staying at a free hostel in Bennington, VT. It's not advertised, and its kinda a word of mouth thing. A hot shower was needed for sure. Today marks the 3 month mark for my trip! I can't believe it. I'm looking forward to hiking with my dad next week and for Katahdin in a month!