Bridges

 June 4th, Wednesday 

Sleeping is hard. I left early this morning and was on trail a little after 8 AM.  There was nothing excessively difficult about the trail except for one water crossing. There are pieces of the former bridge on both sides of the brook (Dueul Hollow Brook).  Someone tied a rope across and that sort of helped.  I made it across, rock to rock, and then continued on until I found the shelter.  

After looking at the map and AT Guide I decided that the shelter was the best turnaround spot for today, even though it was still early.  I was getting hot and a shelter is a nice landmark should I return to continue section hiking.  On the way back,  I decided to take my shoes off and walk across the brook instead of rock hopping. The cold water felt really good on my feet. My shoes stayed off as I made my way down the trail.  For the next ten to fifteen minutes the ground was mostly soft under my feet.  When that changed, the shoes went back on!

All-in-all I only hiked around three hours.  When I got back to the campground, I cracked windows and fell asleep in the car.  That is all I had energy for.  That didn't last long, but it was needed.  My original plan was to hike about four hours, then turn around and return to the car.  I considered going back out after lunch to a different section, but then I found a tick.  And another.  I did as full a check as I could and decided to stay around the campground for a while.

I pulled out my camp chairs and followed the shade around my campsite.  I updated the places I've hiked on the AT – still haven't done the math for mileage though. I sat writing out random thoughts about this adventure I've been on and played some games on my phone.  It was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

Things may change, but my current plan is to head home tomorrow.  This has been a grand adventure and I'm not completely ready to let it go.  My thoughts are now more at home than on the trail.  Seeing my family and friends as well as sleeping in my own bed are on my mind.  Other things, like painting my kitchen, are distracting me.  I'm even starting to miss my job!  If things go well, I'll continue to hike some weekends from home.  Somehow, just crossing the line into New England was enough to push me to want to be home.

Around dinnertime I got into the car and headed a few miles north where there is another covered bridge.  I did some “Sunday driving” on the way back to the campsite.  

Housatonic River 

☮

Currently listening to: Thriving With Anxiety, by David Rosmarin.

Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!