August 1, 2004

I got a late start today due to the overnight thunderstorms and my lack of initiative breaking camp with soaked gear.  My pack weight was noticeably heavier...ugh.  I am ascending to higher summits again and the vistas are well worth the climbs.  Bear and I took a break at Bear Mountain an elevation of 2,316 feet, the highest point in Connecticut.  I then pressed onward to the Connecticut-Massachusetts state line, where Bear and I high-fived another state conquered.  In all, I will hike through 14 states. Massachusetts is my 11th state.

I climbed Race Mountain and Mt. Everett, both decent climbs.  Hiking down the mountains today was very difficult.  I scooted down on my butt several times because the rocks were steep and slick.  I also took a pretty good fall today on the trail by slipping on a rock and losing my balance carrying my 40 pound backpack.  I fell into some bushes and was praying that no snakes were nearby.  I fell onto one of my hiking poles and hurt my leg.  The terrain was sloppy and muddy.  I felt like a mud-wrestler! When I finally arrived at the lean-to at day's end, I took a Wet Wipe bath.  I used eight of them.  I ate a cold dinner and went to sleep in my tent.  I was exhausted and my pride was hurt.