The sun was setting as I cooked dinner at RPH Shelter. I had such a wonderful time in NYC and was somewhat bummed out when I returned to the trail. I knew I would be a couple days behind the hikers I had gotten to know when I returned to the trail after Sugar died…and even further behind any of “The Fam.” I wanted to make a little progress that night, so I decided to eat dinner and hike on a couple miles until I found a spot to stealth camp.
Leaves are becoming colorful!
I woke up the next morning pretty early, but the chilly rain kept me hiding in my tent for an hour or so. After finally emerging, I was ready to hike. Time to get some miles knocked out! Later that evening, I stopped to take a quick snack break near a road crossing. Trying to get as many miles in before dark, I packed up and pushed on. A few hours later and about four miles down trail, the sun was setting so I pulled off my pack to get my head lamp out. I began to panic when I couldn’t find it anywhere. Nausea crept over me when I realized I must’ve left it at my last break spot. In the bag with my head lamp was my wallet, phone charger, and back up battery. I dumped my entire pack out to make double sure I didn’t have it. Sure enough, it was nowhere to be found. I took a few deep breaths and began to weigh my options. I could walk back–no way. Who wants to re-hike 4 miles of trail there and then back again? I could set up my tent right where I was and worry about it in the morning–eh, maybe if my wallet wasn’t involved. Sigh. It was getting late, but maybe if there was a road nearby I could hitch hike back to that spot. I looked at my guide book and saw an upcoming road in a tenth of a mile. Using the light of my phone (which had a battery charge of about 40% left), I walked to the road. To my dismay, I saw it was a rarely traveled gravel road. Not sure of what I was doing or where I was going, I dragged my feet down the gravel road in the dark. Suddenly from nowhere, a car appeared! I waved it down and a young couple rolled down the window and asked if I needed help. I explained my dilemma and they offered me a ride. I was completely blown away at how I had just barely been in the right place at the right time. By chance, the couple had made a wrong turn and come down the dirt road to turn around. Thank you SO much to Olivia and Kyle for delaying your movie/date time to offer this stinky hiker a ride. I can’t thank you enough. When they dropped me off, I found my bag with all of my important belongings–whew! Once I had calmed down, I walked the 4 miles back to the gravel road. Deciding there was enough excitement for one day, I set up camp.
The next morning, I hiked past the largest tree on the AT–the Dover Oak. It measures 20′ in diameter and is estimated to be about 300 years old. Passing interesting land marks along the trail is definitely the cherry on top of the experience!
Dover Oak–largest oak on the AT
For lunch, I stopped in at a deli located 0.6 miles off trail. I let my phone and back up battery charge while I ate and took a short nap on the bench. It’s strange how trail life changes people. I would have never slept on a bench outside of a business before–but now, I was thankful for the shady spot to rest on. As I laid there, I thought about how I felt fairly clean after not showering for two days…my hair looked pretty to me even though it wasn’t blow dried or straightened…and my face no longer looked naked without make up. It dawned on me that maybe I’m finally becoming comfortable in my own skin and I’m happy just being me.
Love yourself–even if you stink.
Does this mean I won’t shower regularly when I get home? No. But, I will definitely not spend near as much time, effort and money on my hair and makeup. I certainly won’t feel inferior to women around me regardless of their or my own appearance. I am me, and that’s exactly who I want to be.
Wow, that feels good to say!
So, after getting everything charged up, including my spirits, I hiked on to cross into Connecticut and completed another 20-mile day.
Goodbye New York, Hello Connecticut!
When I reached Ten Mile River Shelter, everyone was sleeping. I crept in quietly and set up. I was excited to see that Waldo and his brother, Gourmet Greg, were there–always good to recognize fellow hikers. The next morning, a girl I had met before named ‘Cookie’ emerged from her tent. We ate breakfast and talked about all of the things I had contemplated about natural beauty the day before. She was happy to hear another female had reached the same conclusions. We hiked together during the day and ended up camping together that night. We were thrilled to find a deck at the campsite to set up on and cowboy camp under an amazing meteor shower!
Cookie standing next to the deck we camped on
Although the meteor shower was beautiful that night, I FROZE. Since it had gotten warmer, I was only sleeping with a fleece liner and had sent my 23 degree sleeping bag home. After shivering most of that night, I decided to have my real sleeping bag sent back.
The following day, I was happy to find Rebel Yell on the trail. We hiked together, catching up on all of the people we had met and events that had occurred since hiking together in Pennsylvania. We also crossed over mile 1500!
1500 miles down, 689.2 miles to go…
The trail only wanders through Connecticut for a little over 50 miles, so within a few days I had already hiked over the Massachussetts border!
CT/MA State Line
Just a few miles shy of the road that leads to Great Barrington, MA, I came across an interesting land mark–the site of Shays Rebellion.
Site of Shays Rebellion
It’s surreal to stumble upon sites you’ve read about in history books. I always try to visualize how it all played out and the emotion and actions that led up to the actual event. It’s strange to see such a significant moment in history so simply marked by a crooked stone monument in a farm field in Massachussets. But, there it is!
Town Hall – Great Barrington, MA
Once I reached Great Barrington, I decided to take a zero day. I didn’t explore the town too much, because I decided to actually rest and relax. I also answered some Q&A that will be posted on my YouTube channel before too long, so keep a look out for that!
Happy Birthday, Sugar Belle!
During this stretch of trail, Sugar’s birthday came around. She would’ve been 11 years old on August 15th. Last year in Colorado, Sugar, Hank and I celebrated her birthday with some delicious cupcakes!
Sugar and Hank–totally thrilled about their party hats
Sugar’s birthday cupcakes
This year for her birthday, Frank placed some beautiful flowers on her grave. I never imagined on the last birthday I spent with her that she’d be gone in less than a year. I suppose that’s why we shouldn’t take anything for granted–especially…time.
Sugar’s grave in the backyard she loved – Opelika, AL
Make today the day you finally decide to grasp the dream you’ve always wanted to chase. Step out on a limb and take a chance. Hold your loved ones extra tight. Reconcile your differences with the friend you’ve resented. Call a loved one and tell them what they mean to you. Take a walk and savor the beauty of nature. Do something worthy of your time today.
Life is a preparation for the future; and the best preparation for the future is to live as if there were none.
-Albert Einstein
Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.
-Ida Scott Taylor
Thanks for taking the time to read along and follow my journey! Below are some of the additional moments I captured during this stretch of trail:
Well, until next time–
Happy Trails 🙂
Just wanted to let Dixie know I looked up the other Fred Rose and was very surprised. I love the trail videos and wish you the best.
Thank you,
Fred
Hey, Fred! That’s awesome. Glad you could learn something about the other Fred Rose–haha! How was the rest of your trip? Thanks for checking out my blog and videos 🙂
Developed blisters on six toes and crashed on Velvet Rocks. I pushed for a 15 mile day and only had a few grenola bars for lunch. Need new boots and learned a lesson! BEST OF LUCK..have fun!
Oh no! I’ve not had blisters, but seen many people who have. Usually their shoes were too small or their toes just rub together that way…and excessive walking leads to a lot of friction which creates blisters. Have you heard of injinji toe socks? I’ve heard they help a lot! Might be worth checking them out. You might also like trail runners over boots. Everyone has their preferences!
That’s great you were able to do 15 miles–way to go 🙂 Sounds like you’re ready to thru hike already!
Thank you! It was nice meeting you.
WAY TO GO!!! Ur photos are BEAUTIFUL!! Do you think you will do the PCT or the CDT next? 🙂
Dana, I would probably opt for the PCT next 🙂 I’ve heard it’s amazingly beautiful! Thank you for the words of encouragement!
Have you thought about writing a book about your adventures? You are a talented writer! Maybe you could write inspirational stories. You seem to have a firm grasp now on what is truly important in life. Thanks for sharing with us.
Heading out next weekend to do a segment in Virginia. Temps are cooler now since you came through. Looking forward to getting out and enjoying what you’ve been writing about.
God speed and stay safe!
Thank you, Guy! I have toyed with the idea of a book. May do a simple “how to” guide fairly quickly when I’m done. Then, a more elaborate book later on.
How was your hike? What section did you do? Hope you enjoyed it!
You should def. write a book. You got a good feather as we (journalists) say in Luxembourg. I can provide you with some tips and clues. I wrote and published two books a couple of years ago 😉
Hi Jessica,
Wanted to let you know that you got people (one person at least) in Europe rooting for you to complete your thru-hike 🙂 Just picked up hiking again after a long hiatus. I like reading your posts and I am looking forward to hitting the trails soon. Stumbled upon the vlogs by chance. I’ll be heading to Scotland in October for a 90 mile hike. Next year: the AT.
Enjoy the rest of your adventure!
Eric–that’s awesome! I’ve never been to Europe. Maybe that’s my next traveling adventure. Who knows. Hiking in Scotland sounds pretty fantastic, I’m excited for you. That will be a great testing ground for your gear in prep for the AT! Will you go North or south?
Hey. Europe has some pretty swell hiking trails as well. The Camino Santiago of course, GR20 in Corsica, Kungsleden in Sweden and a lot of awesome long distance trails in Great Britain or Lofoten in Norway. Google those some day ;). I did the Tour du Mont Blanc a few years ago. 7 to 10 day hike in the Alps (France, Italy, Switzerland). Let me know if/when you come to Europe. I’ll be glad to provise some trail magic. As to AT, plans have changed: I will be joining a group of ppl I met through the Yonder App for a small section hike in the Smokeys in April/May to prepare the John Muir Trail in August with those guys. Exciting times 😉 It was great hearing from you. Getting my gear together for Scotland as we speak 😉
Happy trails!