Race Brook Campsite

8/14 ~ Race Brook Campsite (about 8 miles hiked)

Rumor has it that there is a brook here, one that has falls even. We couldn't find it, but the boys were nice enough to bring me a couple of liters of what they did find. It's filterable, so it will do for me. I have a bit to drink while I let the dirt settle out of this.

I met these two guys at Riga, Rock and Salty Bear. Rock has done all the trail from Springer, but Salty Bear skipped the middle third and is just getting back on. They are taking it slow, and they are good guys, so we hiked together today.

Today was a real bitch because the thunderstorm make the mossy rocks super slick. It's like they were *oiled*. The climb up Bear Mtn (yes, another Bear Mt, this one is the highest point in CT at 2500 ft or so) wasn't bad, but the decent was evil and wiped out a few times. It was godawful muggy all day. There was no view from Riga this morning and the long views today were all socked in pretty well with fog. Sages Ravine was very pretty, but with all the rocks and roots wet, it was tough hiking even though it was mostly flat.

It's pouring again, but I'm now in MA, so I guess that's something. I've never been here before, after all.

I've been unable to dry my clothes or pack for days, and the pack is so soaked with sweat that it's getting through to my sleeping bag. I know that's really gross, but it's true. I'll probably stay at this site as long as I can tomorrow and try to dry out my gear. Overall, the stretch of heavy humidity is making me miserable, and I want to quit.

Maybe things will look better tomorrow.

8/15 ~ 9am, Race Brook

Things look slightly better. It's raining again (it stopped for a few hours early this morning), but since I've decided to take the day off (or nearly so), I don't care. There is a privy here, so that's pretty good. I couldn't see it yesterday because it was dark and raining when we got here at 5pm. Also, I set my tent up on a platform, so I've got drainage for the rain. That is a very good thing.

I'm still amazed that I managed to pitch this tent on a wooden deck, but it worked out perfectly. I also got the best night's sleep I've gotten since coming back out on the trail. Speaking of that, I decided to figure my mileage since my return:

51.5 NY

56.5 CT-MA

108 / 10 days hiked = 10.8 per day

That's not bad for a lowly section hiker.

Salty Bear and Rock took off about 15 minutes ago. I really feel for them. I know Rock needs to make the miles, but it's a lousy day to hike over Mt. Everett. It's like Bear Mt. yesterday - rocks all the way. Very hard in the rain.

I may go on to Glen Brook Leanto later this afternoon if it dries out a little. That's only 2 miles, basically up and over Everett.

I want to hit Upper Goose Pond Cabin on a weekday, and it's 3 hiking days away, and I need to get there before 5pm. I should be there Wednesday.