fun in the sun

after i left the greenfield library i was greeted by couchsurfing host zoe (who is getting her phd in medicinal plants) and her housemate, jon (assistant manager to a local organic farm). they served me homemade vegan friendly fare, and i slept on the couch next to the wood stove. oh, luxury!

i awoke to a day that looked beautiful, clearing skies, sun...alas, i was fooled. i travelled 49 miles INTO a serious headwind and rain ALL DAY LONG. i did still get some awesome views, and it really was a beautiful day. i only had to put my rain pants on for the last couple few miles, when the cold wind really picked up. this picture is from hawley, ma, along route 8A. i spent pretty much all day climbing up and up and up along this road, so i could coast the last 5 miles into dalton. i climbed for waaaay longer than 5 miles. but it was totally worth it.

in dalton, i stayed last night with tom lovardi, climbing ever higher in the running for most awesome trail angel ever. i stayed at his house last year when i hiked through the town. he was working in the basement when i arrived (putting in a washer and dryer, no more biking to the laundromat, hiker trash!) and welcomed me into his home, treated me to dinner, and then out to duff & dell's for breakfast this morning. duff & dell's is the most classic corner store/diner ever, where all the old folks from town go every morning for breakfast. i had a peek in the old trail registers from last year. ::nostalgia:: i headed out after breakfast, to sunny skies and 60 degree weather!

i had tom snap a quick pic of me this morning before i left his house. don't worry, i have a helmet, it's over there on that shrub on the right. seriously, it just fell out of my hand and tom put it up there for the photo.

i'm in the hillsdale public library right now, borrowing internet time and enjoying a mid-day break. i have probably close to 30 more miles to go today before i arrive in red hook, to spend the weekend with alissa and mike!