Kevin's AT Thru Hike

Day 114, Friday, 7/8 – I started my day with PB&J waffles and a couple cups of hot coffee. Then, I took a hot shower and finished packing up my items. Connor and Angie drove me to Falls Village, and dropped me back off at the trail around noon.

I met Circles as I was hiking out, chatted for a bit, then hiked on. I had packed 4+ days of food, which is more than I’ve been carrying recently, so my pack felt heavier than usual. Even still, the back to back zero days had me feeling rested. I hiked to the top of Mt Prospect, and found Corgi, Sherbert, Slooper, Spice, and Tin Man resting at the summit. I joined them and ate a snack lunch.

I hiked on and caught a great view from Rand’s View. I then passed the 1,500 mile marker, so snapped a quick picture there too.

I stopped to get water and pulled a huge tick off my leg. I hate ticks. Fortunately, there haven’t been as many as I thought there would be.

I kept hiking and came within 6 feet of a giant rattlesnake before I realized what it was. The snake was seriously thicker than my wrist. I waited for a bit to see if it would slither away. It didn’t. I needed to get by, so I took my trekking pole and lightly tapped its rattler. It started rattling at me, then slowly slithered into the brush. I made sure it was far away, and not coiled up, before I passed it. It still rattled at me when I went by. It makes me wonder how many rattle snakes are hiding in the brush just off the trail that I never notice.

I climbed to the top of Bear Mountain, and met Timber, Rocket, and Sasquatch. I hadn’t written yesterdays blog, so I took a break and caught up on my writing. I then hiked on, and entered Massachusetts! It’s crazy to think that there are only 4 states left.

I hiked 15 miles to Laurel Ridge Campsite (Mile 1512). I set up my hammock and was putting my food in a bear box when I ran into Shade! Her hike has been going well. She had attempted an AT thru hike before, and made it to mile 1380, so she’s happy to be in uncharted territory. She also told me Claus & 100 Grand are also camping here. It was getting late so I’ll make sure to catch up with them in the morning.