Mileage: 19.7

Today started off a bit cold and cloudy. I was feeling really anxious and ended up calling Cam. Once I got started the anxiety melted away and I realized my love for the trail again.

The climb out of North Adams was quite rough. It was a vertical rock scramble that ended up being a lot of fun but very challenging and technical. There were some parts where I remember being with 5 years ago that were a bit emotional to return to but overall I was okay. I hiked 8 miles without stopping and took a small lunch break at some powerlines. I hiked on again without stopping for another 5ish miles where I met some SOBO hikers and got water. It was the shelter that Sarah and I had to sleep in with a tent for a blanket during a crazy rainstorm five years ago.

I pushed on and made it down to the gap for Bennington. The climb down was absolutely horrible. My legs hurt so bad and I could barely even move. It took me over an hour to go 0.8 miles. Then on the climb up I felt like I was going to pass out. It was horrible. I had to keep stopping and taking breaths and finally stopped for a snack. I think I’m not getting enough protein or I’m just doing too much starting off.

I arrived at the shelter and cleaned off. There were some NOBO AT hikers and also an LT hiker named Alex. Him and I chatted for a while while I ate dinner. I tried hanging my bear bag for almost 15 minutes and finally got it. Someone hung their bag right above my tent and I didn’t notice till it was too late. I peed around the tree to hopefully deter any bears.