Date: 2015-07-06
From: Race Brook Campsite

To: Enfield, CT
Miles today: 9.8

I slept so good last night. I posted my journal, got under my quilt and the next thing I knew it was 5:30 in the morning. I rolled back over and finally got up at 6:30.The climb up Mt. Everett was steep but not too bad. It was less than a mile and over before I knew it. When I got to the top I was disappointed to find no summit view. When I headed down the hill a few feet I found the lookout. I hopped on the rocks and was pumped to find the cloud layer below me again. I can get used to this.The next few miles were spent walking the ridge then heading down to the valley. By then Poboy had caught up and we spent the walk talking about the trail and life before and after it. When we got to the road I pulled my guide out to see what was nearby when a lady stopped and asked us if we both knew Jeopardy. We said we did and asked if he was alright. She said she had taken him to the diner and offered to take us as well. When the trail provides like that you take it.We spent the short drive talking to Penny about our hikes and about how she had bought her house because of its proximity to the trail. She was an awesome lady and I'm glad I had the chance to meet her. We arrived at the diner in South Egremont and had breakfast with Jeopardy. I had a couple eggs, bacon, pancakes, homefries, and corned beef hash. Delicious. Afterwards we headed to the road and picked up a ride in no time from this great lady and her two kids.We hiked together for the next 3.5 miles to US 7. When we got there I looked down the way and thought I saw a Hertz Rent a Car. I immediately asked Jeopardy and Poboy if they wanted to check it out and possibly head to Six Flags. They were intrigued.Well, it wasn't a Hertz but 1.2 miles away was a used car dealership that did rent cars. I couldn't believe it but we all decided to actually do this. We walked to the dealership and before we knew it we had a car. Hikers don't know what to do with themselves when they have the ability to move so fast. By 4:00 PM we were in Springfield, MA and walking into Six Flags New England. Insane.We rode a couple roller coasters before deciding we needed hiker showers. Luckily the water park is part of the admission so we rode water slides until it closed at 6:30. We went back to the regular park and rode until they closed at 9:00. We've since eaten chicken wings and sliders and grabbed a room at the Holiday Inn.I think I've been so afraid of failing that I've forgotten this is supposed to be an adventure. A couple of folks have commented on how I've flown through this and they're right. Today was awesome and something I'll never forget. We can always get our miles in. Coming to a random road crossing that provides a close drive to an amusement park and a rental car, all on a whim, is the trail telling us to have an adventure. I'm glad we took full advantage. These 30+ year old guys have felt like excited kids all day.We'll head back tomorrow and get back to hiking. Not sure when or how far we'll go. Who cares, I went to freaking Six Flags today. Fireworks and amusement parks. It's starting to feel like Summer. Don't be confused by the destination though, the park is on the state line. We are finished hiking in Connecticut.