Date: 2014-06-18
From: Riga Shelter

To: Shays Rebellion Monument
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Officially the worst night of sleeping on the trail so far. No doubt. Even though the Riga Shelter faced east for a nice view, the climate produced very ill sleeping conditions. It was very hot and muggy with no wind, even though the shelter was exposed. On top of that, the mosquitos were in full force which made me have to decide weather to cover myself from head to toe with my silk liner, which made it much warmer, or deal with the blood sucking beast. I chose neither and after about 2 hours I left the shelter and set up my tent. I dont know how the girls dealt with it other than the deet they were using was actually working. I set my tent up without the rain fly hoping the 50/50 chance of rain would coin flip to my favor and skip us. Nope. About 1 in the morning I awake to distant and loud thunder. I had enough cell coverage to check accu-weather and see the radar. Ya..... It's coming, quick and hard! I debated weather to go back to the shelter cause the only real thing I'm worried about during these storms is the "widow makers." I'm guessing that telling these branches from above that I'm not married and no such widow will come of my demise will matter, but non-the-less I decided to quickly get my rain fly attached before the down pour occurred. Which I succeeded. Now the wait.Seems like the big stuff stayed to the north, but I did get hammered with rain. Stayed dry in the tent and it did cool off a tad. Plus no mosquitos! It rained off and on since my alarm went off at 4:30 so I stayed in the tent till around 6 and missed the sunrise. Wouldn't of seen much anyway cause of the cloud cover. Scar was up but Ivy was still passed out with her shoes on. Guess she was trying to keep the bugs off her feet maybe? I didn't get out of the shelter till about 8 which was disappointing, but I had a date with Massachusetts today and was anxious to get there. The last part of Connecticut was just gorgeous as I climbed up to Bear Mountain, the highest point in the state, on down to Sages Ravine and the state line. Hiked along the stream and saw my first real swimming holes on the trail that looked tempting. I passed knowing there will be a bunch more as I continue to the northern states. Massachusetts decided that they didn't feel like marking the trail at Mt Everett. A steep, rocky, and wet trail going straight up. I almost went back down thinking I missed the trail somewhere, but finally a white blaze puts that fear out of my mind. Thank goodness. About that time a copperhead snake wiggled in front of me and seemed very angry. These snakes are not only venomous but aggressive. This one danced around lifting half his body in the air, looking at me like it wanted to tangle. I reversed the grip on my right handed pole and was ready. The reptile gave me a few head fakes then disappeared into the brush. Man I hate those things.From Mt. Everett down Massachusetts became a hell hole. Nothing like it's sister state to the south at all. I did experience my 3rd ass-plant of the trail by slipping on some wet rocks, but the worst of it was the 2 mile stretch from MA 41 to the Shays Rebellion Monument. I have mentioned about the relentless mosquitoes on the trail, but this 30 minute test was a death wish. These things were everywhere and all over me and there was nothing I can do about it. I even had a mesh head net to cover my face but I literally didn't think I had the time to drop my pack and dig it out. Why would they put this trail in an infested swamp I have no idea. As soon as I left the tree cover and into an open farm the attack was over. Out onto a clearing I sat my pack down and laid on the grass for 20 minutes to gain my composure. All I wanted to do is set my tent up and sleep. Fortunately on the other side of the road there was a nice spot to do just that, but unfortunately it was right on the trail. As late as it was, I didn't think anyone would come by and say anything. The cool thing was a stone monument showing that this plot of land was the last battle to be fought during Shays Rebellion in Feb of 1786. I ate my white bean chili Mountain House with added Ramen for dinner, set up my tent (without the rain fly again) and went to sleep. Of course it rained at night so I had to get up and dash around like a mad man so everything stayed somewhat dry. The mental toll is wearing on me.Song of the day, Dirty Water, -MantrellsMovie of the day, Tommy Boy "He must play for the Yankees!"