Last night we rolled into the Minuteman Campground around midnight and were pleasantly surprised by how hotel-like the amenities were. While we were too tired to take advantage of the pool, TV room and pool table, we did enjoy a nice, warm shower before curling up in our hammocks to rest up for what lay ahead.

Today was the first day where we had no plans except to bike. It was also my first glimpse of the notorious hills of Massachussetts which I would argue are basically mountains. Giant mountains that want nothing more than to make my thighs burn until they spontaneously combust. I’d like to formally apologize both to Isaac and Connecticut for ever complaining about my difficulty biking up the hills and mountains around Simsbury. Those are really nothing compared to what we experienced today and I’m told I STILL haven’t seen the worst of it. Oh boy.

When we left the campground this morning, we had plans of stopping for breakfast after 20 miles or so, which is really not a problem. However, the towns we kept hoping would have food options continued to fail us and after the about 30 miles of Hill Hell, we (ok mostly me) were exhausted. When we finally made it to the town of Rutland, I realized I had never been more excited to go to an empty restaurant with a questionable smell, which in all fairness could have just been the scent of my companions and myself. After fully stuffing ourselves with food and icy beverages, we felt rejuvenated enough to continue on our trek to where we are now: Highview Campground, in our hammocks.

I don’t think I will have any issues falling asleep tonight.