Easthampton

I guess Google was comparing the terrain to Tibet or maybe the Alpine region of Switzerland when it said only moderate hills for me today. Ha ha. The day started with a nice downhill from my stealth camp. I passed through Dalton around 9 am and thats when the hills started. I had to do quite a bit of pushing but it was beautiful. It was a little chilly in places, 54 and drizzling rain. I was on little roads with no lines on them until around 2. Then I got to route 9 and it was awesome. All the climbing paid off and I had mile after mile of downhill! The road was great with wide shoulders and beautiful scenery!

In only the 60 or 70 miles since New York the terrain has changed a lot. There is always a creek or stream nearby cold and fast flowing, a slight coppery tinge in the crystal clear water from the tannic acid from the decaying leaves. The trees have changed over to hemlock, birch, maple and oak. The elevation has more to do with the change then the miles but either way I like it. This is the topography I feel most at home in. It is very similar to the woods and hills of Northwestern, Pa where I grew up.

However in Pa there is not moose crossing signs! I got pretty exited about seeing one. (A moose not the sign)After seeing the sign my eyes continually searched the woods and fields. Any large, dark rock or big stump would have me double checking to make sure it wasn’t a moose. I stopped to take a picture of the sign and to prepare for a moose encounter.

Unfortunately I did not see any moose today but I’m sure I will as I make my way north. I was on a great rail trail the last 15 miles of the day. It did have me a little worried because I kept getting closer and closer to this mountain. I was already pretty wore out from all the other moderate hills and don’t think I had enough left in me to get over one more.

Thankfully my destination was before the start of this mountain. A few miles before the end of the trail there was a little rest stop for cyclist. A refrigerator had freedge spray painted acrossed it and there was a cupboard full of food. I didn’t take much food but there was an 8 ounce block of dill and garlic flavored cheddar I had to try.

I took two onions as well and ate them with slices of cheese. It was good but I can only imagine what my breath smelled like.

I arrived at my cousin’s and her husbands house a few minutes past 6. I was very happy to be done riding for the day. 53 miles and 2137 feet of accumulated elevation gain. I was tired. And hungry. But first thing I did was much needed laundry.

Liz and Dan were absolutely great! They took me to a fancy restaurant and I had the best brisket I might of ever ate! The Tavern on the Hill was an excellent place with stunning views of the valley below. We arrived at 8 and it was really pretty seeing all lights down in the city. It was actually pretty laid back and despite being in cycling attire I didn’t feel out of place. The cloth napkins is what put it in my fancy restaurant category. The food and company were great! Dan and Liz were really cool and easy to talk to. Thank you guys for a great evening!

I have really enjoyed Massachusetts, even if I do complain about the hills! I think its a bit more progressive and a lot more health conscious then other states i have been through on this trip.. They have gone so far as to put some sections of roads on a low sodium diet. Haha. Im sure all the aquatic life in all the streams appreciate it.