Day 1: MA >> CT >> NY >> NJ >> PA

Henley definitely doesn’t understand we’re staying here -- in the car, in the woods. I got us all set up in the back and he’s sitting in the front seat just looking out the windshield like he’s ready to get back on the road.

It’s sweltering in here. The back windows are down with the Skeeter Beaters up -- magnetic screens attached to the outside of the car for things like this. They’re keeping the bugs out so far, but I can barely feel the air outside through them. I know that air is cooler than in here and I want it. 

This morning I said goodbye to Holl, walked HB around Roslindale for maybe the last time ever, showered, and washed/blow dried/straightened my hair in hopes I’d be all set in that department for five or so days. I packed the cooler and finished packing up the car and hit the road. We made several pit stops, nothing notable. Henley panted on me eighty percent of the time, sneezed on me a dozen times, and threw us in neutral approximately once per hour. 

It was about eight and a half hours after leaving Boston when I got to Michaux State Forest, but had trouble finding the head quarters where I was hoping to find a map, and then when I finally did find where I was supposed to camp, I had to backtrack several miles. I’m not sure how this forest road camping works everywhere, but for this state forest I had to request a free permit online ahead of time. I had to pick a campsite from about four options, but on this same page they said how there are many more campsites. So already I was confused. Also, there was nothing to print, nothing to pick up, no one I had to check in with. And finding this “campsite” was nearly impossible. No...impossible. I found the road, but there were several campsites, which are just spots cleared of trees you can pull into. No signs or numbers anywhere that correlate with the numbered campsites on the map. I’m quite certain no cares if I’m here or where I am so I don’t understand why they play the permit charade. 

Anyway, I crossed over the Appalachian Trail, which I wanted to hike a bit so I pulled into a spot shortly after. I threw on taller socks and hiking boots, doused myself in bug spray, attached mace and a knife to Henley’s leash, and headed towards the AT. We hiked for about an hour, leaving enough day light to clean up the car, make dinner, etc. We met a guy about my age hiking the entire AT. So cool! I could have talked to him for hours and asked a million more questions, but I eventually let him go. For dinner I had a hearty roll, half an avocado, a tube of (nonperishable, single serving) hummus, and a PA-brewed beer. For dessert I drank a Lindt chocolate truffle that was completely liquid after sitting in the car all day and then threw some berries on a pudding Snack Pack, no spoon needed. I’ve basically already become an animal.

So now I’m lying in the back of the car with my little lantern on, which I turn off whenever I hear a noise. I’m finishing my beer and trying to feel a breeze through the window. Henley’s lying in the front seat. He better come back here! I’m about to begin Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley. I bet Charley snuggled with John...

Goodnight from Pennsylvania!

<3

Bye Boston!

Finally out of the car, hiking the Appalachian Trail

Our campsite