Soon after hiking 8.5 miles from my lovely stealth campsite on the trail the owner of the Catamount Motel arrived to drive me to Bennington. The heaviest rain was not forecast for hours later. The category one hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm before it reached landfall on Rhode Island. On Monday, August 23 the morning was mostly rain free but resumed in full force in the afternoon. Without knowing how heavy the wind and flooding along the trail would be I chose safety first.
See my current location and daily log of my progress on the trail.
I am happy with my decision to get off the trail for a full day on Monday, August 23. In Bennington I had breakfast with a northbound thru-hiker, bought a small amount of food, ordered new gaiters to control the mud on my shoes, and did some writing. Baseball is on the TV! I will resume my hike on August 24. The weather forecast is for clouds and 84 degrees.
Give my regards to Bennington. It was our dinner stop going home after a weekend of skiing. Happy to hear you are in a safe place an not “MUDD” ling on. Happy continued trails.
What bad luck to run into a rare tropical storm, hope your luck improves as you tread southward.
More tropical storms headed your way. My cousins in St. Simons Island and Charleston report heavy storms and rainfall moving up east coast. Disastrous flooding in Tennessee.
Thanks for the update. You were sure smart not to challenge the weather and sit that one out. Glad you are keeping safe and still enjoying your journey. On ward and up♀️ Marian.
Stay safe Greg
Yes the last time a hurricane hit New England I was hiking my first hike of the AT. I was entering the Whites on my way to Eliza Brook Shelter. Up over my knees in water trying not to step on the floating logs I was terrified that one of the whipping trees would crash on my head. No way to escape. Hope you are being over the top safe out there.