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Days 103-111 on The Appalachian Trail—Connecticut and Massachusetts – The Trek

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Days 103-111 on The Appalachian Trail—Connecticut and Massachusetts – The Trek



Random Thoughts

The further North I go it seems the opportunity to meet other hikers on the trail seems to be diminished. In the last part of New York there was a small cluster of thru hikers and flip floppers, now it is rare to see anyone. Having started in the winter, the isolation of the green tunnel of spring is intense. It is necessary to wander off trail to see more notable things and get a flavor for the region. Some interstate rivalries exist up here. My friend Heidi, a native of New Hampshire, commented on my picture at the Connecticut State Line that it is the “Gateway” and not part of New England. The war continues.

Cultural Differences 

I take issue with being charged $4.08 for a fourteen ounce glass of unsweetened tea and no free refills. Perhaps word of the joys of sweet tea and unlimited refills hasn’t reached this far North after all of these years. Then again “The Boston Sweet Tea Party” isn’t in recorded history as never could anyone so foolishly waste the “Wine of the South”. I’ve tried to avoid the subject of biscuits and gravy as to not give away the fact that I hail from elsewhere. A translation dictionary for many phrases would be helpful. Who could know that “PSDS” means pierced ears? 

Company on The Trail: Battle Buddy


Back In Pearisburg, Virginia and again in Harpers Ferry, WV I had the good fortune of meeting a hiker who started two days before me in early January. At our second meeting Angelika, The Hiking Tomato, and I hatched a plan to hike together. By together I mean the same geographic miles on the same day and camp or lodge in each other’s immediate vicinity. She has a quicker pace and neither of us requires constant chatter while hiking. This has prove beneficial in a multitude of ways. There is someone to share a few words with, a constant in the day, encouragement, a break in the isolation after 4 1/2 months. Making good mileage every day, and some feelings of depression have subsided.

 

Days 103-105

 

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Connecticut I Hardly Knew You

A little over two days and done. Nothing of note except for the ice tea issue, friendly people, great scenery, and some beautiful covered bridges. My Canadian friend Gazelle/Solar completed the 53 mile Connecticut Challenge in less than 24 hours. Quite the impressive feat! Crossing the state line with THT feels like a huge accomplishment. I felt a little stuck in New York after my calf issue. More progress, another state  closer to home.

After crossing the state line all the trail seemed familiar and rocky. A lot of slab walking, boulder hopping, climbing over peaks, and yes the occasional rattle snake. Roger’s Ramp was yet another rock squeeze and photo opportunity. This is the first time I took a lunch break on this thru hike at a little cafe near Kent, CT. That’s where I discovered the tea problem. I traveled off trail after the hiking every day in Connecticut and found wonders from waterfalls to beautiful covered bridges. You have to leave the tunnel to see the communities and culture. The beauty and history of the surrounding areas is worth taking time to see. My favorite memory will be giving Gazelle support and trail magic during her challenge attempt.  This was my first time in Connecticut and I would like to see more. There have been milestones and points of interest. Unlike previous posts there is not too much to say as it felt like “Welcome To” and “Now Leaving” were on the same side of the sign. Maybe I should have taken more time.

Days 106-111 Massachusetts 


One of the striking things traveling further North is the amount of history in so many places near the trail. The introduction into Massachusetts is a simple sign in the woods as you pass a stream. The only thing I had seen of the state previously was Boston. Again, a short time in a state and I need to make better notes of  the days. The effects of TBI become apparent as I recount each section. Then again there are many places listed as “ Cliffs” and “Ledges” on the trail.  Continual amazing views when the trail opens from the tunnel to show the expanse of this incredible part of the state. Seeing Mount Greylock in the distance and then experiencing the climb was a good day. The forest near the top reminded me of the forest near Clingman’s Dome. Fairy tale like and the mirror pond and cabin are the subject of many hiker’s pictures. The war memorial at the top is a fitting tribute to the sons and daughters who gave their last measure for our freedoms. 
Seeing wild turkeys by the roadside on the way back to trail was entertaining. Two steps into the woods and they disappeared. THT definitely hikes the cliffs with more confidence. The memory if Tennessee stays with me. I didn’t stay too long in Massachusetts either. While I don’t want the journey to end I am getting anxious to be home.

Final Thoughts 

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.
– W.B. Yeats

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Massachusetts

French-Mediterranean Eatery Charts Opening In Boston

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French-Mediterranean Eatery Charts Opening In Boston


BOSTON, MA — An international restaurant group with locations across the globe is preparing to open its first Massachusetts restaurant this year.

LPM Restaurant & Bar, a French Riviera-inspired restaurant founded in London, is set to open on the second floor of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street in Back Bay, according to Four Seasons. The hotel lists the restaurant as “Opening Summer 2026,” while the Boston Business Journal reported the restaurant plans to open in September.

The Boston restaurant will mark LPM’s debut in the Northeast and its third U.S. outpost, following locations in Miami and Las Vegas, according to a Four Seasons announcement.

LPM, also known as La Petite Maison, was founded in London in 2007 and is known for French-Mediterranean food, Mediterranean ingredients and dining rooms influenced by Belle Époque design.

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The business operates locations in London, Dubai, Miami, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Riyadh, Limassol, Doha, Mykonos, Kuwait, Boston, Maldives and Bangkok.

Four Seasons said LPM will take over the space that formerly housed One Dalton’s breakfast concept, One + One. The restaurant will join other dining options at the hotel, including Zuma and Trifecta.

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Massachusetts high school under investigation after teachers diagnosed with breast cancer

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Massachusetts high school under investigation after teachers diagnosed with breast cancer


A Massachusetts high school is under investigation after “several” teachers have been diagnosed with breast cancer or precancerous conditions.

The state Department of Public Health is set to visit Uxbridge High School on Thursday to “conduct a series of air quality tests,” to determine whether the multiple cases are potentially connected.

Superintendent David Ljungberg and Principal Michael Rubin alerted families and district staff on Monday of the “sombering news,” after Uxbridge High School’s graduation over the weekend.

“We are writing to inform you about a concern we are investigating at Uxbridge High School,” Ljungberg and Rubin stated in the letter. “Several female teachers have been diagnosed with breast cancer or precancerous conditions over the past few years.”

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“It is, of course, possible that these multiple cases are not connected to one another,” the leaders added, “but out of abundance of caution, we are looking into any environmental factors at the school that may be a factor in their diagnoses.”

The 123,000-square-foot school, with an enrollment of roughly 600, was constructed in 2012 at a cost of $45 million, including a $22-million state reimbursement.

Uxbridge school leaders say they notified the state Department of Health and local health board as soon as they became aware of the cases, seeking “counsel about how best to proceed.”

“Massachusetts DPH officials have indicated that there is no evidence of immediate danger in the building and no reason to limit access to or use of the facility at this time,” they wrote in their letter. “In fact, the public health officials have commended our decision to approach them with these concerns, our readiness to partner with them in support of the evaluation process.”

Health officials are assessing the school’s interior and exterior to “ensure there are no issues with the infrastructure that would present risks (including electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, and other systems)” and the indoor and outdoor air quality on campus.

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The superintendent and principal said that state officials have ruled out water supply as a “risk factor” after “thorough testing.”

“The team has reached out to the women who have been diagnosed, requesting data to evaluate whether there may be a connection among their cases,” Ljungberg and Rubin wrote. “We are grateful for their cooperation.”

They added that the state has said discovering an environmental “smoking gun” is “rare” in workplace investigations.

“However, even if a direct causal link is not established,” the leaders wrote, “the administration is utilizing this process to rigorously test the building and guarantee that it meets all safety standards moving forward.”

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Gov. Healey backs bill to keep Mass. bars open until 3 a.m. this summer

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Gov. Healey backs bill to keep Mass. bars open until 3 a.m. this summer


Local News

The legislation would allow licensed establishments to sell alcohol one hour later than their normal closing time, up to 3 a.m., between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2026.

The proposal has received support from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and most recently Gov. Maura Healey, who submitted written testimony Monday to the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies urging lawmakers to advance the measure. (Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff)

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a measure that would allow cities and towns to temporarily extend bar and restaurant hours during the summer, as the state prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches and celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The legislation (H.5465) filed by state Rep. Carole Fiola, would allow licensed establishments to sell alcohol one hour later than their normal closing time, up to 3 a.m., between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2026. The bill would also allow communities to establish designated public consumption districts where alcohol could be consumed in approved public spaces.

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In a press release announcing the bill, Fiola said the summer’s threefold events lineup — the World Cup, Tall Ships, and July 4th — is an economically significant moment that the state should take advantage of.

“We should capitalize on these events that will generate economic benefits for small businesses and the state as a whole. It’s a local opt-in idea worth exploring that’s being done in other states,” Fiola said.

The proposal has received support from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and most recently Gov. Maura Healey, who submitted written testimony Monday to the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies urging lawmakers to advance the measure.

“Massachusetts is planning for a once-in-a-generation summer,” Healey wrote, according to the Boston Globe. “In 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, welcome tall ships from around the world to Boston Harbor for Sail Boston, and host seven FIFA World Cup matches in Foxborough, along with watch parties across the Commonwealth.”

The governor argued that the added flexibility could help local economies benefit from an influx of visitors.

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“That flexibility can help communities capture more visitor spending, support jobs, keep downtowns active, and strengthen Massachusetts’ image as a dynamic destination ready to host the world and a place our residents, including our young professionals, are proud to call home,” Healey wrote.

She also urged lawmakers to move the legislation forward, saying it will “help Massachusetts meet the full economic and cultural opportunities for the summer ahead.”


  • Rhode Island bill proposes 24-hour bar hours during World Cup

In Rhode Island, a similar bill to allow bars and restaurants to remain open until 4 a.m. during the World Cup was signed into law on Friday.

Fiola’s bill remains before the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. Any final version would require approval from both the House and Senate before reaching Healey’s desk.

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Profile image for Annie Jonas

Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.

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