Day 7: Sturbridge - Westfield (June 1st)

Woke up 3.30am and the back of my hand was starting to swell from the insect bite. Put off leaving early & went to reception at 7.30am to see if I could get it treated. Was a bit concerned in case it balooned up on the road. Found out I could get an antihistamine at the local supermarket up the road which was already open since 7am (On a Sunday!!! God Bless America). Went up and tablets but the ladies at the checkout got me cream instead as they didn't want me getting drowsy on the bike (God Bless American Momas!!). SO Idowsed my hand in cream & took off about 10am in the end.
Again the road was undulating & seemingly unending forest all around. Passed through Monson, a place I'd original planned to camp. It had a topless bar & across the road from it a house of Redemption which I thought was funny. Stopped around 1pm for food a to put cream on the swelling which was getting bigger.
On the outskirts of Springfield I passed a bike Shop which was open & went in to buy a multitool to replace the one I'd left behind in Boston. Couldn't wait to get to Springfield to get a shot of a welcom Sign but there was none. In fact it was an anticlimax & the road through it was terrible, potholes a cut up. The footpaths little better, It really slowed me down. At a red light on the outskirts to lads in a car jokingly asked me if I was going to California. You should have seen there faces when I said yes! Fair play to them, when the light went green they gave me the thumbs up & wished me best of Luck.... Buddy!!
On the far side of Springfield I crossed my first major river (the name escapes me now... I'm so tired I keep forgetting so much) from there it was 7 miles to Westfield. I decided straight away to go for a Motel & bargained the owner down from $60 to $45. Got there about 5pm. After a shower I went to a supermarket & splurged on food, ridiculously. I would pay for this on the road the next day. (To be honest by now its all about calories. How much does a breadroll have, a chocolate bar, a banana, a drink... Everything is checked for maximum calorie intake. Pasta, lentils, peanut butter, bagels, Humous. What drinks are best for rehydration.... After only a few days these are the major concerns.... along with the weight of my panniers which is far too much & will have to be adressed soon.)
Had a great evening feed & went to sleep happy enough.