The passage from Thomas Pynchon's "Mason & Dixon" reflects on the moment when characters stand on the threshold of a significant change, preparing to move from the familiar to the unknown. This boundary symbolizes a point of transition where the familiar settled land gives way to the uncharted wilderness, evoking feelings of anticipation and trepidation. The sensation experienced at this moment is profound, hinting at the emotional and psychological impact of crossing into new realms.

This quote encapsulates the themes of exploration and discovery that are present throughout the novel. The "Deep Woods" represents not just a physical landscape, but also the complexities of the human experience and the vast possibilities that lie ahead. It invites readers to ponder the nature of boundaries, both literal and metaphorical, and to consider what it means to venture into areas that challenge our understanding of security and the known world.