The Stand

• Day:  114
• Start:  1520.6
• End:  1544.3
• Miles:  23.7
• Hours:  12
• High temp:  74
• Low temp:  63
• Thru Hikers met:  0

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The trail angel, Joe

So how do I get back to the trailhead 6 miles away?  I met J2 at the market yesterday.  He was resuppling and told me the fellow in the parking lot was going to give him a ride.  I introduced myself and Joe seemed very happy to be able to help me this morning. I told him 0630 hrs and he gave me his phone number to text him in the morning. He stated he lived about 1 mile from the motel I'm staying at. I texted Joe this morning a little after 0600 hrs and he texted back, "be there in 5".  

So this foggy morning I'm on the trail by 0630 walking through pastureland and yes the grass is wet.  

I may have neglected to mention that I'm in Massachusetts now. I crossed the state line on the trail before Great Barrington. 

Foggy pastureland 

Soon I'm back in the forest and the wet grass is gone. I do get the occasional drop from the leaves on the trees.   I cross by the outlet to Benedict Lake, it looks inviting for a swim, I decide to hike on. 

Benedict Lake

Now more boardwalks followed by a climb.  I reach the Ledges a nice place to rest that offers the a southern view of Massachusetts. 

The view from The Ledges, mile 1531.5

A while later I am at a little beaver pond.  I rest here a while enjoying this peaceful place.  The only sign of life is a bull frog's occasional croak. 

The beaver pond

I step aside as a group of boys pass in the southbound direction.  They look like they are enjoying their time outdoors.  They all seem to have large packs. 

The trail seems fairly easy today, maybe partly due to the lower temperature, lower humidity and a slight breeze. I simply am not sweating like I did in the last week of hiking. 

The afternoon sun in the forest

A pasture appears with a old Shaker Village in the background. 

The old Shaker Village in the background 

I arrive at a road looking for the 'Trail Stand'. The children of a local resident operate an unattended tiny store for hikers and locals. For hikers there are cold beverages and snacks.  For locals there are fresh eggs. I get a Nature Valley bar, an organic banana and some Gatorade.  There is a very nice table to rest at while enjoying my unexpected treat. 

The 'Trail Stand'

A comfortable place to rest 

Back into the forest where I find a nice stream to gather my second liter of water today.  Water has been plentiful today, so I don't have to plan for dry sections. 

I arrive at another pasture/marsh crossing on a rickety boardwalk.  This boardwalk sways as I walk on it. I'm thinking it could actually fail if I'm not careful. 

The rickety walk

Now as I cross a road to start an ascent there is a cooler with sliced watermelon. What a very refreshing treat and good way to start my climb.  Once on top I'm looking for a place to camp. I'm tired and the evening has arrived.  I find a nice spot with good drainage. I don't expect and rain tonight, but I want to be prepared if it does come.  A very nice hike today. 

 

  

Slippery Rocks

• Day:  112 - 113
• Start:  1504.9
• End:  1520.6
• Miles:  15.7
• Hours:  7
• High temp:  83
• Low temp:  65
• Thru Hikers met:  1

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The highest peak in Connecticut 

The forest is still wet from last nights big rain. My feet are wet already.  The challenging part this morning is climbing two peaks with slippery rocks as the trail.  I have to choose my steps carefully and place the force of my step directly down to avoid slipping.  The first peak is Bear Mountain, (it's a different Bear Mountain than the one I climbed by Fort Montgomery). There is a monument of rocks on top signifying that this is the highest peak in Connecticut.  The view on top is completely obscured by the mist below, so I dont even bother taking a picture. 

Slippery rocks

Finally down the Bear Mountain peak I'm in a little rain forest valley. The forest has the wonderful scent of the Washington Ho rain forest and the California coastal redwoods.  That damp, earthy, moist freshness that reminds me of special family outings. 

A nice stream running through this valley

The mist adds to the rain forest feel

As does the moss around the water falls

As I climb the next peak, Mt. Race, I see a small snake on the trail.  He is docile and not angry at all.  He moves to the side out of my way. 

Interesting little snake

Getting close to the summit the trail emerges into the Mt. Race Ledges.  There is a prolonged view of northeastern Massachusetts complete with the morning mist. 

Mt. Race Ledges 

Another slippery rock descent and finally I'm in a flatter forest with a good tread. 

I love the light on the trail shots 

I emerge into a few pastures that are a pleasure to briefly walk through.  The sun's heat combined with the 90% humidity today makes me want to hurry through the open areas for the shade of the forest.  I am starting to get some random rain drops, this hurries my step. 

These rock walls are prevalent throughout the AT. 

The little flowers offered such and intense color splash along the trail. 

I arrive at MA route 7, my way into town and my resupply. The forecasted rain this afternoon looks like a reality. Great Barrington is a very spread out town and my motel is about 3 miles away.  I start walking the highway as I contemplate the 3 mile road walk in the open sun.  I ask for a ride from the busy highway traffic and Dorothy, a 90 year old, stops to help me. She has a grandson that likes to climb and hike. I remind her of him, it is not lost on me that my grandmother's name was Dorothy.  She is quite proud that her drivers license that has just been renewed for another 5 years. I feel 'almost' completely comfortable with her driving. We enjoy a pleasant conversation as she drives me to my motel. 

My first concern is to shower so I feel comfortable again. As I exit my motel room to get my laundry done I see that heavy rain is coming down.  I am thankful that I missed this downpour.  My quick pace with intention to avoid hiking in the rain was justified.  Now to errands and a zero tomorrow.