07-19-13 At the highest peak in Massachusetts together

We resumed our ascent of Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet. At the top is a Veterans War Memorial Tower where we had our morning snack.

The signs signaling us down the summit were not only confusing, but pointed in the wrong direction. We ignored them and followed the path that actually looked like it was going down.

We followed a ridge to Mount Williams and then plummeted down the mountain into Williamstown, Massachusetts.

The trail has been leading us through all sorts of towns lately. This is indicative of why the Appalachian Trail was originally created: to give people in town an outlet into nature.

Rode a couple of trail-magic bikes to the Stop and Shop for yet another resupply and lunch. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, so we had to pack out some of the food we bought for lunch.

We dropped the bikes off and the homeowners let us fill up our water bottles too. It felt great riding a bike again; wind in our hair... Why are we hiking again? Oops, I digress.

The climb back up to the ridge was gradual, but tiring with the midday heat. We crossed into Vermont, our twelfth state, and set up camp shortly after the border. Slathered my burns in Neosporin again for the night. Leg is much better, but hand still feels like a really bad sunburn.

07-18-13 Somewhere with first and second-degree burns

Now don't get too worried with the title; remember second degree burns is like a really bad sunburn with blisters.

Before we get to that story though, let's start from the beginning...

We enjoyed our last few hours of civilization in Dalton then headed back into the woods. Packed out a sub sandwich for lunch and ate it on the marble outcroppings named "The Cobbles" with a view down to the Hoosic River Valley and Mount Greylock.

Continued downhill and into the town of Cheshire, Massachusetts. From there it was a gradual uphill as we began our ascent of Mount Greylock. Stopped short of the summit at Mark Noepel Shelter where we called it a night.

For dinner, we headed over to the shelter with friends Bamboo, Shaman, Morning Kid, her dad, and Steady State.

I was in a seated position boiling water on our alcohol stove. The water reached a boil and the flame burned out. I was pouring the water into our Rice Sides' sleeves when I lost my grip and spilled it on my leg. In a frenzy I raced to set down the pot and spilled more on my hand. I rushed out of the shelter eager to get my pants off the burned skin.

B poured cool water on the burned areas and we slathered Neosporin on. I ventured back over to the shelter for dinner, but spent the remainder of the evening airing out my wounds in the tent.

07-17-13 In Dalton, Massachusetts Together

Enjoyed sleeping in before our nine mile hike into town. Lush also camped at the Cookie Lady's, so we ate breakfast with him before heading out.

The trail led us along the ridge then down into Dalton, Massachusetts. Bamboo and Steady State had caught up to us and we walked into town with them. We'd learn later that several mills in Dalton create the paper for the U.S. currency.

We stopped first at a hiker friendly house. Tom, the homeowner, offered us a ride to the Price Chopper and Taco Bell.

Fed and resupplied, we continued to the Shamrock Village Inn for the night. The proprietor had three cats and a dog in the office. I enjoyed visiting with them while I did laundry; it makes me miss our cat, Cirby.

Cleaned up and rested the remainder of the day. Ended the evening with a pint of ice cream from the gas station.

07-16-13 Together at the Cookie Lady's House

Another peaceful day of hiking. We got up early but didn't make good time before lunch--I'm ready for a day of rest.

After a decent uphill to Becket Mountain then over to Walling Mountain, we stopped for lunch at Finerty Pond.

With a full belly and stretched legs we picked up the pace along the ridge walk. Stopped for an afternoon break at October Mountain Shelter before our final two mile push to Washington Mountain Road.

Walked 100 feet down the road to the "Cookie Lady's" house. B has been looking forward to this stop for some time now and even made a line item on the map so it wouldn't be missed. We were not disappointed and were greeted with a basket full of cookies. In exchange for camping on their lawn, B mowed around the blueberry bushes--and may have snacked on a blueberry or two. Thank you Roy and Marilyn!

07-15-13 Somewhere near Knee-Deep Pond

Today was a very pleasant day, mostly walking along the ridge. We saw some sort of ground bird, perhaps a grouse? along the way.

We cooked Ramen for lunch at the Shaker campsite and set out some clothing to dry in the sun.

Up Cobble Hill we went, followed by Baldy Mountain. An uneventful yet pleasant afternoon stroll; we've enjoyed the change in pace.

We stealth camped with DNA and Etch-a-Sketch near Knee-Deep Pond. The excitement of the night occurred when a sectional hiker stopped to talk wearing only his underwear. Apparently it's much cooler and causes less chaffing with only tighty-whiteys on. Hey, hike your own hike, right?

07-14-13 Together with the porcupines

Climbed Mount Everett and descended it with no problems. It is amazing how your perspective changes after a night's rest and fresh legs.

The sun burned away the fog, and we saw gorgeous views up on Jug End. We climbed down the ridge and through open fields toward Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

We stopped on the outskirts of town to recharge our electronics. The grill was a little pricey, so we hung out in the pavilion and enjoyed the shade and rest instead.

Back on the trail, we crossed the Housatonic River for the last time, up June Mountain and finally East Mountain where we saw our first porcupine.

Worn out, we stopped for the night at Tom Leonard Shelter at Ice Gulch. The water source was a pain to get to, but rewarding if you made the trek.

07-13-13 On top of Bear Mountain together

Started the day with Giant's Thumb, a large stone sticking out of the ground resembling--you guessed it--a giant's thumb.

After a sharp downhill, we headed into Salisbury, Connecticut for a resupply. At LaBonne's Market we met former Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, Spitball. He treated us both to a deli sandwich--thank you!

Back on the trail we trudged up Lion's Head with newly refilled packs and stopped for lunch at the top. Though the view was partially skewed to the fog, the sandwiches were delicious--thanks again Spitball!

The trail took us to Bear Mountain--the tallest peak (not the tallest point) in Connecticut. The downhill was absolutely miserable--slick, slanted rocks; hard to find foot placement. Sometimes I sat down and lowered myself down. Other times, I grabbed a tree and muscled myself down. Finally, we were at the bottom...

Excitingly, we crossed into Massachusetts, but our excitement was short lived...

...to Mount Race. The uphill was no problem, and the views, though also skewed by the fog, were pretty; I'm sad we couldn't see all of it's glory. It started to rain, briefly, and stopped before we descended. Again, an exhausting, technical downhill.

Close to the bottom, we ran into some locals who told us the next mountain, Mount Everett, was rocky too. Physically, but more mentally, tired, we stopped for the night at Race Brook Campsite, saving Mount Everett for the morning.