Date: 2003-07-04
From: Hemlocks Lean-To

To: Mt Wilcox South Lean-To
Miles today: 19.7

Day 113 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Hot, more humid, hazy sun. High temp in the 90'sToday's Nature: Usual snakes, chipmunks, squirrels, etc.Falls: Today 0 Total 4Today turned out to be a long day...longer than we had planned...you'll see why as I go along. We started hiking by 5:30 and it is now past 8 p.m. and I'm just settled in for the night.Charlie and I were the only ones at the lean-to last night. No mosquitoes and we slept pretty well. We actually turned in before dark...around 8.Starting out we were hiking above the clouds. At Mt Bushnell (1,835') we could see the clouds filling the valley below. The sun was a big red ball burning through the thick hazy air. There was some nice ridge walk and some rocky ups and downs.A couple of hours into the hike, we got to route US7 that goes into South Ergmont MA. We decided to try to hitch a ride into town and have breakfast at Mom's Country Cafe. We got a ride right away with the nicest local lady, Roberta. I know I said the people were not as friendly in the north, but I also said there were exceptions, and Roberta is one of those. Thanks again Roberta! BTW, did not get a ride back to the Trail and ended up walking the 1.2 miles.We both had the usual full breakfast with Charlie setting a new cost record of over $20. He added the half mellon for $3.95 that I passed on.Much of the rest of the morning hike was along side farm fields and the Housatonic River. The corn is definitely "knee high by the 4th of July" here. In the lowlands we walked on planks and also a short boardwalk over marshlands. At around 11 I came to South Ergemont Rd where the Trail crosses next to Shay's Rebellion Monument...a stone marker commemorating the last skirmish of the bloody farmer's revolt against government taxes and tactics in 1787. Where are these people today when we really need them?As the afternoon came on it got hot and humid. It must have been in the 90's but we were taking it "nice and easy."   When we reached The Tom Leonard Lean-to at around 3, Charlie was in need of water and I could use a cold drink myself. The water was .25 down a very steep hill and I was feeling good, so I went for it. It was nice and cold, as advertised in the guidebook.We were planning on stopping for the night at a hostel called the East Mountain Retreat Center on MA23. That was until I borrowed Charlie's cell phone and talked to the proprietor. Most...no all of the hostels the first 1,500 miles have been "hiker friendly." That is, they seemed to go out of their way to make the hiker's stay a pleasure. Things like selling cold beverages & snacks; providing access to a phone, etc. Well I'm glad I called. This woman had a real "take it or leave it attitude." When I asked if she sold cold beverages she said, "no just a bed, shower and water." She explained that when she did have beverages the hikers would just drink them up and she didn't have time to resupply. There are some people in it to make a buck and some who try to be of service to the thru-hiker. She was obviously the former. Why anyone would walk an additional mile and a half to stay there is a mystery to me.So, we decided to hike to Benedict Pond where we would try to camp in the park. We had met two NOBO section hikers in the morning, Maniac & Bear, who had camped there last night. The main draw for me was a Coke machine! When we got there around 5, we were not surprised to find the 12 sites filled up. We ate our supper in the picnic park (both had 2-20 ounce cold sodas after Charlie bummed 20 cents from a lady...needed the right amount for the machine)We then hiked on anothe 2 miles where we are tenting for the night. In the shelter is father (Telescope Maker) and son (How's My Hair?) The son has completed a SOBO thru-hike and they both gave us some tips on upcoming towns and Lean-to's. Also tenting is a father and daughter out for a overnighter.Well, it is past 9 and I am tired. Not sure where we are going to end up tomorrow.Thought for the Day: Some times you have to just do what's right.