Date: 2015-08-12
From: Tyringham, MA

To: Falls Villiage, CT
Miles today: 46.2
Weather: few clouds

8/9 Day 68 19.6 miles M676.1Passed a few cheery North Bounders today and mile 660 which marks the 30% complete milestone for us SOBOs. I stopped off in Great Barrington, MA - apparently a resort area - and had a nice lunch and nap at Bistro Box about 1.5 miles off the trail. (road walking has gotten to be very exhausting and something I avoid unless there's a good payoff. After lunch that included four 20oz cokes, a milkshake, and water, I hiked back to the trail. I kept hearing the Sting lyrics "upon the fields of gold" and their melody today as I walked through corn fields, fields of wild flowers, pastures, and rolling hills with the mountains framing the background. Today was anything but "The Green Tunnel". I felt a few whimpers as I pass such beautiful places and so glad to get to see this part of Massachusetts. I ended the day hiking along a ridge line with amazing views small towns and valleys nestled in the hills and mountains of Southern Berkshire County, Mass. while the sun set from the other side of the hill. I hiked on the last mile and a half in the dark beginning the summit of Mt. Everett to Glen Brook Shelter and then set up the tent. I thought a lot today about how lucky I am to be on this adventure and what adventures Lynette and I can embark upon once I finish this first item on the bucket list.8/10 Day 69 10.1 miles M686.2After hiking late, I took the morning off. When I put to bed last night, my feet hurt and were sending spasms up my legs. Kept me awake until mid-night. There's something about hiking and going right to sleep without a wind-down time. Beautiful little forest with massive trees on the Everett mountainside at Glen Brook camp. Cool breezes had me put my jacket on as I slept late and took my time getting back to the hike. After a half mile, I reached a picnic area with Trail Angel ice water, so I decided to start even slower, and hydrated a bit more, drinking water mixed with my Gatorade powder and then a cup of Vita Mineral Green. Then for the final climb up Mt. Everett, the highest point in S. Mass, and the last time I'll be above 2500' until VA or WV. After the summit of Everett, another very nice walk along a steep ridge-top cliff on Mt. Race affording views of the valley and Connecticut.   I crossed into Connecticut at Sages Ravine, with a beautiful Brook, waterfalls, and pools. Then right up Bear Mtn. with very steep and rocky cliffs that required quadrupedal climbing. Great challenge and fun to hike. Stayed at Riga Shelter with excellent water and a beautiful view of the valley and lake I'd been looking at all day.8/11 Day 70 4.1 miles M690.3Out early with the Rain at 6:15 am. I decided not to put on my rain shell pants thinking it wouldn't rain too much before I could get into Salisbury, CT for breakfast. Big Mistake and lesson learned. I was soaked by the time I got into town, a bit cold after stopping. The pastries and coffee were heavenly from Williams Bakery...now to find shelter... and it's been a week since I showered and washed clothes. I decided to stay at a private home hostel and enjoyed most of the day resting.8/12 Day 71 12.4 M702.7Wonderful forest hike, great trail from Salisbury to Falls Village. The AT foot bridge is out and under reconstruction. I tossed my poles on the ground so I could better help a NOBO hiker get oriented after he had completed the detour. About that time, A woman drove by and asked if we needed help or a ride somewhere. She offered to drive me to the post office in Falls Village saving me either a fording of the river or a 3-4 mile road detour. I jumped in the car putting my pack in the trunk...didn't think about my poles I'd thrown on the ground until I got to the post office to unload. This amazing woman (already late for work after lunch break) offered to drop me off at a restaurant on the way back to the place I'd left my poles, and she would go retrieve my poles and bring them back to me at the restaurant! Amazing the kindness of strangers. She did this, I had a nice lunch... and am now setting off for a late afternoon of probably about 8 more miles (it's now 5 pm) to stay at Pine Swamp Brook Shelter. This hike has been the most incredible journey made possible by the kindness of strangers and the unending support of friends and loved ones. I hiked out of Falls Village another 5 miles to tent at Sharon Mountain Campsite.