Date: 2022-10-21
From: Limestone Spring Shelter 

To: The Hemlocks Shelter 
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

October 21 - Limestone Spring Shelter to The Hemlocks Shelter - 17.4 miles (177.3 trip miles) - 41743 steps So many mountains. The shelter area last night was nice, just too far from the trail. One guy came in late but ended up tenting. It was crystal clear all night. When I went out to pee I hoped to see a shooting star from the Orionids (I think that was the name of it). No such luck. Plus it was too cold to stand around out there. It got down to about 30. My sleeping bag is certainly paying off for its extra weight. I was packing by 630 and hiking by 710. The climb out of the shelter area sucked as much as I expected. The first 4.5 miles was mostly downhill and free of rocks. I was flying. The trail comes out to a road walk for about a mile just east of Salisbury, CT. When the trail took a right I went straight into the little village to the bakery. The cinnamon roll, blueberry muffin and hot chocolate were well worth the extra steps. I needed the sugar and calories to power me through. Leaving town I walked a different road that met up with the AT. Time to climb. First up was Lion¢s Head. This was an 800+ foot ascent. There was a nice view south from the top. There was an 8th grade hiking field trip starting down when I got to the top. Their packs were almost as big as they were, especially since it was for one night out. I¢m sure they enjoyed my aroma. From there it was 2 miles of small up and down rolling trail. Next up (no pun there) was Bear Mountain. This was a straight up 500 foot climb. I believe this is the tallest mountain in CT, but not the highest point. The descent was tough, all rocks and boulder hopping. At the bottom I crossed into MA. CT is done and finished tough. Once in MA the trail goes through Sages Ravine. This is a narrow canyon-like area with a nice stream at the bottom. I noticed that this and subsequent streams were incredibly clear. Certainly clearer than any water sources up to this point. Leaving the ravine begins the climb up Mt Race. This was the least steep of today¢s climbs but was the toughest. Long! Over 2 miles and rocky. Long sloping granite slabs. However, the views to the east nearing the top were awesome. I haven¢t had views that good on this trip yet. At the summit I was able to see to the Catskills to the west and Mt Greylock to the north. The climb down wasn¢t bad and I got to my decision point at 315. I could stay at a campsite or go on 2 more miles, go over the very steep Mt Everett, and stay at a shelter. It was just too early so on I went. Mt Everett was steep for 700 feet. It wasn¢t all that bad, though, as the rocks and steps were well placed. I surprised myself how quickly I got to the summit. I noticed on Mt Race and Mt Everett the summits are very alpine looking. Stunted tree growth with gnarled branches, likely from the wind. The descent off Mt Everett was steep but not horrible. I arrived at the empty shelter just before 5. Since then 4 other hikers have come in. This is a much nicer, 2 level shelter, than the lean-to style of CT. This is the most people in one place on this trip. Today was very tough but satisfying. I¢m glad I did the extra distance. I would have been really bored if I stopped early. Tomorrow is now a short day to get into town, clean up, and relax. Until tomorrow.