Date: 2005-08-04
From: Cheshire, Mass

To: Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 8.0

Let the games begin! Loose the hounds! He's baaaaaaaack! On the roooooad again.... Ok, you get the idea. It is sooooo good to be back on the trail. I get real antsy when I'm not making progress toward Katahdin, so I was very pleased to put boot to trail on a white-blazed path once again!Break's parents dropped us off at the trailhead in Cheshire at 12:30. We were going to do 11 miles to Wilber Clearing Shelter, but circumstances - happy ones - conspired to make it a shorter day. Among other things, it was really hot (so much for jumping up to New England where it will be cooler!), and there were a couple of good climbs to negotiate. The great thing was that we are clearly back among this year's crop of north-bound through-hikers. The first one passed us while we were putting on our packs. We met others who were going south, slackpacking, and the three others (Che, Peanut, and Mule) passed us about a mile before we reached Mt. Greylock - Massachusetts's highest peak. They said they'd heard you could stealth camp near the summit, and we decided that sounded like a good idea. We got to the top about 6PM, where there was a lodge. They offered a bunk room in the mainlodge for $18, or a bunk in the garage/hostel for &10. Since we were going to camp, we passed on the offer, thought we'd cook and eat dinner near the lodge. As the sun began to set, we moved up past the sumit - where there is a beautiful observation tower all lit up at night. Just on the other side, we came across a really nice enclosed shelter, and immediately began setting up sleeping bags and pads. Before we could finish, however, a guy from the lodge came by and said we couldn't stay there - it was for emergency use only. Oh well. None of us wanted to night hike three miles to the next shelter, so I am typing this from the garage hostel.It could be worse. It's out of the elements, I don't have to set up and take down my tent, and there is at least the prospect of getting a cup of coffee in the morning.And now, here is the really good news. As we were eating dinner, who should show up but Socks! She was in Robbinsville, near Fontana Dam, when I was there wih my leg injury, and later hiked with Butterfly Moon and then with Red Hat. It was so good to see her, and to find out who else was in the neighborhood.Among others, both Cuppa Joe and The Mouth are only a day ahead of us. Scholar is a bit behind, as is Bubble Toes. We are clearly back with the main wave. Life is good!While we only did 8 miles today, we have allowed 6 days to do 60 miles, so I'm sure we can make it up. Besides, we only hiked for half a day. Break's foot seems to be ok, which is a good thing, so overall it has been another fabulous day on the trail.Today's hike is dedicated to the family and friends support network that lies behind every through-hiker out here. My own support group has been extraordinary, most especially my wife, and I know that Break feels the same way about her's. Thank you all for for sharing in our adventure and for helping us to make our dream a reality. Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com