Date: 2007-05-30
From: Sharon Mountain Campsite

To: Riga Lean To
Miles today: 17.4

It was a little cooler last night and I was restless again. I woke up once to Owls screetching in the distance. No matter how many times they wake me up it is worth hearing them. I am sitting in the shelter writing my journal. My tent is set up near by and I thought it would be nice to sit on something other than the ground or a rock. Plus, there is a beautiful view from this shelter. The only shelter in Conn. that has a view.I went farther than I planned to today by about 7.5 miles. I know that I said I was going to go at a leisurely pace, but the first 10 miles was pretty easy so I decided to push on. Plus, the shelter that I planned to stay at (Limestone) was .5 miles off the trail. If I am going to do an extra mile of hiking it will be up the trail not off and back on. Plus by hiking extra today, it gets me that much closer to Mass. I decided that I want to stay at the shelter that the SQ and I hiked to a couple of weekend ago (Hemlock). It will be the only shelter I stay at in Mass since I day hiked all the sections, but section 10. I will have to go 10 miles tomorrow and then only a couple of miles on Friday.Today was spectacular. Probably one (if not the) most favorite day hiking. The weather was beautiful. Flowers in bloom everywhere including more lady slippers. The trees were so green and with the sun and shade - they were a wonderful color and full of rich texture. Hard to describe, but it was spectacular being in the woods. The terrain was diverse. Came down a mountain which included a view of Lime Rock race track, went through hardwood forests as well as pine forests. The smell of the pine was wonderful. Had quite of few scenic vistas. Travelled into Canaan and into Salisbury. Went by the river again, including a neat waterfall called the Great Waterfall. Over a couple of highways, country roads, over a couple of bridges and close to some train tracks. A train even came by as I was passing by them. Saw a snake on the trail which slithered away as I got close. Saw a pair of deer in the morning and a single deer in the afternoon. The first 10 miles were mostly flat except for when I came down from Sharon Mountain. The last 7.5 miles had a couple of climbs including a 1700 ft climb at the end of the day. I was really tired and couldn't wait to stop, but it was worth it for what I saw today.Another good bird day - mostly the same birds that I've seen over the past two days.Tonight is my 3rd night alone and I have been ok about it. Totally different mentally than when I was down south. I can't really explain it, but I have been totally at ease being alone at night. Wierd.Ran into a group of about 10 hikers this morning. They are all from eastern Mass here for 3 days of day hiking. They are car camping somewhere and doing 3 days of 10 mile hikes. They were very friendly.At about 7:45 pm two guys showed up at the shelter. Very interesting story. One of the guys is a photographer doing a piece on the AT for Berkshire Living Magazine. They were there to do a photo shoot. The photographer's name was Will. I asked him if he was using digital or film. He said anyone who really knows photography uses film. It is all about the richness of color. I agree with him, but digital is so nice and easy for us normal folks.   He took some pictures of the trail register and a few of a tent that they brought and set up in front of the view. Really interesting to watch him work. I can't wait to see the pictures. He said they will be in the August issue. I have been receiving the magazine since it came out for free. No clue why it just started coming in the mail, but just this past issue they told me that I need to pay and renew. Now, I will have to just to see the pictures.   Will left a note in the registry to all NOBOS - he is looking to take a picture of a scruffy, bearded hiker.   Hopefully, someone will give him a call.