Date: 2014-07-01
From: Mt. Wilcox South Shelters

To: Berkshire Lakeside Lodge via US 20
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Man we need to get some bug spray! The mosquitoes were still pretty pesky when we woke up so I started a small fire in the AM to scare them away - it is the only refuge we have!Prepared to head to the hotel by the lake and maybe catch the USA soccer game! Left camp early to tackle the trail and finish the rest of the up past the first shelter - it wasn't an easy start to the day. Traversed two hard hills up to the Mt. Wilcox North Shelter and then enjoyed a nice downhill walk towards Tyringham - minus a steep surprise climb before going down to the Shaker Campsite. On the way down to the campsite we ran into a younger kid looking for a paved road. He ultimately wanted to go into Tyringham but he was walking the wrong way! Steered him in the right direction and prevented him from walking eight miles to the other paved road!While Big Dawg rested his legs at the campsite I went a little further up ahead on the AT to get water to filter. As I returned back to camp I ran into a thru-hiker and it turned out to be our friend Naked Ninja from the Shenandoahs! He must have gotten off the trail to visit friends because he was way ahead of us - neat to see him again though!After a nice flat walk we started the short climb up Cobble Hill. We ran into an older couple from Florida out day-hiking the trail and I had a nice conversation with them while walking up the hill. Continued on to the main road into Tyringham before resting at the base of the big climb up - lunch was on the mind but we wanted to get a little further.Tough climbing from that main road - the climb varied from gentle to steep followed by gentle and followed by another steep section! On top of that the humidity and heat of the day made it even tougher - extremely ready for lunch by time we reached the top! While looking for a spot to eat lunch we ran into Naked Ninja again near a road. He said a gentleman drove by offering trail magic on his return but we did not know when he was going to be back and we were hungry! Found a little footbridge to eat lunch at near where Coach was resting - she had an even earlier start than we did! A great lunch but good thing we were resupplying today - running really low on food! Motivated to conquer the last miles into US 20 and the hotel and the US soccer game! Left lunch with full stomachs but it did not convert to energy quickly - moving along fine but felt like an effort! Walked pass Upper Goose Pond which was very nice and reminded me of Morse Lake (but clear!) - totally ready for a swim but the lake and shower at the hotel kept calling! Most of the ponds in Massachusetts have been pretty nice except for the few that have turned into swamps...Had to cross over the Massachusetts Turnpike (twice) over a designated hiker footbridge - it even told drivers on the road that it was the Appalachian Trail! Made it to US 20 shortly after and walked to hotel to check in - so conveniently near the trail! What a great hotel near the trail! Nice rooms, well priced, and a continental breakfast as well! Nice view by Berkshire Lake and tables and chairs by the water. A good place to relax after today! Only downside is no services nearby so we had to take a taxi into nearby Lee for laundry, groceries, and dinner. Watched the first half of the soccer game before leaving for town and watched the rest of the game at 51 Park. What a great restaurant in Lee! Great burgers and food and atmosphere even though the US was struggling and lost - thank goodness our goalkeeper played out of his mind or it would have been a blowout!Quick resupply and taxi back and the rest of the evening was free to do whatever - not too much time though because we were tired and went to bed early!