Date: 2007-07-18
From: Pittsfield Rd, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: moderate rain

For some reason, I had a really difficult time getting to sleep last night. I felt so wound up and, strangely, full of energy. I sleep well when I'm in my tent, but I just couldn't be still. I remembered looking at my watch at 1 AM and even though I knew that I drifted to sleep for a little while, I still felt like I hadn't slept a wink.A few hours later, I awoke to the sound of a gentle rain on the roof of my tent. That pleasing sound put me back to sleep for a couple more hours. I thought of getting up around 5 AM again and making quick work of the ten mile hike into town, but I really was in no hurry. I advanced the alarm on my wristwatch for two and one-half hours, thinking that the rain would subside by then and I could still arrive in Dalton by lunch time. At 7:30 AM, there was a slight lull in the rain and I decided that I just need to "go for it," get packed and head down the trail.The "cover" provided by the Crabapple tree that I set my tent up beneath kept me from getting pelted with rain to a certain extent. That was part of my plan last night in the event that rain developed. Within forty-five minutes or so, I was packed, fed, and hydrated. I took one last look around at the Cookie Lady's house and surroundings then did a final glance on the ground to ensure that I hadn't forgotten anything.About the time that I started down the trail, the skies opened up again. Luckily I had my rain jacket and pants on and the cover to my backpack was on securely. Not only was it raining buckets (I felt like I needed to be wearing a mask and snorkel.), but it was very foggy. In some sections of the trail, it was so dark from the fog and density of the trees that I nearly stopped to get my headlamp out to light the way. I was pleased, however, that the folks who volunteer to maintain this section of trail had recently re-painted the blazes. It was reassuring. I could see where I needed to go. The Trail was so terribly marked in Connecticut that I wondered if anyone in Connecticut even remembered that this national scenic trail even still existed.The next several miles were muddy and I went sloshing around with enough water in my shoes to keep a goldfish alive if I removed my feet. By the time I reached Dalton, the rain was reduced to a sprinkle. I thought to myself that I could have slept in until this point in time. Naaah. More rain was in the forecast for this afternoon and I was on the hunt for a cheeseburger, Coke, and fries.Upon arriving on Depot street, I dropped my pack on the steps of the Mill Town Tavern. I asked if they had cheeseburgers. They said, "yes," and I sat my soggy self at the bar. Next, I was in search of a motel for the night in anticipation of taking the next day off.Within seconds of leaving the tavern, I was hailed by Pogue. We exchanged "hellos" and he mentioned where he and some other hikers were staying for the night. One minute later, "First Wife" hollers for me from a block away. She's in town assisting Beach Bum with a few days of slackpacking.I finally check in to the Shamrock Village Inn, shower, and head to the library to check my e-mail. Monkey and Cocoa were there, too. First Wife gives us all a ride back to the tavern that is directly on the street that the Appalachian Trail runs through town on. Beach Bum is scheduled to walk past the front window of the tavern at 5:30 PM and he's right on time. He joins us for dinner and we discuss the option of slackpacking to or near the top of Mount Greylock tomorrow and, hopefully, avoid the severe thunderstorms that are expected in the area tomorrow afternoon and evening. So, tomorrow might not be a day off. I may need to wait a day or two. A phone call tonight from Beach Bum will confirm plans for tomorrow.