Date: 2014-09-18
From: MA 2, Hoosic River, North Adams, MA mile 596.6

To: Bascom Lodge Atop Mt. Greylock, Mile 602.9
Miles today: 6.3

Took time to review Hennssey Hammock web site information on using the shelter and on installing insulation. Learned a couple of things I was not doing correctly. Dropped by Albany EMS and LL Bean for insulation gear and hammock ground cloth. They did not carry either, so I picked up a tent floor to use as ground cloth and will order a Hennessy insulation kit.Purchased food for three days and packed to return to trail. Did not up get to trailhead until 2:00. Called Bascom Lodge at top of Mt. Greylock, the tallest mountain in Massachusetts. They assured me I could make the six mile climb and be there in time for supper. Climb was not bad, but weather is getting cooler so I was glad to get inside and take a warm shower. As I climbed someone down the mountain was repeatedly shooting a shotgun. I need to get something orange to wear as I walk through the woods during fall hunting season. Lodge is a marvelous old CCC structure that I will want to bring May Louise back to. It is next to a somewhat gaudy tower atop the mountain.As I hiked I started composing a birthday poem for my Granddaughter Audra which I finished in a rocking chair in front of the Lodge's fireplace after a delicious dinner and delightful dinner conversation with two couples from Massachusetts and Iowa. When I shipped the poem off to May Louise to present she pointed out that Audra was turning 12, not 11; so I had to make some quick revisions.ON TURNING TWELVEWhen Audra turned the big one two all the birds began to sing. When Audra turned the big one two all the bells began to ring. When Audra turned the big one two Pop Pop danced a little jig. When Audra turned the big one two Asher said "Wish I were big."The very first two numbers stay together like two friendsSharing secret thoughts that only they can comprehend. Just like the constant chatter of the voice that's in your headAlways filling up your mind with things that it thinks should be said. It comments on the things you see and and brings up things you fear. You cannot ever turn it off, that voice behind your ear. It whispers songs you ought to sing and tells you how you feel,And in the darkness of the night it makes nightmares seem real. Though you can't control your head voice, you can learn to steer it some,And learning how to steer it is a source of growth and fun.Discovering joy in learning is one way to steer your mind,A life of constant learning helps bring head voices in line. For everyone has a head voice, a chattering just to them,But when there's trust enough to share, a great new thing begins.When others share their head voice words, it's message steers your ownAnd in this joyful sharing new friendships and love are born. You've a great responsibility, for even when they're being brats,Your brothers and your sisters watch you much like cats.They are proud of their big sister and they want to be like you.The honor of their mimicry must burden all you do.Your mother, dad, and grandparents are proud of their big tweenThey take pride in your grace and growth and the life song you sing.As you learn to to steer your head voice may joy and blessings flow,For even when you're seventy-one you will still find ways to grow.