Date: 2017-08-08
From: Cheshire, MA. Backyard of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church

To: Pete's Spring/Sherman Brook Campsite 
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

8/8Cheshire, MA. Backyard of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Churchto Pete's Spring/Sherman Brook Campsite 16.3 miles Total miles:  1593.8The rain stopped during the night, and everything remained dry except for the outside walls of my tent. I got started early, since I was a bit concerned about the long ascent of Mount Greylock, especially with the condition of my shoes. I knew the rocks and roots would be wet and slick, and that there would be lots of places where the trail would be muddy.  I was on trail by 7:10. I began by hiking out of Cheshire and then began a steep ascent up the outermost edge of Mount Greylock.  Although I was correct about slick and mud, climbing Mount Greylock was quite enjoyable. The temperature was cool,  and the trail wasn't usually very steep. In fact, a few times I thought I might have gotten turned around, since I kept running into rather lengthy descents. The trail went through several marshy areas, and while slogging through sticky, black mud was in order, the trail oftentimes provided a raised boardwalk over the worst of the areas.  These boards can also be treacherously slick, and after nearly falling once, I made sure I used my trekking poles for balance.  I stopped to photograph a set of boards when along came Homeward Bound to photobomb my picture.  From Maine (hence his trail name), I met Homeward Bound quite some time back, and hadn't seen him for awhile. We've become reacquainted the past few days. He is a very friendly, outgoing young man, and we hiked together for a bit both this morning and afternoon.  Upon arriving later than expected to the campsite tonight,  he helped Gravity and I find tent spots.  He's another hiker with whom I've exchanged contact information.  Nearing the top of Mount Greylock, I encountered a beautiful little pond with a small shed located across from the trail. As I w s taking a picture,  I was rather boisterously introduced to Jackson and Hero, who came bounding by me to jump excitedly into the pond.  They were followed closely by their humans, who tried to apologize.  Of course, there was nothing to apologize for, and all five of us continued up the trail to the summit. For nearly the next mile, I had me a trail dog. For some reason, Jackson took a shine to me and walked with me nearly the entire rest of the way up the mountain.  I regret I wasn't able to get his picture, since he, Hero, and the very nice people he was with went a separate way when we reached the summit.  Jackson was one of the cutest dogs I have ever met. A Golden Retriever/Daschund mix, he has the stocky body of a retriever but short, little legs. Perhaps he sensed another short legged person, and that is why he befriended me. I have a good friend back home, who is also blessed with short legs, who would have also loved Jackson.  The tower on the summit of Mount Greylock is spectacular.  I read that the beacon on its top can be seen from over seventy miles away. The clouds had dissipated somewhat as I climbed the ninety circular steps to the top. I had a good view in one direction,  but northward, where I am headed, was still shrouded in clouds, so I was unable to get sneak peek at Vermont.  After descending the tower, I headed over to the Lodge Restaurant and had a sirloin burger, cole slaw, and potato salad. A few hours later, I pretty much devoured the lunch I had in my pack for today, and was hungry again for supper.  Hiker hunger has a hold on me now. While I was eating,  I received a phone call from Dennis, a good friend from back home. It was great to talk to him, and he told me he has been following my adventures and misadventures daily. He and his family have been great friends for many years, and we don't see enough of each other. One of my retirement goals, more important than the good whiskey and cheap cheeseburger ones, is to spend more time visiting friends and family. Yes, a trip to House Springs is in order. Yet there is still that small matter of 600 more miles to Katahdin first.  I also got a text from Becky. She arrived safely in Burlington, and we'll be meeting up in just two days. After first lunch, I got back on the trail. While shorter in miles, the descent of Greylock made up for this in increased difficulty.  The trail was very steep, slick, and clogged with rocks, roots, and muddy patches.  My shoes, while wet and muddy, held together. There was one ascent past Greylock to a smaller mountain, Mount Williams.  It afforded a beautiful view and a comfortably rock overlook.  This is where I ate my second lunch and chilled out for awhile, lying on my back and watching the clouds.  It was incredibly peaceful.  Soon enough, I was back to working my way down to North Adams, a very tidy town that the AT passes through.  Gravity and I walked through a residential area, crossed  the Hoosac River on a footbridge adorned with thousands of painted handprints,  and prepared to re-enter the woods.  The AT goes right up a personal driveway, and the owner of the home thoughtfully provides a hose next to some beautiful bushes, with a note inviting all hikers to get water. I took advantage of the offer before beginning the 1.2 mile ascent to the campsite.  True to form, the trail was extremely rocky as it neared the camping area.  I arrived to find very few open spots.  This is when Homeward Bound helped me out. I quickly made camp and prepared for bed.  I talked with Gravity, and we have decided to push all the way to Bennington tomorrow. That way, he and I can share a hotel room tomorrow night, and I will already be in town when Becky arrives on the 10th. She and I will then begin our hike on the 11th, and I'll be all decked out in new shoes. I'm even more excited about sharing part of this adventure with my very special daughter. We'll be hiking in Vermont, which I reach tomorrow.