Date: 2015-07-25
From: Stealth Camp on Porcupine Ridge

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It got cold last night! I actually had to pull out my puffy and drape it over my shoulders as I was a bit chilly. I'll get my cold weather clothes (my bag doesn't change) when Gary picks me up for our vacation, and it won't be too soon!I was not the first one up for a change (Putt-putt and Tumbles beat me to it), but I was the first to leave at 6:38. I walked past the stealth site where Sam I Am and Red Hot were breaking up camp and soon after had my first view of the day. Early morning views are my favorite, especially with low clouds in the valley. It was only 3 miles from the shelter to Greylock, which is the highest point in Massachusetts. It has both great views in different directions and a lodge that serves meals. Both very exciting! Before I got there, Sam I Am and Red Hot passed me at a view and we took the opportunity to take some selfies. I have been very bad about taking photos of people I hike or camp with and I have decided I am going to try to be better about it in the last three states. When we got to Greylock, the views definitely did not disappoint! There were still some low clouds but otherwise things were clear and sunny. Perfect weather for Greylock. After walking around and taking lots of pictures, I decided it was time for breakfast. I had Eggs Benedict and Ginger Peach tea and so you can see that Airlock's Rough Time in Massachusetts continues! Sam I Am and Red Hot joined me and another couple from Rhode Island asked if they could sit there as well. The three of us hikers ended up telling about and explaining the hiker experience to the couple, as they were quite interested.Eventually though, I decided to get moving again and started to make my way down the mountain. There were a couple more up hills (Mount Williams) but overall it was downhill, sometimes steeply, to Route 2. There you could go 3 miles west to Williamstown or 6 miles (I think) to North Adams. I was planning to go a half mile west, just to the supermarket. But first we got trail magic! A friend of Sam I Am was at the road with sodas and beer, fresh fruit and all sorts of other things hikers like. So I had a break before going to the supermarket. Where I had a banana and resupplied as necessary.As per usual, the way out of town was a climb. The trail was rocky and the gnats were pesky (are gnats ever not pesky?) and when I saw a 'bad weather bypass' I figured things were not about to get easier. What followed was a boulder field climb straight out of Pennsylvania! What the hell, Massachusetts? This was only a couple of miles from the Vermont state line so I guess they wanted to go out with a bang. To add insult to injury, there was no view at the top of the boulder climb. That's just not right!When I got to the Massachusetts/Vermont state line, someone was there. He sounded like he might be German (there are tons of Germans on the trail) but it turned out he was Danish, trail name Great Dane. When I told him I am from Holland, he started speaking Dutch! As I told him, it's not often you run into Dutch speaking Danes on the trail! (He'd been married to a Dutchie but never lived in Holland so color me impressed!).The last few miles seemed to take forever. I was tired and my feet were sore, even though it's only been a 16,5 mile day. But with side trips it's probably closer to 18.I am camped near the shelter in the path to the privy. Fortunately a long way away from the privy, because it's a pretty bad one. The shelter is full, with a mix of they-hikers and Long Trail hikers. There is a loud talker with an irritating laugh. Lovely.Tomorrow I will probably get caught by Southpaw, who is not far behind. And I saw in the register that Yoda was here only yesterday. I don't think I'll catch her before my vacation though.Open map in new windowWant to add a map to your journal?