Date: 2018-06-30
From: US 7 

To: MA 23 - Berkshire South Community Center
Miles today: 8.4

The owner of the Monument Mountain Motel was kind enough to give us a lift to the trail. He even suggested that he follow us to the parking area where we planned on ending our hike so that we could drop our car. He then gave us a ride back to the spot on US 7 where I met Which Way. We had already decided to limit the miles until WW was ready (as anyone can be) to ramp it up again. Also, we were both carrying a light load. With a heat advisory in effect over the next few days, we wanted to try to get an early start. Still, it was 0745 before we hit the AT.The trail started today much like it ended on Thursday, passing through fields and winding along lowlands on low footbridges. Feeling a little giddy, WW took off like a ball out of a cannon as I happily struggled to keep the pace. She seemed to be in true form and it felt so good to have her walking in front of me again. I talked her ear off for the first couple of miles, talking about nothing and everything. About 1.5 miles into the hike we crossed the Housatonic River and started our only significant climb of the day. A 1,000 foot ascent over 2.5 miles delivered us to the top of East Mountain. Along the ridge at the top we stopped on a ledge overlooking the valley to the west. It offered a clear view of the South Taconic Range. I gleefully pointed out the Bear, Race, Everett and Bushnell Mountains that I hiked over to to make it to our rendezvous point. She was impressed...music to my ears! It was so nice having her here to experience everything first hand again. The best part, was that I could tell she had really missed being immersed in the journey.We eased up and down along the ridge and hiked past a shelter. From there, the trail passed along the edge of deep ravine. It then began a descent through a conifer forest. Essentially it was all downhill from there and the hike was over a little after noon. I wish I could say it was all good. During the last hour of the hike I noticed WW tucking her right arm into her side while grasping her shoulder strap in her hand. I asked if her shoulder was hurting, to which she replied, ¢yes¢. I told her that she needed to hike without a pack tomorrow to see if that alleviates the pain. She will also try to minimize the use of her hiking poles, saving them for the technical parts. I have been tucking mine away for considerable parts of the hike lately and I think it has helped.After the hike we drove back to Great Barrington to pick up a package at the Post Office and grab a bite to eat, followed by ice cream, of course! We are tented at the Berkshire South Community Center tonight. For a small fee, hikers are permitted to use the shower inside the community center. After our showers and getting our tent set up we decided to drive up to Pittsfield to get a few things from Walmart and grab supper. Gotta take advantage of having wheels while we can.  Now it is dark and it sounds like there is a bit of a party breaking out on the lawn below us. I hope someone keys the group in on the meaning of hiker midnight. In the days ahead we need to keep moving forward, but we will try to do so smartly. The severe heat will certainly be extra motivation to limit our miles this coming week. It will be dangerously hot for all hikers. Please keep us all in your prayers.   Peace & Blessings - NSElevation Data:Ascent - 1,800Descent - 1,420Grade - 7.2Weather:Day - 91 / SunnyNight - 71 / ClearOver The Horizon: Mount Greylock, MA