Date: 2005-08-05
From: Mt. Greylock

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: haze

The day began quite auspiciosly with a wonderful breeze blowing across the top of Mt. Greylock, and a hot shower - included in the price of a bed in the Bascom Lodge hiker hostel.As I came up to the lodge from the garage where I slept, who should I run into but Cuppa Joe. He had gotten word that Break was jumping up to here when he was in Dalton, and hiked in early this morning to join up with us. What this confirms, of course, is that our timing and location for the jump north could not have been better. It has plunked us down pretty much smack dab in the middle of the old M Company crew. I am thrilled!While he went to wake up Break (who, it turns out, is NOT a morning person), I attempted to send some emails from my pocketmail device. I think they went out, but they all disappeared from my outbox - which is the first time that has happened. Hopefully they arrived at their destinations. Time will tell.While Break packed up, I managed to round up a cup of coffee from the kitchen, which, together with my shower, seemed to me an excellent way to start my first full day on the northern half of the trail. Having done only 8 miles yesterday, we were planning on making up the 3 miles by doing a 13 today. (Our plan was to stay with 10 mile days for the first week in deference to Break's foot.)While we started out with a nice breeze, that soon disappeared, and the day turned warm. And then warmer. Then it got hot. Our first section included a 3,000 ft downhill from Greylock into North Adams. All I could think of as we traversed a steep and never ending down was how happy I was we weren't going UP. Yet.Fortunately, our afternoon climb up the other side was only 1,500 ft. Unfortunately, we were doing it in the heat of the afternoon. To cool us off, however, just before we started our climb, and only 15 minutes into our lunch break, a thunderstorm moved in and it began to pour. We quickly threw on our packs and set off up the hill. In minutes we were thoroughly soaked, but fortunately it was a short lived event. If it had lasted much longer, the rain would have started going into our boots, making for wet feet and that squishy sensation when you walk. Not my idea of a good time!Overall the climb wasn't too bad, but towards the end it got really steep, so we were all glad when we reached the top. We had good views and a nice breeze, so we did a packs off rest stop. After awhile, I was ready to move on. Cuppa Joe was not far behind, but Break was busy watching ants and hoping her shirt would dry out, so she stayed behind. The rest of the trail into Seth Warner Shelter was relatively level, so I made good time. Cuppa Joe and I stopped for photos when we reached the Mass./Vermont border. He stayed there to wait for Break so he could get her photo while I went on ahead. In the end, I reached the shelter an hour and a half before they did, Break having become so absorbed with the ants that she lost track of time. That allowed me time time organize a nice campfire, which was a good thing as it was actually a bit cool as the sun went down.With us in the shelter were Socks and a young hiker that Break and Cuppa Joe had hiked with earlier - Stilts. It was realy nice to once again be in the company of old friends, sitting around the shelter picnic table talking and watching the fire. Life is good!Today's hike is dedicated all of my old friends from M Company - those still hiking, and those no longer out here. God bless you all.Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com