The weather is like the government — always in the wrong.
~Jerome K. Jerome
August 7, 2022
AT miles: 19.9
Ascent: 3139’
Descent: 3664’
Weather: stinking hot with a late afternoon thunderstorm
Sightings: a gray squirrel and lots of toads
High points: blueberry pancakes for breakfast and dinner at a local brewery!
The caretakers at Goose Pond Cabin serve blueberry pancakes and coffee to the folks who spend the night there, so I had a wonderful breakfast today! Considering that they do not have electricity, serving a breakfast to 20+ people is quite a feat!
Sometimes the AT passes by a reminder that these lands once upon a time had other people who lived here! This elaborate stone fireplace is a leftover from another era.
These spectacular red mushrooms were taking over a hillside— quite a sight!
After Baldy Mountain (1880’) I bumped into some much appreciated trail magic. It was really ridiculously hot, and the banana and cold Coke really helped me to continue hiking. The lady also gave me some water, which was important since in the remaining 14 miles of my day I never found a good water source.
The trail then went along an extensive boardwalk over probably a mile of wet fields. The flowers in this area were spectacular, as were the views.
Despite the amazing wildflowers and views, I was happy to enter the shady forest again — it was way too hot to walk in the open sun!
Tyringham Cobble, a spectacular Trustees of Reservations property, had lots of great, great views, and several benches from which to enjoy the great views. On a cooler day I would love to spend some time on this special property.
The trail continued through numerous meadows. I walked by an official camping area called “Shaker Camp” because in the 19th century there was a Shaker settlement there!
The area had numerous stone walls crisscrossing through it, a reminder that this area was once farmland.
If I had to choose one place along the AT to live, ignoring any family or financial considerations, I would probably choose the Berkshires. The rolling hills here are very human-scaled and beautiful in a livable kind of way. And the place is absolutely dotted with charming 19th century farmhouses!
I passed multiple beaver ponds.
Despite the heat in the afternoon I had to cross Mt. Wilcox, a huge mountain with multiple peaks. I was concerned that I might run out of water, so I spent much of the time I was ascending and descending various peaks trying to find a decent water source. What little water there was tended to be stagnant and fetid. Thankfully I actually did have enough, so I did not need to try to filter any of that dank liquid.
The Ledges provided a spectacular view. When I got there, I could see a thunderstorm rolling in.
I still had about 4 miles to go when the lightning crackled, the thunder boomed, and the rain torrented down. I slowed my pace but kept on walking, focusing on my destination — my car and ultimately a hotel — so it didn’t matter how wet I got!
After my hot 20-mile hike I was tired enough that I drove to the wrong hotel by mistake! I did realize my error before I went in, so then I spent another 20 minutes driving back from where I came from. After a shower and a fabulous dinner at a local brewery, I am feeling quite recuperated and ready to head off to the trail tomorrow.
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!