July 31 Mile 1594

Mt. Greylock is stunning! It is the most beautiful spot we have seen in almost 1100 miles since we left Mt Rogers in southern Virginia. The views from the top were fantastic for us. On Greylock this morning, when we awoke in the Bunkhouse, out the south facing window we could look down 3000 feet to the valley and towns below and a huge cloud blanketed all the lowlands halfway up the mountain. It was like the ocean or a great snowfall. Quite beautiful. When Cisco came here two years ago, it was totally fogged in. What a shame for a hiker or visitor ( a paved road comes right to the top).  When we pass a southbounder now, ( and there are lots of them) and they ask about the trail below, I don't have the heart to tell them that after Greylock it will be 1100 miles before they see the pretty South. From southern Virginia to Georgia it's glorious, not so  such till then. But then, they would probably tell me how tough the going is from here north, so I guess we would be even.
Met a neat Sobo (Southbounder today) as we were descending Mt. Greylock. A guy about my age (haven't seen too many this time out).
His trail name is "Earl Grey", like the tea. A former Marine and retired. Told us to remember "When you are on the Trail,  every day is a holiday and every meal is a feast." Good advice.  He left us with
"Semper Fi" as he went up the north slope of Greylock.
This would be a long day for me: 13 miles. We left Mt. Greylock at about 8:30 AM, passing by a warming hut for hikers, and once upon a time for skiers, too. It was built in the 1930's. A sign said that back then this was a premier ski area, with trails down to the towns and valleys below-about 3000 feet. But no more-they couldn't work out good ski lift arrangements, so skiers moved on to better locations.

Looking down on Williamstown, MA.

Hiked down for several miles to the valley and and through the outskirts between North Adams and Williamstown, MA. Crossing a major highway, we thought, "this would be a great place for a hamburger stand." But, nothing--just houses. Williams College is nearby and North Adams is a noted artist community. But we are heading for Vermont today and I don't want any distractions.  The Trail takes us straight up the mountain and  4 miles later I finally make Vermont! A long time goal for me.

Welcome to Vermont!

 Vermont!

3 miles later through a very different forest with ferns, little other undergrowth, and birch and beech  and maple trees, we reach the Seth Warner Shelter, water, dinner, of instant mashed potatoes, salmon in a pack and Snickers-Yum, and to bed with only two more hiking days left.