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Aug
8 , 1983 Monday (605.9 mtg) From
Gonzo!s Appalachian Trail journal
Awoke
naturally this morning at about 6:15 am. Ate, packed and left -
I had the routine down now. From Dalton the trail continued through
non-descript areas for the next seven miles with the exception of
"The Cobbles," a series of rocky outcrops that provided
a view into the Housatonic River Valley on the left, and Cheshire
below to the north. I strolled into Cheshire and headed straight
for the post office. This was a business day, not a stopover for
the day. My business was much more than I had expected. I received
more packages than I had ever received in one town today. Seemed
as though everyone decided to send something to me at this Massachusetts
trail town. Jim had sent me his radio, but I had just bought one
yesterday so I sent it back. Dave Szabo went to the outdoor store
in Carbondale and bought me a new set of shoulder straps after I
told him about my repairs back in Connecticut, and had enclosed
them in a package along with a pair of new wool socks. I discovered
$5.00 tucked inside one of the socks - what a guy. Mom was able
to get my boots there in time, I packaged up my old ones, along
with some of the extra food that I had been sent, and forwarded
it all to West Hartford, Vermont. I donned my new hiking boots and
set out for Greylock. As I walked out of town the boots seemed to
be working out just fine except for the spot on the back of my Achilles
tendon where I had a swollen spot from what appeared to be some
kind of bite, spider or insect. It happened to be right where the
collar of the boot hit my leg and irritated it somewhat.
I made Greylock before four o'clock after seven miles of substantial
uphill climbing. Real mountain terrain was almost upon us once again.
There was an elevation change of 2500 feet from Cheshire to Greylock
summit. At this elevation the smell of Christmas returned with the
Balsam trees near the summit. There are so many side trails and
mountain road crossings in this area that hikers wanting to stay
on the A.T. have to keep an eye out for white blazes more than normal
in order to stay on the correct trail. At the summit stands the
Massachusetts War Memorial, a large stone tower that resembles a
lighthouse. I believe the structure was intended to be used as a
lighthouse, but then someone decided that the memorial should be
located on the states tallest mountain, Greylock. Bascomb Lodge
is also on the summit, where hikers can pay a fee and have supper
and a spot in the bunkhouse for the night. I had only traveled nine
miles to get to the summit, but when I learned that I could help
out in the kitchen in return for food and lodging, I decided to
stay. This is the first of a series of mountain huts that I would
encounter between now and Maine, and I was off to a good start.
Usually they have you picking up trash outside, and then helping
with the dishes after the meal. Generally not too strenuous, and
worth the effort involved to get a good hearty meal. I remember
the rolled oats oatmeal breakfast with the brown sugar added. The
best oatmeal on the trail. Sure beats that instant stuff.
Gonzo!
Appalachian Trail Journals ©1983
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