Forgot
to mention how bad the deer flies were yesterday morning. Boy, are they
annoying -- even if they don’t bite. So what’s their purpose? And why
do no-see-ums bite? For nourishment? I hope not just for sheer pleasure.
Tough time finding level ground last night, so we ended up next to a bunch of teenie boppers. They were funny. Asked a million questions. Slept well. In fact, had a really hard time getting up in the morning. Up at 7:30 -- out at 8:45.
Sky was overcast, with rain likely. First we climbed Lion’s Head, from which we had a great view of Salisbury and beyond. Then it was on to Bear Mountain (yet another one). Pretty gradual climb to the top -- not bad at all. I was expecting a big tower at the summit, but it was just a big pile of rocks.
Mountain #2 was Race Mountain. Gradual yet pretty long climb. Forgot something important! On the way down from Bear Mountain we crossed Sages Ravine. Beautiful area with a flowing stream, rocks, and lots of pine trees. Would have been some great swimming areas if it wasn’t raining. At the end of the ravine we saw the sign we were looking for -- “Welcome to Massachusetts.” Wow. We really did walk home.
Back to Race Mt. Nice climb. Passed “the best campsite ever” according to Smittee -- Bear Rocks, I think. It had tent sites, fire rings, a view, a bathtub (stream), and a privy. Alas, we couldn’t stay.
Rocky, wet, and slippery on the way down from Race. Not my idea of fun. In fact, I hate hiking in those conditions because it’s quite scary and dangerous. After a slip and a minor altercation, I was on my own for the climb up and over Mt. Everett. More frustration, more tears. Eventually I did make it to the top.
Luckily going down didn’t involve the same degree of rock scaling. Stopped at the shelter, but decided to do another 3 ½ miles to a road with water and possible camping. More scariness trying to get down from Jug End summit. I really don’t think I would do this trail as a retiree due to the danger factor. Or I would skip the rocky sections (especially on rainy days). Very stressful stuff -- at least, for me.
Found the water and a flat tentspot nearby. We’re close to the road, but it’s a Tuesday and it doesn’t seem very busy. Strange but nice to be on our own. Mosquitoes are bad here. When I picture us on the AT map, I feel that we’re close to home. Now I can count the remaining states on four fingers -- MA, VT, NH + ME!
Tough time finding level ground last night, so we ended up next to a bunch of teenie boppers. They were funny. Asked a million questions. Slept well. In fact, had a really hard time getting up in the morning. Up at 7:30 -- out at 8:45.
Sky was overcast, with rain likely. First we climbed Lion’s Head, from which we had a great view of Salisbury and beyond. Then it was on to Bear Mountain (yet another one). Pretty gradual climb to the top -- not bad at all. I was expecting a big tower at the summit, but it was just a big pile of rocks.
Mountain #2 was Race Mountain. Gradual yet pretty long climb. Forgot something important! On the way down from Bear Mountain we crossed Sages Ravine. Beautiful area with a flowing stream, rocks, and lots of pine trees. Would have been some great swimming areas if it wasn’t raining. At the end of the ravine we saw the sign we were looking for -- “Welcome to Massachusetts.” Wow. We really did walk home.
Back to Race Mt. Nice climb. Passed “the best campsite ever” according to Smittee -- Bear Rocks, I think. It had tent sites, fire rings, a view, a bathtub (stream), and a privy. Alas, we couldn’t stay.
Rocky, wet, and slippery on the way down from Race. Not my idea of fun. In fact, I hate hiking in those conditions because it’s quite scary and dangerous. After a slip and a minor altercation, I was on my own for the climb up and over Mt. Everett. More frustration, more tears. Eventually I did make it to the top.
Luckily going down didn’t involve the same degree of rock scaling. Stopped at the shelter, but decided to do another 3 ½ miles to a road with water and possible camping. More scariness trying to get down from Jug End summit. I really don’t think I would do this trail as a retiree due to the danger factor. Or I would skip the rocky sections (especially on rainy days). Very stressful stuff -- at least, for me.
Found the water and a flat tentspot nearby. We’re close to the road, but it’s a Tuesday and it doesn’t seem very busy. Strange but nice to be on our own. Mosquitoes are bad here. When I picture us on the AT map, I feel that we’re close to home. Now I can count the remaining states on four fingers -- MA, VT, NH + ME!
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