Massachusetts packed a lot of variety in its 90 miles of the beads. Because I cannot resist making broad generalizations and trying to classify their charms, I will highlight three very different things that remain from my time there. First, genuine hospitality, delivered in unique ways, was exhibited throughout the state. Second, the amount of time I spent dancing in rocks to avoid mud was much more than I expected. Finally, the natural beauty of Sages Ravine, Mount Everett, the Upper Goose Pond and Mount Graylock made for days very happy, especially at the beginning and end of the path in Massachusetts.
To the box score
- Friendly People – 41/41
- Interesting wild creatures – 0
- Errors – 0
- Injury report: the left shoulder is not yet great; Heels seem to be fine!
As there are not many news here this week, I will focus on hospitality examples of friendly people in Berkshires. The path is probably the most photographed shed in the AT. During the hiking season, it provides all things through a trip that wants the most (except dry weather and a soft bed): the garbage station, the cargo station and drinks. The cookie lady kindly provides, well, cookies and a place to load phones, fill water, rest in the shade, sweet dogs to pets and hibiscus tea. In Dalton, an angel of long -standing paths allows hikers to camp in his patio. Despite the constant decrease in the number of people along the way as I move further north, I felt that the people of Massachusetts really extended the red carpet to make me feel welcome.
Ravines, climbs, ponds and a lot of mud
I will start with the mud so that this section ends with happy stories of beauty in Massachusetts. People like to talk about the mud season in their neighbor to the north, but I would present the case that Mudsachusetts is also a favorite in miles where a hiker has to dance through rocks and trunks to prevent their feet from sinking into mud to the ankles. Some people simply load through the mud and do not care about the beginning of the trench foot. Other people on tiptoe around the edges of mud puddles, and finally contribute to the reduction of destructive paths. I have been guilty of both, but my favorite method has been to improve my waltz dance in the rocks and trunks that other hikers have kindly placed before me. It works quite well, and I feel very refined doing my elegant dance in the forest. For the most part, there is no one to see me, which is especially good when I misunderstand the stability of a rock or trunk and slides to the mud. What I found so disconcerting in Massachusetts was the placement of its Swamp tables. At least half of them had been built and maintained hard in places that were dry under the foot, as if the placement of the tables had scared the mud.
You believe it or not, there were solid rocks to cross this mud well, you just have to take advantage of your posts to find them!
But enough, we talked about beautiful Massachusetts! A walker crosses the border between Connecticut and Massachusetts in an impressive place called Sabios Barranco. I imagine that these two states fight for who claims it and finally conforms to the commitment to run the border just through the middle. It is a magical section, covered with moss and loaded with ferns with waterfalls at every step. Truly fairy tales.
Sages Ravine is the perfect configuration for fairy tales.
The same day, hikers upload the open rock shelf of the mountain race and the climbing of the fight of Mount Everett, so that the hikers of hikers work again after the relatively flat terrain of the last few states.
Spectacular views of the shelves of the mountain race!
Just when the aforementioned mud began to wear down, Massachusetts launched its next act: a perfect combination of beauty and hospitality in the form of a goose pond. Exclusively accessible by hikers, this pond offers a cabin and canoes enclosed and with personnel to enjoy the idyllic environment. Two travel companions arrived early at the pond and were paddling while I approached. Thinking about it now, I would like to have jumped directly in the water and have spent more time absorbing the environment.
Two through hikers are paddling at the Upper Goose pond after a long day.
With 3489 feet, Mount Graylock is the highest point of Massachusetts and serves as a suitable place for the 1931 war monument built on its summit. On a clear day, which was not in the cards for me, you can see approximately 90 miles in each direction. What I liked most about this location was Bascom LodgeBuilt in the 1930s by the CCC. It was an excellent way to conclude my time in my eighth in the state!
The huge summit of Mount Graylock has a shelter, a commemorative monument and a lot of open space for people to enjoy the beautiful views.
Curiosities of the path
I have seen several trees like this, which seemed to be used for a scratch post by a large animal. And, of course, I was curious about what animal could have been close so recently. My search on Google was not conclusive: a bear will do this and rub the fur in the tree to mark territory or look for food; The beavers will be stripped up to six feet high; Squirrels, porcupines and rabbits can also strip the barking, but it is not so likely to throw the trunk. Leave me a comment with your thoughts on what animal this damage did!
Remember to look for beauty
Lovely waterfalls in Sages Ravine
The state Limerick
Massachusetts was an interesting mixture of hospitality, impressive landscape and strangely placed swamp boards. Thanks for the opportunity to refine my dance movements!
Massachusetts
- Berkshires are really dreamy
- I danced in the rocks with a light step
- Walk through beautiful small cities
- Go up to Graylock up and down
- Have cookies and load phones while walking!
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