August 1, 2012

Start: Sages Ravine Campsite, MA

Today was a hard, long, great day! We did 14.6 miles but it felt much longer with the two big climbs and long, rocky descents we had. We started the day at 8:40 am from the campsite. Walking along the stream in the ravine was beautiful. We were surrounded by rich green, lush flora and the sound of the moving water was calming and captivating. Great way to start the day. We then started the climb up Mount Race and reached the summit and beautiful views at 2365 feet. The walk along the ridge was our first exposed ridge of the trip and the views were worth the climb. In true AT fashion, we descended 400 feet just to climb 700 feet up Mount Everett. It was a steep climb up ledges with the peak reaching 2602 feet. Just before the peak a bird pooped on the back of my neck. Brian was already at the top so I had to wait until I got there for him to wipe it off me. They say it's good luck... Maybe I should go play the lotto?!?! We had a quick snack at the top and then continued on. At the Guilder Pond Picnic Area at the bottom of the mountain, an awesome trail angel left ICE COLD water for thru hikers!! It is incredible how being out here on the trail really makes you appreciate the simple things in life like ice cold water. We hiked on through the afternoon and met up with Miles Supertramp, one of our favorite trail friends. We hiked the remainder of the day with him, enjoying views from Jug End and eventually the relatively flat trail into Great Barrington. Once we reached the road, it took less than 5 minutes of holding out my thumb for a pick up truck to pull over. The three of us loaded into the back for the 3 miles into town. My favorite part of today (aside from the bird poop, of course) was seeing such diverse, beautiful landscapes in 14.6 miles. We started the day in a lush ravine, then climbed into an alpine zone with awesome views and an exposed ridge, then back down into the woods, up into an alpine zone again, down into a cornfield, into a dense red pine forest, through a swamp (the mosquitoes were vicious!), through some more fields, and finally into town. How many people get to experience such varied flora and fauna in one day?!? We decided to spend the night in Great Barrington since we earned it with hiking this time. Miles is staying in town too so the three of us indulged in some delicious town food. We are ready for a good night sleep now!

End: US 7, Great Barrington, MA

Peace Be The Journey
~Flicka