And they need to fix the GAP in the back of North Wilcox Shelter!
Cold appears to be the Mother of Invention, though...and I broke 2 Apple Cinnamon Nutrigrain bars into melted hot caramel (I knew those little packets from McDonalds would come in handy somewhere) and added pecans for a very tasty Fall Breakfast...
And we're off!
Across Beartown and Fernside Road (...where a woman provided some early trail magic with a few ripe apples...)
Saving mine for later!
Past Shaker Campsite
Across Jerusalem, Tyringham and Webster Roads
To Upper Goose Pond Trail
And Goose Pond
Checking out Goose Pond Cabin
We would have certainly hiked on and spent the night here!
Hike from North Wilcox to Upper Goose Pond Cabin (and the inside of the cabin!)
https://youtu.be/FQ-VTW0cT-A
I have to share one of the funniest things I've heard since being on the AT in Massachusetts...shared by "Granite Man" with a straight face.
"Sure...we have rocks in Massachusetts...we just don't deliberately put them on the trail like Pennsylvania does."
We are in The Berkshires, now.
Across 90 and heading up to Beckett Mountain.
Although it appears we have been beaten to the top...by a local black bear.
"Got Food???"
Less pushy than the Shenandoah bears we encountered...but less shy than the others. This guy was curious and standing his ground.
Singing at the top of my voice didn't seem to phase him.
(...what...not a Billy Idol Fan???)
Eventually...sensing perhaps there was not a hand-out to be had...or maybe a harsh critique of my melodic skills (more likely) he wandered off.
Coming at last to Finerty Pond
and to Bald Top, October Mountain
Past the October Mountain Shelter
Across the Washington Mountain Road and Stream.
Down Blotz Road and Warner Road until at last we reach
and inside
Breaking out the camp-stove and going to have "just add boiling water" Fettuccine Alfredo tonight!
See everybody up the trail...where we will finish Massachusetts!
Maybe Friday!
love,
"Beans"
