Dalton, MA (USA)

Up at 0730. It was a nicer morning, so I headed east to the NY-CT border (near Wingdale). Found a parking spot on NY/CT-55 (Riverview Rd / Wetabuck Rd) and headed SOBO. It was pretty tough going: deep, wet snow but I was able to get to the Wiley Shelter, where I encountered some hard-core hikers who had spent the night there. After chatting with them for a bit, I turned around and walked back on Duell Hollow Road until I could turn NOBO towards the Ten Mile Shelter. Seemed like I would be OK (there were areas with no snow) but when I reached the ridge, I ended up with about half a mile of knee-deep snow. Didn't want to do it, but I turned around at the top of the hill. Seemed easier going down - funny part was when I encountered a snow-shoer at the bottom and he was giving up... Finished the section and (briefly) celebrated that I've now hiked in all 14 states along the AT! It was early, but I was wet and cold. Decided to try easier (i.e., no snow) sections to the north (off US-7). Before it got dark, I was able to hike near Falls Village and Salisbury (both CT) and then through South Egremont and Dalton (both MA). Almost got stuck in the mud at one of my stops - could have been a big problem... "Lunch" was a Stop & Shop in North Canaan (1300). Crossed the Housatonic River several times and found a monument to Shay's Rebellion. Snow was falling intermittently but I kept going - trying to get the most out of the time off from work. It took all day (and a lot of driving) to piece together around 13 miles of walking - but it was definitely worth the effort. Despite this good feeling, I decided I'd had enough of snow hiking on the AT and headed west (into ADK)... Got gas in Pittsfield (1800) and then used US-20 to get to I-87. Drove all the way to the High Peaks area (NY-73). Switched to NY-86 and bypassed Lake Placid on the Old Military Road. Eventually stopped for the night in Saranac Lake (Sara Placid Motor Inn - 2115)]. It was snowy and cold again and I was happy to be indoors. Read a bit before falling asleep (2300). AT miles today = 5.45 / Grand Total AT = 373.28 miles.