Dalton, MA (USA)

After spending the night in Pittsfield, I found myself close to a trailhead (in nearby Dalton) this morning. Picked up breakfast at McDonalds in Pittsfield (0730) and then drove east.  I parked at the south end of Depot Road, where I’d last hiked in 2015, and was SOBO on the AT by 0800. Rain was forecast and the trail and trees were already wet from an earlier downpour. However, when I crossed the railroad tracks and entered the October Mountain State Forest, the sun was peaking through low, fast moving clouds. The temps were comfortable (low 70s). The section included a gradual climb towards the summit of Tully Mountain. I started passing NOBO Thru hikers almost immediately - by the end of my outbound leg, I’d passed almost 20! I also saw a couple of day hikers but was alone most of the morning. Occasionally, the leaves overhead dumped all their water on me - but the drops of water, along with the canopy cover, felt good. Actually, the mostly flat trail, only occasionally interrupted with rocks, seemed “easy” after the tougher days in Vermont. I passed through one open field that might have offered an amazing panorama of the mountains to the north but the low clouds blocked the view. Soon afterwards, I found myself back in the trees... Felt so good, I didn’t stop at all until I reached my turnaround point: Blotz Road. At that point, though, I’d had my fill of the forest and decided to head back to my car via the road. I walked a short distance to the east and then took Plunkett Reservoir Road to go north. Saw my first wildlife in the last month - a whitetail standing on the pavement. Passed some pretty lakes and talked to a few kayakers and fishermen. Used neighborhood streets, Old Dalton Road and East Housatonic Street to finish my backtrack. I actually never felt hot today - even in the sun - and avoided the inbound thunderstorms (they hit an hour later). Hiked around 12 miles and was in my car by 1230 - feeling good, except for a blister that had formed when I wore a hole through one of my socks. On the way back to Pittsfield, stopped for a reward (large Reese's Pieces sundae) at Friendly’s (done at 1315).  Nearby, I got gas (the cheapest price I've seen in months) and then went back to my room.  I stayed there, resting and letting my blisters heal, for the rest of the afternoon and evening - I actually never went out to eat.  Meanwhile, the sound of huge thunderstorms rolled outside...  Watched TV and exchanged texts and calls with my daughters.  Went to bed at 2200 - more AT tomorrow! AT Today = 5.90 miles / Grand Total AT = 1436.36 miles