The weather looked good this morning! After picking up breakfast at McDonalds in Great Barrington (0705), I drove east (MA-23/MA-183) to the AT Trailhead (arriving at 0745), excited to have a shuttle! Vic ended up being a bit late (he accidentally passed the parking area) but we were on our way to Main Road in Tyringham by 0820. We talked about all the things that had happened since he drove me in 2019. Because of COVID-19, it turned out that I was only his third rider in 2020! He dropped me off at the same place I’d finished yesterday and I quickly headed into the woods (AT SOBO, 0845). Temps were already in the mid 70s but it was overcast and breezy. Much higher temps were expected - was glad to be starting early in the day. The first miles were through muddy swampland. The typical plank bridges were available but I soon discovered they were all VERY unstable (was relieved to be done with that area)... I then began a climb up Cobble Hill. During this time, the AT turned north for a long time (while I was officially headed south) - gotta love some of this Trail Designer decisions... I helped an older lady cross one of the stiles in the area - the barbed wire made crossing the fence difficult and she very much appreciated my assistance. After enjoying the good views of Tyringham from the top of the Cobble, I had to traverse another swampy area in a valley that has a lot of pretty farmhouses. I was already getting hot and was dreading a big climb that started at Shaker Campsite so I didn’t really get any pictures. And it turned out that I needed my energy - the hill at the three mile mark nearly broke me. Just as I reached the “top”, I was treated to an immediate steep downhill before I even caught my breath - and then another climb began. I started to meet Thru hikers in this area (I encountered four). Eventually, I made it to the ridge line and was able to set a rather nice pace for the next five miles. There really wasn’t much to see for a long time but I passed a gravel road (Beartown Mountain) where a met a lady who was walking her dog. A bit later, I passed the access trails for Mount Wilcox (I guess that’s the name of the hill I climbed) North Shelter. Nearby, there was a pretty pond. I figured out that most of my hike was inside the Beartown State Forest - lots of roads and trails were in the area. Before long, I reached the South Shelter and thought (from my AT Guide) that the worst climbing was over. Wrong! During the last four miles of my hike, I was treated to so many PUDs that I lost track - and basically surrendered. I’ll admit that the views from The Ledges were really nice and I liked seeing Benedict Pond. But I was so tired and hot that I had no more energy left for pictures or even thoughts. I passed two Thru hikers swimming and really wished I could have joined them. But I knew it was going to be 90 degrees soon (clouds leaving) and I had a few miles left. Somehow, I finished the section - the PUDs continued to the car and I got to walk through more swamps (saw some local guys walking their dog in that area). Was at my car by 1415 after 12 tough miles in challenging conditions. The day was filled with all the things I love (and hate) about the AT - so, of course, I’ll keep coming back for more punishment... Used MA-23, MA-8, some back roads, MA-66 and some more back roads to reach I-91. Stopped for gas at Irving in Greenfield (1635) and got a free Friendly's Sundae (late for my birthday) across the street. Used the Interstates to get back to Hanover (home by 1815). It was a great hiking weekend and - best part - I'm finished with the AT in Massachusetts! AT Today = 12.00 miles / G.T. AT = 1615.96 miles
