July 6 - 21.4 / 1,601.3

Ahhh...I knew there was supposed to be a heat way, but this is by far the hottest day on the trail. I don't think I could have tried to retain enough water from sweat loss. The heat has caused me to start chaffing pretty bad. Even my hip belt has started to rub my hips raw.

The morning started out with a climb decent that took it out of me. It took us over 4 hours to hike 7 miles. The terrain wasn't too bad, but again a lot of the trail was overgrown. The 7 mile mark was the Mass/Vermont border. The Long Trail, which runs from the border to Canada, also shares the next 100 or so miles with the AT. Vermont has also acquired the name of Vermud. This was evident right at the border. A big mud pit was right in the middle of the trail. It is funny how the trail can change so quickly.

Samurai and I hiked about 5 more miles before stopping for lunch. We stopped at a brook which connected two beaver ponds. The view was pretty incredible. This is only the beginning of some pretty cool pond areas. Moose and Tetherball were already there taking a break. They left before we finished lunch. We enjoyed lunch, and I found time to soak my feet in the water.

The rest of the hike brought on more sweat and more chaffing. A few times I had to stop not knowing if I could hike anymore. Finally, we made it 17 miles to a shelter. There were three people already set up who were hiking the long trail. One of the girls was complaining about blisters. We gave her some advice.

I had tried to call the post office in Bennington, VT all day, but couldn't get service. I was able to get service at the shelter and found out my package from REI had arrived. Knowing there was a Chili's in the town, Samurai and I decided to hike four more miles for some dinner. The last half mile to the road was steep and rocky. We got to the road crossing, and I mentioned that it would be nice to get a quick hitch. I had just crossed the road when I heard a vehicle coming around the corner. I stuck out my thumb. The SUV put on its blinker and pulled over. It was awesome. We were picked up by Bill and Denise. They were great. They drove us across town to the Chili's. We exchanged information and they dropped us off. Samurai and I enjoyed a good meal before resupplying at a local grocery store. We walked down the road to a local motel. It is crazy how expensive motels are in this area. Luckily, this one is nice. I got a chance to call my parents and Michelle before taking a shower and heading to bed.

July 5 - 20.3 / 1,579.9

For breakfast, T and T, Lola, Sunrise, Samurai, and I went to a local coffee shop. I don't know why, but I got a coffee when it was already 90 degrees outside. I also got a breakfast burrito and a pistachio muffin. Both were excellent. I sat there until 10 before heading on. I had a few options for the day on how far to hike. The plan was to do at least 13 and maybe 20. The 13 would get me 2/3 up Greylock Mtn. Greylock is the highest point in Mass. and my first significant climb in awhile. The climb is about 8 miles long.

Once leaving Dalton, Samurai and I passed Inferno. She had taken a day off to stay with family since she is from that area. We hiked the first 10 miles of the day into Cheshire. We knew that it would be a good place for lunch since there is an ice cream and shake shop right along the trail. I stopped in and got a chocolate and pineapple shake. It hit the spot. I got a chance to speak with some nonhikers who were very intrigued with the trail. Moose and Tetherball also stopped by. Moose's grandmother lives in the area so they were just slack packing for the day over Greylock. It was the first time I had met them as I had only seen their names in the shelter logs. The others from the coffee shop ended up arriving as well as Sonic and Inferno. Samurai and I decided we had been there too long so we headed on.

The climb up Greylock was long and hot. The climb wasn't too bad, but I was sweating like never before. We made it to the shelter 13 miles in for the day. Feeling good and knowing we had plenty of daylight left, Samurai and I pushed on. We made it to the top around 6:30. There is a lodge on the top as well as a memorial tower. We checked out the lodge which had just reopened after 2 years of being closed. They had a family style dinner which was to start at 7. We looked into it. This evening it was a gumbo. It looked and smelled great; however, we didn't want to pay $25 for it. We got popsicles instead. They too were a little pricey. We sat outside the lodge enjoying them.

The area was full of people who had driven their cars to the top to check out the tower, the lodge, and the views. One family was already asking Samurai questions. Next thing we know, they are spending the next 30 minutes asking about our trip. They couldn't believe we had hiked this far. Once they left, we spoke with the guy running the lodge. He told us about renovating the lodge and winning the lease for the next 25 years. It was pretty cool to hear what he was doing and what his plans were.

It was now almost 8 and we were still sitting there. We still had 3 more miles to hike before the closest shelter. We climbed to the top of the tower, checked out the views, and headed down Greylock. The way down was slow and steep. We made it to the shelter around 9:30. The two of us set up camp, ate, and went to bed.

July 4 - 20.6 / 1,559.6

I woke up to the smell of pancakes being made. The cabin's caretaker had already started to cook, and some people were already eating. I went downstairs and ate my fair share.

The day was long and hot. The trail wasn't too difficult of a hike, but the maintenance on the trail was lacking. There were many points when I felt as if I needed a machette instead of trekking poles to wack away overgrown weeds and thornbushes. It got so bad in some places that I started to formulate an email in my head to send to the local trail club who is responsible for this section of the trail. I figured they probably already knew they needed to do some work, but it might help them to know that hikers were pretty frustrated about it. Not that the trail has to be nice and neat, I just feel as if I should be able to see where I am stepping and not having to pull thorns out of my arms and face.

The middle of the day took us to the Cookie Lady's house. My guide book mentions she occassionally has warm cookies as well as cokes and water. One can also pick blueberries for $1.50 a pound. I figured this would be a great place for lunch. Turkey, Thrasher, Samurai, and I all walked down there. We arrived, and no one was home. There were some signs on the outside of the house talking about paying for blueberries and where to get water. We were all a little upset that we weren't able to have cookies on the 4th. The others went to fill up their water blatters from the spigot. When they turned on the water they, they noticed it had a strong sulfer smell. Some of them tried to drink the water, but couldn't handle it. I decided to not drink my water and safe my last half litter for the next few miles. We knew we had a creek soon; however, we didn't know if it was going to be dry. Lola and Sunrise also showed up, snacked, tried the water, and left. They too were upset. I looked around for a bucket to fill up and buy some blueberries. However, I could not find one where they were supposed to be. The blueberries were huge and looked really good.

Nothing much happened the rest of the hike. We hiked to Dalton and had a few places to stay: Tom Levardi's or the Bird Cage. We did snag some trail magic, Sprites and 7-up as we arrived into town from the Bird Cage, but decided to stay at Tom's since his house is right on the trail. As we arrived, people were sitting out on the porch. It was Tom, Sonic, Weenail, Ponytail Dave and his wife, Filo, and Sidetrack. Not knowing if anything was going to be open since it was the 4th, Samurai and I jumped on some bikes that Tom offers and rode around the town. We found a liqour store and bought some drinks to celebrate the 4th with. We rode back to Tom's and ate dinner there. I don't think Tom normally makes dinner, but this was a holiday. We all sat around a picnic table enjoying hotdogs, beans, chips, and pasta with tomato sauce. It was excellent. For the next hour or two, we sat in his front yard just relaxing.

Later in the evening, Tom drove some folks to another town to catch a fireworks show. Samurai and I decided to take some bikes instead and go get ice cream. We came back to find the others watching Me, Myself, and Irene. Oh, that movie was terrible. I think I lost some time of my life watching it. Around 11:30, we all headed to bed. Tom offered blankets and beds to any one interested in sleeping inside. I claimed some floor space as I didn't want to set up my tent.

I did miss being with friends from back home, but this was a 4th I will remember for the rest of my life. I was able to spend it with new friends. Thanks to those who sent messages for a happy 4th.

July 3 - 9.9 / 1,539.0

Last night I had fallen asleep and then was woken up by something rustling in the leaves around me. I laid there trying to figure out what it was. It kept coming closer and closer and eventually walked right by my tent. It wasn't a minute later when I heard human voices coming from the other tents. I could tell one of the voices was Thrasher's. I unzipped my tent and stuck my head out. I could see some head lamps shinning. I yelled for Thrasher to ask what was going on. He said that some raccoons had gotten into a pack. I grabbed my socks from off my trekking poles and pulled them inside. Raccoons, skunks, and porcupines will sometimes take items that have salt on them for sweat. I turned on my ipod and went back to sleep.

Again, I got cool during the night, but it wasn't as bad as the other nights. I woke up, ate breakfast, and packed my bag. As I was eating, one of the gentlemen asked if he could have some more Aquamira. He also offered to give me $10. I really didn't want to take his money. We are all out here to watch out for others. I would hope others would do the same for me. I eventually gave in and took it. Sometimes it is just harder to argue. A little later, the group pulled out the food they didn't need. Turkey, Thrasher, and I all split some 11 or 12 Mountain House meals. They were more weight that I didn't want to carry, but I can use them in my resupply for Dalton.

I hiked 9.9 miles without drinking water and snacking. I was motivated to get to Upper Goose Pond. I arrived by 11:10 and was met by Samurai. It was good to see him again. We caught up on things and decided to try and finish this trip together.

The rest of the day was spent laying on a dock, blogging in the sun, swimming, watching boats and kayakers, and canoing. The setting and location is amazing. The cabin is fairly clean too. A caretaker is here throughout the summer, so that helps.

Later in the evening, Samurai and I helped paddle the caretaker's kayak to her truck. It was nice to get out on calm water and see other parts of the lake.

It is a full house tonight. Sonic, Sidetrack, Melo, Lola, Sunrise, Fogg, Walking Man, and G&G are here. Nice to see some old faces.

Some side notes. Congrats to my friends Sara and Zach on their new addition to the family, a boy. Also, my nephew fracture his first bone. It is doing well. He is a tropper, and it hasn't slowed him down.

Off to bed...pancakes in the morning.

July 2 - 17.6 / 1,529.1

It was another chilly morning, and another morning I didn't want to get out of my sleeping bag. The night wasn't the best either since we were so close to the road. Cars went by all night.

The morning was a cruise and nice walking. Up until today, I have been expecting to start meeting southbounders starting in late May or early June. Well, today was the day. I met Hit and Miss. They were a couple who started May 27th. This was their second thru hike. They completed a northbound hike in 2008. I spoke with them for quite awhile about their trips. Like others, they said I was in for a treat when I get to the Whites and Maine.

The afternoon offered The Ledges and some good ponds. A lot of day hikers were also out. I met two more SOBO's and a group of five out for a few days. The group was comprised of two dads, two sons, and a daughter.

We got in to Shaker Campsite right after 5. It was a shorter day and nice to have the afternoon to relax. I figured I would catch up on some blogging too. That didn't happen. Instead, I made dinner, got lazy, and spoke to the group once they made it in. They were enjoyable and asked questions about the AT and my journey. They were having trouble with their Steri-pen, used to treat water. I offered to let them use my Aquamira. One of the men had hurt his ankle while hiking so they were planning to cut their next day short to get off the trail. Before going to sleep, they offered to give us some extra food. We told them we would check it out in the morning.

We finished up our chatting, and I provided my blog. They said they were going to check it out when they got home.

July 1 - 16.8 / 1,511.5

Ahhhh, it was pretty cold last night. I had on my base layers and had wrapped my raincoat around the end of my bag to keep my lower legs and feet warm. I was hardly out of my tent when I saw Lint leaving. I will never see him again.

The morning hike took me up to the top of Bear Mtn. There was a stone structure up top which offered an incredible 360 degree view. I went down the mountain and into a prestine pine forest. A creek rain along the trail. It made me feel like I was out west. I crossed into MA and met Inferno and Blue Rooster. It was the first time I had ever met them. They both started after me.

After the state line, I climbed to the top of Race Mtn. I met a group of older ladies who have a women's hiking club. They asked lots and lots of questions which I was more than happy to answer. The top of Race was cover in blueberries and offered good views.

I met up with Inferno, Rooster, and Chewy for lunch at the top of Mt. Everett. I stopped at Glen Brook Shelter for water and a snack. T and T were there eating. I continued down and came to Jug Road. A women was sitting off to the side. She asked which way I was going. I told her north. She said she had dropped her daughter off at Bear Mtn and was going to meet her. However, her daughter was hiking south. I told her she was in the wrong spot. She was supposed to be at the trail crossing on CT 41, not MA 41. I showed her on the map and told her that she needed to go to Salisbury, CT. She thanked me and left.

Near the end of the day I passed by Shays' Rebellion Monument. It notes the location of the last stand by Daniel Shay against government taxes and tactics. I finished my day at U.S. 7. The plan was to tent at the Corn Crib. My guide book says it also has snacks, ice cream, and sodas. However, it didn't look like it had any of that and was closed by the time I arrived. I called a number on the door and spoke with a lady. She said we could still tent on the property. Wanting some ice cream or a coke, Turkey, Thrasher, and I headed toward the nearest town of Great Barrington. 0.3 of a mile in, we came to Route 7 Grill. It ended up being a nice restaurant. We went in to check out the prices. A little expensive, but we figured we could get a hamburger. The lady there asked about our hike and about how to let hikers know that they where open. We told her to contact the people who do the different trail guides. We also provided some ideas of what type of information to put in the book. We finished our dinner and walked back to the Corn Crib. Shortly after, all three of us were out.