Day 127-Seven Miles to New Friends

July 23-7.3 miles-Glen Brook Shelter to Great Barrington-AT mile 1523.8

Everything was dry by this morning. The day’s terrain looked mostly down. It was, except a bunch of it was steep down. We had an easy climb up Bushnell Mtn. It was the descent that was much longer and harder. 

Hazy view

Walking along the rock

What? I’m supposed to go that way???

We finally made it down the sketchy part. 

My kind of trail!

However, before too long, we were walking through a section that was thoroughly infested with mosquitos. I had put bug repellent on before we started, but the blasted mosquitoes were swarming all over me. I was walking as fast as I could, but finally, I stopped, took my pack off, and reapplied the bug juice. Then I took my bandana and used it to swat at them while I was walking...very fast. I had my poles in one hand, and flapping the bandana in the other hand. 

Eventually, we came out of mosquito land, and walked along  the edge of a pasture. 

Thankfully, no mosquitoes here. 

Another woody section, and we met Sandy on the trail near the road into Great Barrington. Sandy and Sure Foot’s  friend, Roger came down to see us! Roger has hiked the trail a few times. 

They drove us into town to the Days Inn where we are taking a zero tomorrow. We showered, and went to lunch. Roger and Sandy bought our lunch! That was so nice of them. Later they drove us to do our laundry, and get our resupply. Roger even had detergent! They brought snacks, and have been so much fun to visit with. They’re going to stay tomorrow night too, so we’ll get to spend tomorrow with them, then they will take us back to the trail on Saturday morning. 

We picked a good time to be in town. A nasty thunderstorm rolled through right when we got to lunch. Roger had to rush out and roll up the windows on the car. Then later, more ominous clouds were rolling in. 

Those are three distinct layers of clouds. Lots of people were taking pictures of them. 

After laundry and resupply, Sandy wanted to go to a Subway to get some dinner. It just so happens I needed to check off a Massachusetts Subway! Just as we returned to the hotel, the skies opened up again, and it poured. 

Mass Subway...check!

It’s pouring down rain. 

So happy to not be out hiking! So happy to be taking a zero tomorrow! So happy to meet new friends!





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