Friday,
May 12, 2017
Mark Noepel Shelter to North Adams, MA 2
9.6 miles
This was our earliest day starting at 6:30. Foxtrot got up at 3:30 and left so he could see the sunrise in Mt. Greylock.
We made it to Greylock ourselves mid-morning. The highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 ft! We've been in anticipation of this mountain for some time. The road that leads to the summit is still closed to traffic, the AT crossed the road several times as we went up. The climb is not very difficult. The only signs of life at the top were two men with a white truck, working on the stone tower, a tribute to the state’s war dead. In season, you can climb the 89 steps of the tower for awesome views, but not today. Unfortunately, Bascom Lodge is not opened for the season either. We always seem to appear on the scene before seasoning openings.
The descent into North Adams was second only to Pt. Clinton in steepness, it just wasn't as long. The lower we got, the warmer it was and the worse the black flies were. We donned our head nets and sprayed on the Deet, which was only effective for a little while. Long sleeves and pants were the only deterrent.
We came into town around 12:30. The trail comes out onto Phelps Avenue and crosses over Main Street. We turned right and went down a block to the community center where our vehicle was parked. Once again, it it was so good to get to our truck.
We immediately went to Olympia Family Restaurant for lunch, then drove to Manchester Center, VT, our next stopping place.
The Econolodge in Manchester Center is about 3 miles from the trailhead. It is an old hotel, but nice enough. The king bed was comfortable and the room was clean. Breakfast included waffles and oatmeal along with pastries, juice and coffee- a lot better than the last Econolodge we stayed in at Lee, MA. I think we might have been they only room they rented. Obviously a slow season right now, but the desk clerk said they usually have lots of thru-hikers.
We had dinner at Zoe's Double Hex Fine Country Cooking Restaurant, wonderful grilled fish.
Mark Noepel Shelter to North Adams, MA 2
9.6 miles
This was our earliest day starting at 6:30. Foxtrot got up at 3:30 and left so he could see the sunrise in Mt. Greylock.
We made it to Greylock ourselves mid-morning. The highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 ft! We've been in anticipation of this mountain for some time. The road that leads to the summit is still closed to traffic, the AT crossed the road several times as we went up. The climb is not very difficult. The only signs of life at the top were two men with a white truck, working on the stone tower, a tribute to the state’s war dead. In season, you can climb the 89 steps of the tower for awesome views, but not today. Unfortunately, Bascom Lodge is not opened for the season either. We always seem to appear on the scene before seasoning openings.
The descent into North Adams was second only to Pt. Clinton in steepness, it just wasn't as long. The lower we got, the warmer it was and the worse the black flies were. We donned our head nets and sprayed on the Deet, which was only effective for a little while. Long sleeves and pants were the only deterrent.
We came into town around 12:30. The trail comes out onto Phelps Avenue and crosses over Main Street. We turned right and went down a block to the community center where our vehicle was parked. Once again, it it was so good to get to our truck.
We immediately went to Olympia Family Restaurant for lunch, then drove to Manchester Center, VT, our next stopping place.
The Econolodge in Manchester Center is about 3 miles from the trailhead. It is an old hotel, but nice enough. The king bed was comfortable and the room was clean. Breakfast included waffles and oatmeal along with pastries, juice and coffee- a lot better than the last Econolodge we stayed in at Lee, MA. I think we might have been they only room they rented. Obviously a slow season right now, but the desk clerk said they usually have lots of thru-hikers.
We had dinner at Zoe's Double Hex Fine Country Cooking Restaurant, wonderful grilled fish.
Just hiked over Greylock this week. Was looking for more info and found your blog.
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