North Adams (MA 2) to Congdon Shelter

Day 14

Sunday, May 14, 2017
Mother's Day
MA 2 to Congdon Shelter
14.1 miles

Before meeting our shuttle driver, Vic, at the parking area on VT 11 & 30, we stopped at Bob’s Diner, just up the road from our hotel, for a breakfast sandwich.  We had found out that everything at Bob’s is big—and we weren’t disappointed again this morning.  A big breakfast sandwich with two eggs and sausage on a bagel, with home fries and coffee.

We left our vehicle at VT 11 & 30 parking area and Vic took us down to North Adams to hike north to the vehicle. 

We are starting out with a heavy pack on this leg of the  trip, our heaviest yet due to us carrying food for 4 ½ days out.  A heavy pack  makes for a slower pace.  In spite of that, we hiked over 14 miles a day for the first two days.

It was a pretty good day today. Started out with a small section similar to Albert Mountain - extreme but short-lived. After that the day was relatively moderate. We made better time than we expected.
After 4 miles, we crossed the Massachusetts/Vermont State line.  Yahoo!  Entering our third and last state!  We were warned in the hikers’ guide that May is the muddy season in Vermont and we found out it is really true!  However,  I remember remarking in Massachusetts that if Vermont is muddier that this, I don’t think I want to go to Vermont.  Water, mud, mosquitoes and black flies abound in both states! Vermont itself is longer than Connecticut and Massachusetts together so we  have not even gone half way in our hike yet, but it is nice to be in the  third state.

Early in the day a thru-hiker named Four Seasons came up behind me quietly while we were slogging through the mud. I began to hear mud-sucking sounds that I didn't think were mine. I turned around and was eye to eye with him. I jumped sky high.

The trail is extremely wet and muddy. We finally gave up trying to keep our feet dry and just walked through it. The mud was very sticky it would almost suck your boots off your feet. I've lost two sets of trekking pole tips already.

We walked along a raging white-water creek for awhile. I can't even fathom trying to cross one like that.

We reached Congdon Shelter at 5:30--a little later than expected since we reached the half-way point in 4 hours. My feet didn't hurt much today, so we did well.

Four Seasons was at Congdon Shelter when we got there.  Another hiker named Pastor John came in right before dark. He seemed to be exhausted. He had intended to make camp earlier but couldn't find a suitable place due to all the rain and mud. He said last time he was here he crossed the creek to camp. We were in the same predicament, therefore we came on to the  shelter too.