7/14-7/22 Day 107-114
Mount Greylock-Winnturri Shelter
Total miles: 135
I've had some issues with my phone and since it's been my turn to post, they didn't get done in a timely manner. Since the last post we have completed Massachusetts, and the majority of Vermont. The day we went down Greylock started awesome. The air was thick with humidity but none the less nice weather. The next town we came to was North Adams, MA, it was also the last. One enterprising town alderman trying to attract the revenue potentials of hikers had provided bicycles for hikers to ride and spend money at local businesses. It totally worked. I road a bike down to Price Chopper and bought some food and chocolate milk. Chocolate milk has become our drink of choice. It is loaded with calories and seems to have a rejuvenating quality about it. We hiked out, and soon we're caught by some showers. The showers quickly turned to storms and the trail to mud. Thus, Vermont greeted us in proper fashion and owned its nickname "Vermud." It was given that nickname because of the notoriously muddy trails. After another 14-miles of sloshing around in the swamp trail, we settled in at a shelter. It was there that we met our soon to be friend, Acorn, and we learned about the importance of selecting a tent site that drains well. It rained all night and when we woke it was up to a 3-inch deep puddle. We gathered our stuff and headed for town.
Our first impression of Vermont wasn't flattering, but both of us were willing to give her a second chance. As we hiked out the next day, the sky cleared the birds chirped and the trail seemed to improve drastically. It would remain this way for the duration of our time in VT, thus quickly making it our favorite state.
About half-way through the state we stayed at a hostel called the Yellow Deli. It's run by a group called the Twelve Tribes. I would best describe them as hippies that found Jesus. Their community was very inviting. All the men had beards, and the whole atmosphere was extremely joyful. If they had one purpose it would be to recreate the experience of the early church in the book of Acts. They believe in living a common life together and sharing all things, while maintaining that sharing the love of Jesus is the most important aspect of life. While I was not able to delve into all of their doctrine, from the outside looking in it seemed relatively sound though very different from how I walk my Christian walk. We left there happy that we had stayed.
All in all, it's been a pretty good time. Thankfully, I was able to get my phone situation resolved and the coming post should be done in a more timely manner. I hope everyone who reads this enjoys it. We are having a great time. Some times are hard and some are easy, but I know this experience is quickly becoming a building block for the rest of our lives.
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