We managed to get lots done while home. Yard work, house work and even got down to Rochester, NY to see one of our grandsons go from Kindergarten to First Grade. The weather was beautiful and we hated to see all those great days go without walking. We needed the break and to recharge our batteries. All our gear that had problems has been corrected. Primis sent me a new pot as the coating inside was coming off. We have a new water purification pump and I replaced my heavy, bulky fleece shirt with a down filled shirt. 1/3d the [View Full Entry]

---

---

The vehicles pulled out of the drive at 8AM. After a couple stops in Watertown we made the interstate by 9. We went to Albany then north on I87 to Glensfalls and angled into Vermont. We picked up our last resupply box our daughter had mailed to Killington, VT by 3PM. We decided to drive as far as we could before dark and made it to Farmington, ME. We have rigged our SUV as a camper so we can sleep in it and not pay for a room every night we are not on the trail. Driving was done by [View Full Entry]

---

---

The rain stopped just before dawn. We were concerned about our ability to cross the stream between us and the trail. All the rain in the past few days has caused all the water levels to rise. Looks like we will have the morning to get out before the rain starts again. The plan is to walk out to the next road and get picked up about 3:30 and get taken to Manchester Center where we will get picked up by CC's brother Steve. No one is in a hurry to get out of the shelter. No need to hurry [View Full Entry]

---

---

We made the right choice of staying here last night. I found that flat spot for CC to be in the tent safe from all the creatures that roam the night. I had a nice spot in the shelter which was mice free all night long. Best is the thing was water tight. Rain started up about 3AM along with wind. I thought CC might retreat into the shelter, but she toughed it out all night in the tent. She was a bit damp when she got up and had to contort a bit to get comfortable, but she survived. [View Full Entry]

---

---

A quiet night had by all. A light breeze fluttered the fly off and on all night. Birds gave us a wakeup call about 5:30. Packing and eating went smooth and we rolled out onto the trail at 7:30. Par for the course there was an 800' climb first thing. We are still walking in the thick black mud called the AT here. Seems the trail has become just another stream running down the mountains and mud bogs on the flats. We are seeing moose scat along the trail now and search the ponds and wet areas as we move [View Full Entry]

---

---

Another night of restful sleep under a roof. Up by 6:30 making breakfast and packing the packs again. Rob loaded us into the van at 8:30 and off we went back to Mt Graylock. Walking the 17 miles yesterday was a great idea. A day off and still made good miles. The drive up the mountain went well. One of the new guys was slack packing back to town the 17 miles rode with us. 10AM we were shouldering our evil Siamese twins back onto our backs. They were upset we had left them home the day before and had [View Full Entry]

---

---

What a perfect night to be sleeping indoors. Not long after arriving at the cabin and being welcomed by the caretaker Nancy the rain started. It continued all night long unabated with high winds. I'm not sure how much rain fell but the trail returned to being the Appalachian Stream for most of the day. There were pancakes, maple syrup and hot coffee for breakfast as promised! Each hiker had five with some fresh strawberries, in CC's words "just enough to warm up your stomach and make you mad!" She said she could have eaten six or seven more. The [View Full Entry]

---

---

A long, quiet restful night. Sun pouring into the front of the shelter woke us around 6AM. Oatmeal and coffee then pack up. One of the shelter caretakers had walked up to bring toilet paper to the privy, nice not to have to use your own. We headed for town shortly after he arrived. Walking down the trail some 30 minutes later I spotted a couple of mink romping across the forest floor headed our way. They saw me not long after and shot up a tree. I called them to CC's attention and she suggested I try and video [View Full Entry]

---

---

A well deserved day off. Only three miles yesterday into town. We got most things done yesterday. CC had her hair done, I got a haircut, laundry and showers made everything smell good. Rob who owns the house we are staying is a great host. He took us out for a fine supper last night and took us around town today to get things done. Most of the day we lounged around resting. Tonight Rob made all of us here (5 hikers) a wonderful meal. Trail Angel's like Rob have great rewards waiting for them. Tonight there is a thunder [View Full Entry]

---

---

This morning we are going to "Slack Pack." Rob is taking us to the top of Mt Graylock to drop us off. We will walk back to his house with only daypacks. We carry our lunch, water and our rain jackets. It is a different thing for us walking without our big packs. It is easier on our bodies and we can move quicker. The day was overcast as we got out of the van. After a stop at the restroom we headed down the mountain. The forest here looks like Maine or Alaska, short pines and lots of water. [View Full Entry]

---

---