kevin hikes

Just passed into Vermont – the AT runs with the Long Trail for 100 miles on this area:

Very muddy here so the bog bridges come in handy

Lots of huge granite boulders

This one looked like a loaf of bread, sliced thickly

No need for the bad weather route today

Yesterday, I crossed the Hoosic River on this fun bridge

A few more: 

Black cherry trees were bombing me with these little green cherries. Notes the dark bak with “plates” that resemble burnt corn flakes 

New England is quite nice this time of year!

J

Just came down from Massachusetts’ tallest peak (elevation 3491)

Bascom Lodge (good burgers)

Panorama (VT and NH to the left, MA to the right):

Renovated tower on top

Crossing the Massachusetts turnpike a few days ago

Inching toward Maine:

Studying tree bark (spruce?)

Thankful that people preserve wild places:

All for now,

Junco

The beech tree is noted for its smooth bark, often carved into:

Sadly, the great majority of them in this part of the country have bark disease which renders them practically unrecognizable, and eventually kills them

It’s apparently been around for a long time, and started up north.

On a brighter note, the bark of the ironwood (also known as muscle wood or blue beech) is quite beautiful. It has a unique texture and feels like bulging muscles.

Also beautiful is the bark of the yellow birch

Pulling for the beech tree,

Junco

Quick entry as I try to get ahead a of an approaching storm.

Some shots from today and yesterday

Wood sorrel

Beaver work

And a few more from the day

Lots of signs of the work of beavers – active ponds, and some that have been abandoned and are converting to meadows.

LOTS of mosquitos!!

Hustling, 

Junco

Said goodbye to Marty and Pat today. 

They hiked some of the AT with me today and taught me a lot about local plants. Pat is going to help me with plant identification when I get stuck.
The red newt efts were out in force after the rain yesterday:

Can you see both of them in this shot:

Pat and Marty took me to a great blue heron rookery that was in a beaver pond. Ever since then, I’ve been more aware of beaver activity:

The ponds formed by the beaver dams were beautiful:

Also had a chance to meet my long time friend Bruce Finke – he drove out to Tyringham, MA to meet me on the trail. We worked together for many years in IHS

And there were many noteworthy sightings on today’s walk:

Indian cucumber:

Indian pipe:

A pink lady slipper after blooming:

Great fun !!!

J

Once again, I find myself in the enviable situation of being “rescued” after a five day hiking period. My friends Pat and Marty picked me up in Bearstown Park in Western MA:

I visited their beautiful home in Canaan, NY

The trail continues to be dry but rain is in the forecast today

We visited some beautiful places along the MA/NY border, including Kripalu (a spiritual retreat where we attended a yoga class)

Drove by Tanglewood:

Visited the Hudson River at the town of Hudson:

Hudson is an old whale processing center. There is a lighthouse in the center of the River (Hudson Athens lighthouse):

A few toads from the AT yesterday:

Hoping for a drenching rain tonight (I’ll be at Pat and Marty’s)

Junco

Yesterday was all about water management. Seems like all the “reliable” water sources were dry. Much of Massachusetts seems the same way. Many of the trail areas must usually be seem ply because there are wooden platforms or rails, but there is no water under them

I ran into two trail magic stations with cold water, so somebody knows what the hikers need – that was so kind!!

The Housatonic flows here in Massachusetts as well

Couldn’t quite remember what Shay’s rebellion was:

A tiny house manufacturer right off the AT in the Berkshire mountains

They have stone fences in Massachusetts, as well:

And the Bears here seem really docile:

A few more: 

Ready for a little rain,

J

Weather has been great, although it is a bit warm – 90 today!

Some steep climbs:

And some nice water at the low elevations:

And a few more highlights:

Every day is amazing!!!

J-co

Got a chance to hike with Dave and his daughter Sage in Northern CT today

We hiked to Bear Mtn – the highest point on the AT in CT

Saw 3 more bears early this am – first a cub, then the mom, then about 5 minutes later, a BIG one- maybe poppa.

See if you can see anything 

I seem to be a bear magnet!!

A few more from the last two days:

This overlook was called “Rand’s View”

I’ll me in Massachusetts in about 15 minutes  – how about that!!

Junco

Yesterday’s hike offered plenty of ups and downs with a fairly long stretch of flat in the middle – along the Housatonic River.

The scenery was beautiful:

Saw a few critters ( including another bear that walked right toward me as I quietly wrote this blog entry on the side of the trail) – not sure if you can see him in the photo below:

Outhouse spider

And a few other things:

Becoming more accustomed to bears, 

J