Although there is AT parking on Route 20, I had to hike a short access trail to get to the AT this morning.
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Trail magic at the start of this section of trail
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I had a 1.5 mile climb up to Becket Mountain followed by a smaller, more gradual climb up to Walling Mountain. The trail then drops down and goes around Finerty Pond.
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I met a sobo hiker named Jess. She is hiking with her dog Duke. Madison and Duke really hit it off and were busy playing, so I couldn't get a picture of Duke.
Jess had trouble deciding between a few different trail names. She almost went with 'The Duke and the Dutchess' to go along with her dog's name. Then she almost went with 'Beauty and the Beast'. That way on rough days she said Duke could be the Beauty and she would be the Beast. She finally decided on 'The Lady and the Tramp'. I loved the named. It really fit the two of them. She says the name has it's drawbacks though. After she introduces herself, people call her dog Tramp, but his real name is Duke so he doesn't respond. People also try to get her attention by yelling 'Hey, Lady' which could be anyone.
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October Mountain Lean-to
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Sign at trailhead while crossing Pittsfield Road
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I had a few smooth sections of trail today.
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I met a couple thru hikers from Maine. A bunch of us congregated around this trail magic.
It was a very hot day and this trail magic was our oasis in the desert. I usually save trail magic for thru hikers, but it was so hot I enjoyed a cold tropical juice that I found. There were two large chests filled with cold drinks and two other containers filled with goodies. A trash bag was tied to a tree for the waste. Whoever this trail angel was, he/she thought of everything. Thanks!
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Next I had a small climb up to the top of Warner Hill . . .
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. . . where I got my only view of the day.
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Walking through a sea of ferns.
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Maddie and I met Lynn coming in to us. While Lynn and I talked, Maddie decided to take a break.
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The heat was starting to get to her. Today's section was dry with few creeks where she could cool off. We got back to the car, turned on the AC, and a few minutes later she was feeling fine.
