Back to work on that last 7+ miles of Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts.
Back to the earliest portion of my life today, in the villages of Greylock and Blackington, North Adams.
Parked on Pattison Road (elevation ~990'), just north of the Mt Williams Reservoir, which would be in the middle of my run, more or less.
Initially I would head south, climbing up to the intersection of the Mount Prospect Trail (elevation ~2400') and then down to Wilbur's Clearing. This was a decent start to the day, with a climb in the vicinity of 1400'. Then I had to travel back down to my parking spot, completing that section right at 5-miles total.
The drop from Pattison Road into the town's of Greylock and Blackington (elevation 660') was more than I anticipated. I knew I'd have to remember this and save some in the tank for the finish climb back out from the Hoosic River.
Back in the woods off Massachusetts Avenue (elevation 660'), I climbed through Clarksburg State Forest. Slow going, but very beautiful along Sherman Brook. I was surprised how much water was flowing.
Finally got to the junction of Pine Cobble Trail (elevation 1980'), and despite only 1.3-miles to the Vermont Line, I decided to turn it around here. Couple of things assisted my decision:
- It was getting hot.
- I was extremely low on fluids.
- I hadn't eaten breakfast before leaving Connecticut.
- I had two long climbs in that totaled something close to 2700'.
- The footing back down this mountain was rugged, and my legs were getting tired.
- The junction at Pine Cobble Trail offers a nice route back in from Williamstown to wrap this all up next visit.
- I still was dreading the climb from the Hoosic River crossing back up to Mt Williams Reservoir.
I made it back down without taking a fall, which is always a bonus. The road portion from Mass Ave to the end of Phelps Road was directly in the sun and very hot. The end climb to the parking at the reservoir was as hard as I anticipated.
Finished with 12.5-miles, with the opening 5 and a good 7.5-miles for the second-half.
Once back home, I took Lily for a 1-mile walk late at night.
