After weeks of almost unbearable high temperatures up in the high 80s F (low 30s C) and humidity you could cut with a knife, the temperature finally dropped to a more pleasant 65F (18C) combined with a day off work, it gave me the chance to get out in the hills again. Having quickly looked at the map and following a guide on local walks from the Sunday paper, I decided to head off to Mount Greylock. At 3,491 feet (1064m), Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts, rising above the surrounding Berkshire landscape giving dramatic views of the country 60-90 miles distant. Heading down Interstate I90 and on to the Mass Pike, I soon arrived at Lee and made my way through Pittsfield and Lanesborough to arrive at the Greylock Visitor Centre. The information board told me that the summit was some 8 miles (12km) away along well-made and defined trails. Following the markers I set off along the trail, which wandered its way though woodland, which at times became very dense.
Even with the lower temperature the trees kept the humidity on the high side and despite the gentle rise of the trail it soon became hard work, each yard feeling like two. After some 3 hours of walking I came across a small lake with a disused hut on its banks, after making sure that the swarms of no sees and mosquitoes were not there, I decided it was an ideal spot for lunch. Feeling refreshed I set off on the last leg of the climb, the tress giving way to more open areas until you reach the summit which is devoid of all trees.
From the Visitors Centre, a paved road snakes it’s way up to the summit for those who don’t feel that exercise is something they should be doing. The large parking lot at the summit bears witness to that and was full of SUV’s, many bearing bumper stickers announcing to the world that they had undertaken such treks as conquering Mount Washington in New Hampshire (which also has a road all the way to the top) and now they could add the ‘I made the Summit of Mount Greylock’ (on sale in the shop for $1.50) to it. A short walk from the parking area is Bascom Lodge with its café and bunkhouse.
 |
| Near the summit |
 |
| Bascom Lodge |
Bascom Lodge was built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps to provide accommodations for hikers, vacationers, and nature enthusiasts. The bunkhouse is one of many found along the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, which runs between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine, a length of approximately 2,181 miles (3510 km). A board inside the lodge proudly told me that I was 590 miles (950km) from the end in Maine and 1,550 miles (2500km) from the start in Georgia. Refreshed by a cold drink, I wandered over to the monument placed on the summit.
The Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower was built in 1932 as a tribute to courage, endurance, loyalty and self-sacrifice, shown, by the state’s men and women in uniform. To amuse those whose day trip involves the total effort of walking round the summit path before having a sandwich and coffee then heading home having seen the wonder of the mountain called Greylock, there are several engraved stones beside the path, dedicated to Henry David Thoreau; (July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862) an American author, poet, and abolitionist.
The walk back down seemed harder than the climb up, the rocks which acted as well placed steps on the climb up now became mini cliffs ready to trap the unwary walker in twisting an ankle or two. Back at the Visitor Centre I removed my boots and as I got back in my car, looked up at the summit and took comfort in the fact that I had conquered on foot a mighty 8 miles of the AT… perhaps next time I can find another walk that will add a few more miles and reduce the remaining 2,173 miles I still need to do to complete the AT !
No comments:
Post a Comment