Day 58: Spooky Toilets, and I Think I Have a Drinking Problem

Summary

June 22nd

Mt Washington Rd to Crystal Mtn Campsite

NOBO mile# 1572.9

Tolmann’s daily mileage 13.7

Tolmann’s total mileage 549.2
Had to use the spooky bathroom this morning (there are chainsaws on a piece of plywood over the tub, right next to the toilet); woke me pretty completely, so there was no sense going back to bed. Had breakfast, packed up, and was on trail by 6:30. 

I made some phenomenal time: I was in Dalton (9 1/2 miles) by 11:15. 

I’ve been finding myself kind of spacing out lately as I hike. The intention of really experiencing each moment has been undermined by the actual experience. Someone noted earlier that I have been talking less about the discomfort, and more about the outward experience. That’s not because the discomfort has gone away, but because I can’t focus on it without it overtaking the rest of the experience. I’m still making adjustments to pack and feet, hoping there is a recipe that will at least minimize the physical. In the meantime, the emotional part benefits from a certain amount of physical deafness. 

The trail was the normal green tunnel, with moderate ups and downs; maybe a little more intense than yesterday. The first notable landmark was Warner Hill, with a beautiful view north, including an amazing look at Mt. Greylock. Then it was Tully Mountain, and then Kay Wood Shelter (named after a local trail angel who decided to do and completed a thru-hike). The final climb before Dalton was Day Mountain. 

Coming into Dalton, I got to see my old friend, the Housatonic River again. 

I was determined to spend some time in Dalton to break up the day and give me a chance to hit the trail north of town refreshed. 

One thing I think I need to adjust is to prioritize food over drink. When I get the chance, I just want all the different drinks I’m craving, and I fill up on liquids. Today it was an ice coffee, a frozen mocha coffee drink, and a bottle of Dr. Pepper. I ordered a 12″ eggplant sub, but couldn’t quite finish it. I don’t have hiker hunger, I have hiker thirst. I crave ice cold liquid. Often carbonated. 

So I spent over an hour at Angelina’s Sub Shop, and it’s sister store, Juice and Java. Then it was a stop at Cumberland Farms for a few items I’ve gotten short on. 

I expected a long road walk out of town (the guide says it’s a mile), but it gets longer when you miss the turn. But the rest had made a big difference, so I made good time retracing my steps and getting on the straight and narrow. In town, the sun was intense, but once I was back in the woods, I felt better. It’s an odd thing walking down a residential street; it highlights the contrast of one’s choice to be out on the trail against “normal” life. 

I only had 4-ish miles left to get to camp, so knew I’d get there with time to spare. I stopped on the hill before camp to call home and confirm everything was ready for meeting Jon in the morning for our slack-packing adventure on Mt. Greylock. 

There are a pair of brothers here at camp doing a Dalton to summit of Greylock three day hike. I hope they find a way to settle down as hiker midnight approaches, but they are planning on having a fire so I have my doubts. 

I need to do just 5.1 miles to RT 8 in Cheshire before 9:30. Apparently there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts in a convenience store right down the street from where the trail crosses. So on trail again latest 6:30.