Today marks Day 105 of the hike, and the journey continues through the Great Barrington HERO. The morning began with an early start, aiming to be on the trail by 6 am. Despite a decent night's sleep, the group realized they needed more rest, but the adventure called. The first part of the hike was a quick and easy 3.5-mile trek to a road crossing, offering a brief respite from the bugs that had been persistent throughout the night. The trail, a mix of pine trees and open fields, provided a welcome change of scenery.
As the group reached the road, they were greeted by a trail magic cooler, offering canned coffee drinks, which were quickly devoured. With a ride into Great Barrington secured, they headed to the grocery store for resupply. A hearty breakfast at the Great Barrington Bagel Company followed, providing the energy needed for the day ahead. The group then hit the trail again, determined to make the most of the day's hiking.
The trail took them along the Housatonic River for a mile before a steep climb began. The high humidity and the initial ascent proved challenging, with sweat quickly soaking their clothes. A close call with a snake added an element of surprise, but the group continued undeterred. Pokey, a fellow hiker, offered a much-needed Gatorade and snack, providing a boost of energy and valuable information about the trail ahead.
The climb continued, with the group battling the humidity and a cloud of gnats that persisted throughout the day. The gnats became a nuisance, flying into their eyes, noses, and ears, but the group persevered. Ice Gulch, a unique geological feature, offered a brief respite, and the trail wound down towards a small beaver pond, showcasing the industrious nature of these creatures.
The second large climb of the day tested the group's endurance, with sweat and bugs becoming constant companions. A surprise encounter with a black bear added an element of excitement, and the group continued their descent, filling up water sources for the final stretch. The trail then led them through a pine forest, offering a brief respite from the bugs before a final ascent up Tyringham Cobble.
The day's hike concluded with a descent towards the Shaker Campsite, where the group bid farewell to Shooter and Birdie, who were pushing on. The final miles were navigated with a mix of bog boards and sprinkles, leading to a challenging end to the day. Despite the challenges, the group's determination and resilience shone through, making the most of the HERO experience.
