What a stupendous night of sleep. I woke up and was ready to hit the trail running. Honestly I’d like to get some big miles in the next couple of days so I can be in Great Barrington for my resupply by Thursday. My food bag is fairly low and I’m hungry all the time.

The first few miles were quick and before long I made it to Falls Village. It’s a quaint town with great cafes. The Village Cafe was open for business and every hiker on trail was there. I ran into Dice, Uncle Sam & Legs, and my favorite couple of the trail, Not A Chance and Out & Back. We all had the same idea, fill our belly’s with good nourishment.

After eating my Egg Sandwich, I headed out with much to do. I wanted to get a few extra miles in. Falls Village evidently gets its name due to the beautiful waterfalls. Once again, I am clueless as as to what is up and coming, so I was blown away by the cascading water next to the trail. I dropped my pack and hiked down to the bottom of the falls. It’s is absolutely breathtaking. I took some photos and headed back up to the trail where my pack and Norman were waiting.

There was a hefty climb but in Connecticut fashion, it was well thought out. The trail had switchbacks and steep but not too steep. I met a new hiker who was taking a break at the top. His name is Base Clarinet Man or BCM. He’s a section hiker who comes out every year and hikes for 2-3 weeks. His wife is supporting him and he walks about 6-10 miles a day. We had great conversation and he’s a Southern Baptist. As we parted ways, he said, “May the Lord bless you on your hike and May He bless you in your life.” What a profound message and blessing. Thank you Brother BCM.

Just before tackling my final climb of the day, I sat and had lunch with Chance and Out & Back. We talked about careers and life outside the trail. They both are in their 30’s and honestly work so they can support their backpacking adventures. No commitments or obligations, no mortgages or car payments, just living for the next trail. Chance has hiked the PCT like five times! She works in Death Valley and is an incredible person. She only has a few more days on the trail before she goes back to work and Out & Back will finish the AT on his own. Such a life these two live.

Once I finished my tuna, crackers and cheese, I went back to work, climbing the next mountain. Bear Mountain. I think every state has a Bear Mountain. There must be parameters to name it such because they are always a good butt kicking kind of climb. This one was no different.

The first obstacle was getting over Lions Head. It’s a fairly steep rock face that affords fantastic views southeast into the town of Salisbury, with Wetauwanchu Mountain behind it. This was the toughest climb I’ve had since entering Connecticut. Once atop, the trail flattened out for a bit.

The final push was getting over Bear Mountain. It wasn’t too terribly difficult until I was at the base of the rock pike. Hmm, I have to admit that I considered bypassing the final hurdle being it really isn’t part of the official trail. But then I’d miss out on the 360 degree view from the top.

Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut with a rocky summit. It’s actually a giant cairn (described as a tower, but it’s really just a pile of rocks with a flat top). The views span the valley of Twin Lakes to the east, to the Taconic Range to the north, with a particularly good view of the south slopes of Mounts Race and Everett, the local Ski Area. It was well worth the extra effort.

My final exercise for the day was getting off Bear Mountain before the impending weather came in. This was the steepest downhill in this fine state. I ever-so-carefully hiked down, and finally made it to camp after 6pm. It was an exhausting day but a worthwhile day of hiking. The rain held out while I pitched my tent and made Vegetable Curry & Rice. As soon as I was ready to crawl into my little safe place for the night, the rain arrived. Thank you Lord for waiting. That was your most perfect timing.