The weather pattern has definitely changed. It was to be expected. It rained off and on last night. No torrential downpour like the night before, but rolling thunder and damp surroundings. Platforms are nice as it keeps the bottom of your tent off all the mud and muck. But you need to be careful standing on them. They are quite slippery when wet!

I packed up all my possessions inside the tent, had my coffee and reluctantly, packaged up my wet tent last. Once again, I was the first to leave the Shelter, but the rest of the gang were right behind me. The morning stroll was wet, really wet. The trail is a river of rain water with rocks, and sometimes wet boards to walk atop.

There was a climb to reach Mount Greylock, the tallest peak in Massachusetts at 3491’. I remember looking at it last week from atop Mt. Race with Roddie. He pointed it out to me and said that’s where I would be headed. It was a grey day, lots of fog and mist. Apropos for the name of the mountain, Greylock.

The summit of Mount Greylock features the only subalpine environment in Massachusetts. Because of the high elevation and the westerly winds, there is a wide temperature range from winter to summer and from day to night. This summit is the centerpiece of the Mount Greylock State Reservation. Designated in 1898, Mount Greylock became the first state reservation in Massachusetts’ state forests and park system. Established on less than 400 acres, the Reservation has grown to nearly 12,000 acres.

In 1931 construction began on a 93’ Memorial to honor Massachusetts men and women who had died during the World War. The tower’s beacon, possibly the most powerful light in Massachusetts, was intended to shine each night, perpetually, to honor the memory of fallen heroes and to guide aviators in their lone night-time journeys over the treacherous mountain range. Except for a few weeks in spring and fall, when the light is dimmed to avoid confusing migrating birds, the beacon continues to shine each night as a memorial to casualties of all wars.

Being there was no view to see as the fog was quite dense, I opted to head to the Bascom Lodge to eat a proper breakfast. I am down to tiny morsels of food in my sack and only had dried cereal and coffee this morning. I need something warm to get me off this mountain. Lucky for me the lodge was open and I found a way in. They have a breakfast special, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Yogurt with Fresh Fruit, Coffee and homemade Blueberry Muffins. Yes, I’ll take it all. And I did. My appetite ceases to amaze me!

After ravishing all that incredible food, I hightailed it down the slippery slope to Williamstown. The route descended nearly 3300’ over five miles. The down part is hard but the extended milage made it much more reasonable. There were a few slippery spots as my shoes have lost much of their tread, which accounted for my butt hitting the ground a couple of times. Lucky I still have bottom cushion and just got a bit muddy. As I made it to somewhat level ground, the rain started falling. This is a matter of fact. We are getting a lot of rain these past days. Luckily, the road was in sight. A nice couple was driving by, saw this drowned rat and offered me a ride. Without hesitation, umbrella and stinky me, jumped in their car within a few seconds. They drove me the bonus 3 miles to the Willows Motel.

As I checked in and heard the weather report of rain for the remainder of the week, I made the conscious decision to stay put and take a Zero. I haven’t had a Zero since I landed in Urgent Care some 30 days ago. I think I’m ready. Lucky for me, Paul the Owner had a room available and yes, I could stay two nights. Hallelujah I am taking a full day off. And honestly, Norman is relieved. This rain has been hard on him too.

Bear, The Germans – Stealth and Winter Boots with the Sisters, Sparks and Church Mouse (she rarely speaks) along with a couple of hikers I haven’t met, are all basking in the sun rays when they infrequently appear. My gear is hanging out, my shoes are being dried, my clothes washed by Paul and now it’s time to prop my feet up and relax. I just might take a nap.

Bear and I head next door to the Pizza/Greek Restaurant. Interesting combination but the place is packed for a Monday night. I decide to go Greek and get Lemon Rice Soup, Gyro with Beef & Lamb and a Greek Salad. It was incredibly delicious. The kids headed for Oriental Cuisine and booked an Uber. We are all back to our respective rooms before 8pm. Life of a hiker is early up and early to bed. I watch a little Ninja Warrior, training films for the next few weeks and promptly fall asleep before 9pm.