Salisbury, CT to Great Barrington, MA

4-27. Salisbury was a nice little village with all of the hiker's neccessities; post office, library, and well-stocked grocery store. I left there mid-afternoon and hiked to the Riga Shelter and spent the night. The shelter log dated 4-24 said that a bear woke up the residents at 2:15 in the morning. He was climbing the steps to the shelter when someone woke up and scared him away. I didn't sleep as well at Riga as I did the night before.

4.28. Left Riga and crossed the CT/MA state line at noon. Another state bites the dust! I hiked on until about 5:30 when I arrived at the Hemlocks shelter and I stopped for the night. Very nice shelter, with 2 double bunks and a loft that sleeps 4-5 more. And a picnic table. Nice to eat sitting at a table. It was a nice weather day for hiking; cool and overcast, but when the sun went down, it got very cold, very fast. I ate dinner and hopped into the sleeping bag. The hike today was the most beautiful stretch I've seen. I could see for 30-40 miles in both directions from Mt. Race. Spectacular views.

4.29. Left Hemlocks and remained on the trail until I came to a road into Great Barrington. I heard there was a hostel there with a shower and washer and dryer. It's been about two weeks since I bathed and cleaned clothes and I'm ready for some soap and hot water. I spotted an internet cafe as I entered town and that is where I'm sending this from. I discovered I walked the wrong direction for the hostel and I have to backtrack to go there. There is an outfitter on the way, and I'll stop there for better directions.