Somewhere in northern PA we got tired of the forest. It got dark, dense and unimaginative. But I'm happy to say that the New England states have revived the joy of walking in the woods. In the south we had mixed forests and good smells of flowering trees and honeysuckle that brought back good Indiana childhood memories for me. Back now in the conifers it smells like Christmas and the forest is once again varied. We also are seeing more water in the form of lakes as well as puddles from rain. Upper Goose Pond in MA gave us the opportunity for a swim at the end of the day. Whenever possible it's also good to cool off the feet in a good stream as Patriot  is enjoying here.

Mt Greylock is the highest spot in MA and home to Bascom Lodge and this monument. It was originally built as a lighthouse and dedicated to aviators from the World Wars.

The Long Trail was the first trail constructed and goes through Vermont. The AT coincides with the Long Trail for many miles and has been a nice trail so far. An energetic group of young people in the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps was working on the trail up Stratton Mt.

Stratton was fogged in so pictures there, but the rest of the day was a good walk with little rain. Trail conditions vary from great to muddy with lots of rock hopping to avoid wet & muddy feet, usually successful. And then there is the occasional road walk.

Porcupines are having a fine feast on some of the boardwalks..

And the lakes continue to be scenic and, I'm happy to say, not buggy!

Today we're having a nice nero day in Manchester Center, VT at possibly the best hostel yet. In addition to the normal shower and laundry pleasures, each guest is offered a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. I just finished my vanilla heath bar crunch. Ahhh... On to Killington...