Columbus hasn't had good enough reception to call often, so he's been sending a lot of text messages. Here's the slightly edited transcript of my phone's message inbox:
Jun 26, 8:45pm. I'm at Stewart Hollow Brook. Doing 15 or 16 a day, trying to enjoy myself a bit. Morale is low. KBO.
Jun 27, 7:13am. A night's sleep helped a bit. I almost want to zero in my tent, but I'm sure I'll be happier if I don't.
Jun 27, 2:20pm. New plan: take 3 weeks getting to Hanover, spend a day or two there, come home for my birthday.
Jun 27, 7:40pm. Belter's Campsite here. Salisbury tomorrow. Probably staying at Riga tomorrow night.
Jun 28, 4:47pm. I'm at Riga Shelter. Did I mention that? I hear rain next two days. East Mountain Retreat Center Monday Night.
Jun 28, 5:29pm. I may not have that much laundry to do at Cindy's [in Hanover] if I incinerate my base layer and some of my socks. I found a tick on me. I set up my tent in the shelter [because mosquitos are everywhere but in my shelter.]
Jun 29, 3:42pm. I'm at Glen Brook Shelter in MA after a day of climbing.
Jun 29, 5:56pm. I'm not seeing much in Vermont that really interest me. I may pick up the pace there.
Jun 29, 7:46pm. A return before July 12 would probably involve poison ivy or something. Or my left foot getting worse; it's been worn raw on the little toe and heel. I expect to be home by a week after that.
Jun 30, 11:38am. Some really good ice cream and some really bad strawberries at US7.
Jun 30, 8:52pm. I'm fed and ready to sleep hard for a long hike tomorrow.
Jul 1, 6:43am. Ate the last of my pizza this morning; I'm packing up and should be off within half an hour, hopefully.
Jul 1, 4:59pm. I'm at the cabin. I got hailed on again. I hid under trees best I could when it was bigger than pea-sized.
Jul 1, 6:50pm. They're feeding us here, so I'm not leaving before breakfast. I think about Batesian mimicry a lot, mostly when I see something that might be poison ivy.
Jul 1, 8:25pm. Pretty tired after today. Right knee a bit sore, feet holding up. I'll be in Dalton Thursday.
Jul 2, 8:38am. Ate pancakes. 11 miles to the cookie lady, then about 6 or 7 to camp.
Jul 2, 9:03pm. Lost my bug net. Right boot lace broke. Saw a bear. Kay Wood Shelter here. I'm a bit tired, maybe in less good shape than a month ago.
Jul 3, 12:02pm. No cell service in Dalton either. Should be to Cheshire in a couple hours. Might get a ride back to Dalton tomorrow for a hiker party.
Jul 3, 5:37pm. I'm at the shelter on the south side of Greylock. Someone signed the register as "Wingfoot" two days ago. It's raining and there's no bear box.
Jul 3, 6:26pm. This guy from Dalton should pick us up from Williamstown at noon. I don't know where I'll be tomorrow night.
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