MSL notes

About the last trip, it was COLD! I had a 3/4 sleeping pad, but my feet were chilly. Plus, I had no pillow and was very uncomfortable. Also, from now on, I need to bring 3 T-shirts: one for hiking in, one to sleep in & hike out in, and one in the car for the trip home. I took my first real outdoors poop. Need to remember that there's no toilet seat! I didn't squat all the way, leaned against a rock, and pissed on my pants if you can believe that.

Food was okay. Not too hungry at night, but at lunch I was starved. I have Clif bars and an MRE. Bring more water, too.

MSL again

Up again w/ Eric. Due to late start, staying @ Middle Settlement lean-to instead of Middle Branch. Plus, unsure of existence of Middle Branch lean-to since it's on the map, but not in the book. All day tomorrow so will try to locate it. Eric's right shoulder hurts. My knee is so-so. Feet are great - love these sock liners.

MSL again

Hiked Middle Settlement Lake Loop w/ Eric. 5 hours not going to Grass Pond and Middle Branch Lake. Accidentally went counter-clockwise again!!! Junction is 4 minutes from Copper Lake Road, or 200 paces from stream. Tired.

Berlin Boulder in Berlin, Massachusetts

Berlin Boulder, Berlin Massachusetts.

• From Fort Devens, take Route 2 West
• Then 70 South
• Then 62 South
• Turn Left onto West Street just before train crossing (5-way intersection)
• Turn Right onto Randall (just before Train Stop restaurant)
• Turn Left onto Lancaster

Boulder is on the left side of the road just past "Northbrook Greenhouses" which is on Right. About 1/2 hour - 45 minute drive.

I set up an anchor for practice. I climbed all East & North face - hardest was 5.7. Left at 11:05am.

*** First Kayaking Trip ***

I went kayaking down the West Canada River at 6pm. It took almost 2 hours and it was a blast. I tipped over once and got right back up & in. I was in a sit-on-top. I must go again! When I dumped I didn't panic at all and the scenery was beautiful.

*** First Backpacking Event 3 of 3***

Woke up around 7:30am. Little or no sleep. Didn't eat too much. Tough hike on the way back - lots of hills. I'm home now. Showered. Fed. Nap time. Next time, less food, less clothing, more water. Long pants & shirt and face bug screen like Kurts. The bugs were the worst part of the trip.

*** First Backpack Event 2 of 3 ***

We went counterclockwise around the lake somehow. We found the outlook, but no lean-to. Pitched camp and filtered water for Kurt & I but Eric was unsure of the safety. Now it's starting to rain. Bugs are terrible so just heading back tomorrow rather than finishing the entire hike.

*** First Backpack Event 1 of 3 ***

Saturday

We went the wrong way - towards Copper Lake. Backtracked to find trail & took 10 minute break. I've got blisters on both heels.

*** First Travel Journal Entry ***

Memorial Day

For my first hike it seems Eric & Kurt will be along. The Middle Settlement lake Loop is 14.5 miles long. It starts about 6.5 miles SW of Old Forge. I'm quite looking forward to it. I've invested a lot of time & money into this and I'm skeptical of Eric & Kurt being able to get along the whole time. I just hope to get out and really be on vacation.