Training Log: Fanatic

Colette and I drove to the Spectrum office on Silver Street in Lee, just off of Route 20. From there we headed west to Forest Street which leads uphill to Goose Pond. At that point the road turns to dirt and continues for another 2.5 miles. We turned around after five miles and headed back to the car.

Windy and cold at times during the hike, unless the wind was at our back and the sun was shining on us.

This is the longest walk since my spine surgery, which is good, but the near blisters on the soles of my feet are a sign that further progress needs to come.

Walk with Colette out to the Hell's Angels and back.

Drove to Woods Pond and walked out-and-back on Woodland Road. There was one set of tire tracks which were great to walk in.

Thought I'd give Mt. Greylock another shot, even if it meant that I'd have to snowshoe. What I didn't know before going was how much snow the mountain had received on Tuesday, nor did I know if there would be a crust or not.

Well the snowfall it got was probably around 5" and that snow was indeed crusty, so each step meant breaking through and dropping down about 3" or so. All in all, it was exhausting work since the trail hadn't been packed down by snowshoers and skiers.

I hoped to make it to the Bellows Pipe Leanto, but to no available. I was breathing so hard on the steeper sections that I had to stop and rest, something I rarely do, as I can normally just adjust the pace to the slope.

So I bailed and headed home. Taught me that my conditioning has a long way to go, I will admit.

Walk with Colette from the condo--over to Golden Hill Road and down into Lenoxdale, them a left up Williow Hill Road followed by a right onto Woodland Road and back to the condo.

Roads were wet, but almost completely clear of snow and ice.

Out toward Woods Pond and back, plus a short loop on the condo grounds. There was about 2-4" of snow on the roads, which was compressed from traffic, so while slow going, it wasn't onerous.

Parked at Woods Pond and headed north on Woodland Road and then right up Schermerhorn Road. Continued uphil to Anderson Vista, which offers a great view of Mt. Greylock, plus a bit further before turning around and retracing to the car.

Very mixed footing today, from notihing but ice, to ice and snow, and even some bare ground or bare pavement from time to time. Definitely slow going.

Saw one other person who was coming down Schermerhorn Road as I headed up. His footprints revealed that he was slipping in the icy spots.