Mountain Quest: Mt. Grace

Today I climbed Mount Grace, the 3rd tallest peak in Massachusetts. What a great sunny day.

It was very humid, the mosquitoes were out in full force, and I am extremely pleased with myself for thinking to bring both bottles of water instead of the customary one. After the initial 'around the base' trek (some of it actually going downhill) I passed in order: ancient rusty ski lift equipment, an old engine, and a small camp shed with picnic tables and a giant spiderweb (that unfortunately my camera couldn't capture decently). There were a few times below the summit where I was SO worn out, sopping wet with sweat, and fatigued from the muddy slog as the bugs swarmed from all sides, that I thought about turning around.

When after 80 minutes (give or take) I finally reached the summit, I took off my backpack, grabbed my camera and an apple, and climbed 4 flights of the fire tower before a fear of heights (and the hornets!) made me walk back down. But after eating and resting, I knew I couldn't go home without making another attempt. So I walked back up slowly and safely, and made it up all nine flights to just under the locked tower. The view was magnificent. Broad vistas in all directions that I photographed from a sitting position. After a few minutes of taking in the sights (and hurriedly carving a 'Kz' into the top landing), the hornets became too much to ignore, and I proudly marched the 68 feet (vertical) back down to trusty terra firma, quite satisfied with the way I conquered my fear. I know I would have kicked myself forever had I gone home without succeeding in the attempt.

It was way too buggy to read, so I headed back down the trail (70 minutes or so back). I listened to Mojave 3, Nick Drake and Ivy on my iPod, all fitting bands to accompany me on my descent for the laid back mood in which I inhabited. My water ran out halfway down, and there were a couple of places (damn you, humidity!!) I was dying, but I made it back to my car, sweat-drenched and happy. Someday I will make the hike again, but I am going to ensure beforehand that it is going to be a crisp fall day, and not another devilishly humid one...