Hiking!

Today I decided to explore some of the hiking trails on campus. We are actually right near Mt. Everett which I think is the second highest point in Massachusetts. Unfortunately I did not bring any bug spray and as a result got absolutely mauled by all sorts of bugs. Needless to say, I won't be heading out again without some. But bugs weren't the only creature I encountered. Somewhere near the top of this hike (and it was almost straight up and dense forest the whole way; quite a contrast from the Mohonk/Minnewaska carriageways...) I heard this heavy breathing and a sort of low grumbling. As I haven't heard anything make a sound like that, I think it was safe to say that I was in the presence of a black bear. I didn't stick around long enough to see him and proceeded to book it down the mountain singing as loud as I could to make sure he knew I was around. So I guess my first Berkshire hiking experience left some things to be desired, but I'm still going to explore some other trails. Hopefully there will be fewer bugs and bears around next time! The picture above is of some funky mushrooms I saw on the way down. I'm wishing I had a bicycle here because the nearest town is a couple of miles away. It would be nice to have the freedom to get away if I wanted. I guess I'll have to rely on my fellow campers for trips away from campus. The weekend looks to be pretty stacked as I'm hoping to go to Tanglewood on Friday night, our concert is Saturday and then on Sunday I'm conducting a group of choristers at a church close by in Connecticut. I guess they keep us busy around here...