7/4 Over Greylock

16.5 hiked today, 1584.6 miles N, 589.4 miles left
Seth Warner Shelter

Today was the Forth of July but as a thru-hiker holidays and wekends do not exist. However we do notice the difference in days when we go to the post office or try to shop in town.
The day started with me trying out sleeping without a sleeping pad in the wooden bunk. I slept quite well so I think I have graduated to bad a** thru-hiker though I still intend on keeping my sleeping pad as it does keep me warmer.
I woke up early but got caught up in good conversation resulting in McGyver getting a good lead on me. The first thing I did was climb Mount Greylock which has a commanding view of the area sorrounding. It also has a great a stunning oberservation tower but unfortunatly it was closed as they were rebuilding the road that leads to it. Still I enjoyed the views greatly.
On the other side there was a steep downhill that dropped me off in between North Adams and Williamstown. I walked to Williamstown and got my resupply in the grocry store there. I wanted to get lunch too but being the 4th everything is closed so picked up some stuff from the deli instead. I made phone calls while I waited out the rain that had started just after I got to the store. It was a light misting and finally when I had no more time to spare I headed out into it. Shortly later it changed to 50 degree temps and down pour. I ended up getting soked on the way to the next shelter and as is the case on all rainy holiday nights the shelter was packed but luckely they had room for just one more so I am pretty comfy tonight.