As the only guests at Bascom lodge, we received a gourmet dinner and breakfast and were ready to pick up the trail again.

We took a few pictures at the overlook as we passed the monument

50 more yards and reality set in: a steep rocky downhill path followed by a similar uphill hike to the halfway spot, Mt. Williams

It was all downhill from there (in several ways) to our pickup point in North Adams. The trail put our legs and stamina to the test. Once we arrived at a pickup point, we were taken to Williamstown where we could relax at last, visit the world class Clark Institute of Art, and even went to the movies to see “Aretha”.

The AT served as a great tuneup hike for the Camino with several lessons learned:

1: walking sticks are a must on uneven terrain or when you are tired.

2. We discovered our limits and comfort zone that will help us prevent injury.

3. Don’t overestimate the distance you can cover in a day as terrain and weather can definitely slow you down. Once your on the trail you have no option but to complete the hike.

4. Dan and Devanie Fergus are great travel companions whose friendship we cherish.

With these lessons under our belt, we should be ready for the start of our Camino journey that begins in just over two weeks.