August 5, 2021
In Great Barrington
Well, we remembered why we booked ourselves for two nights in Great Barrington; but we don’t care to divulge our reasons just yet. Perhaps tomorrow. Anyway, we’re here for two days now; and after yesterday’s experience cycling here neither of us is too jazzed about taking a discretionary bike ride on these shoulderless, narrow roads. We decide that the town is best seen on foot.
We’re staying at Days Inn which claims to offer breakfast, so we walk down to check it out. There’s hardly anything there but yogurt and coffee, but Rachael finds it to be enough to supplement the stash she’s always carrying along anyway. It doesn’t meet my criteria though; and since alternatives are available I get my first workout of the day by walking about three blocks to GB Eats for a sausage and egg spread that suits me better.
On the way there I take a few first shots of the town. Once the traffic jam is gone, the small historical center is quite attractive and inviting.
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As I head back to the room after my small workout, Rachael embarks on her own - an eight mile hike to a small network of trails north of town. She comes back later with what I’d describe as a so-so report - too many miles on busy Main Street, but some attractive trails once she got there. And egrets!
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After I’ve rested up from my exertions and feel ready for more I walk across town to a pizza restaurant for an afternoon beer, at the only place open within walking distance that serves one before dinner time. The traffic on Main Street is if anything even worse than yesterday, and the air feels unhealthy as I walk past an unbroken mile of stalled, idling cars belching exhaust.
Noisy too, but not so noisy for me to miss hearing a familiar sound overhead. Looking around for its source, I’m startled to see a red tailed hawk perched on the lip of a brick chimney, repeatedly looking up and keening at the sky.
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3 years ago
3 years ago
At the pizza place I ask about the nonstop traffic. I learn that it’s worse today because there’s a car show in town this afternoon, but that in fact it’s always nearly this bad in the summer. There are some things about Great Barrington that are definitely attractive, but this would drive me to insanity.
On the way back the traffic is even worse still. Cars are moving at maybe 2 mph? It can’t be any faster than that because I easily overtake them at my normal, not so fast walking speed. I probably pass 40 of them walking back to the room.
The hawk is still there as I pass by again, almost an hour since I passed him the first time. He’s moved from the chimney to the back end of the house, but he’s still looking up and crying out. I suspect he’s lost his mate.
The car show is in full swing when I walk through downtown. Both sides of the street are lined with one shiny classic after another, its hood up and guys bending over looking in. Loud speakers blare out a steady stream of Beach Boys hits. Really, this is the best car show I remember seeing.
For dinner Rachael and I walk back to Main Street once more, to a Thai restaurant that sounds appealing. On a whim we take the GBO, who never gets taken out for a meal. We’re the only diners in the place and we score a window seat where we can sit and watch the action just beyond the glass. The scene has changed since I walked by earlier - the street has been barricaded and is the domain for a few hours of the strollers and gawkers. Occasionally a police car will drive through, slowly piloting a bus or truck that presumably it too large to manage the detour route.
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3 years ago
Afterwards we take the long way back to our room, on a trail alongside the Housatonic River that Rachael discovered. It’s a fine walk past Rocky outcrops beneath splendid hardwoods, and a great time of day to be out; but we can’t really stop to enjoy the scenery for too long because the insects are swarming around it.
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All in all, a surprisingly rich and satisfying day and a nice break from the bikes. But wait, there’s more! Not long after dark we hear a loud bang, look out our window, and see fireworks exploding in the sky. For the next fifteen minutes we stand outside our room and watch the best fireworks display we’ve seen in several years. Great job, Great Barrington!
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I've never had much desire to tour in the eastern states but always thought VT and NH would be worth a visit (but maybe for backpacking instead of cycling). While it's unlikely I'll ever get there in this life, your pics of VT have confirmed my thoughts.
Wishing you safe travels and hoping your good luck at avoiding disasters and Covid closures continues. That delta variant is a real game-changer. All the best for Part 2!
3 years ago
You’re right about Vermont and New Hampshire and Vermont, I think - they both look better experienced on foot than a road bike. Off pavement though it looks like there is probably much wonderful cycling to be had, I’d you don’t mind hills and hardship. Team Anderson is way too soft!
Thanks again for following along!
3 years ago