Adventure Name: Cheshire Hill Trail
Dated 3/15/2020
Talal’s take
Our first real climb of 2020 took us back to Mount Greylock in Adams, Massachusetts. We had previously done the mountain in 2019 on the hottest day in the summer when everyone was asked to stay indoors. I had some fond memories of going up the Gould trail. Today’s climb on March 15th, 2020 will forever be remembered for the breakout of COVID-19 virus which has brought the world to its knees. Western Mass Outdoor group as usual chose to hike as the peak of pandemic is coming. Maybe we were running away from the virus to sanctuary of Mount Greylock.
I started the day early. After seeking Allah’s blessing, I proudly made my hot chocolate in REI thermos and peanut butter sandwich with Vermont maple syrup. Jumping in my Accord, I set out on 1-91 North going through the beautiful Northampton taking route 9 towards the Berkshires. The setting in the morning is pristine and the drive is tranquil as no one else seems to be on the road. Snaking along the Deerfield river, I made my way up listening to rap from Sarim’s playlist. I was pleasantly surprised by a call from Zubair Bhai who was initially not planning to come but decided to join this morning. He suggested that we meet up for breakfast in Adams.
Adams is a beautiful town in northern Berkshire and home of Mass Moca which is very famous museum. We ended up in a local diner which is always my favorite thing. We were joined by Qasim, Shaukat and Dr. Barry Rodstein who is incharge of physical medicine and rehab at baystate medical center. Shahid and Zahid also drove up from South Hadley and gave everyone the new corona shake. We ate a warm breakfast before heading over to Cheshire harbor trail. We drove pass the Gould trail which we used last time,to drive up to Cheshire hill trail head which is rated as moderate on Alltrails.
Dressed for the winter in several layers and equipped with crampons we embarked on the trail. The trail was packed with ice which was melting and lots of water on it. It was almost like walking up a brook for part of the trail. The cool crisp air went through our lungs, washing away impurities and giving me a high which makes us keep coming back to these hikes. Going up in company of good friends is always special. There is something about going up a mountain which increases my spiritual index. We practiced Saying Allah Akbar while going up and Subhan Allah while going down, a lesson from our Quran study group.
Shaukat always amazes me. He continues to have the energy of a teenager. He is such a role model for all of us. Praying for his health, we started going up. The hike was easier but made hard due to the layer of snow. There is not much scenery till you reach the top. Slowly we made our way up to the Greylock tower. It was very windy, and the wind chill made many of us wear our wind breakers again. We took out our snacks and warmed ourselves with hot chocolate. Taking some pictures and soaking up the scenery of the Berkshire valley we rested for a few minutes before deciding to go down the Gould trail for a change in scenery.
Gould trail has a sharper descent and the trail is narrower. Going down was faster. We made our way quickly and only one area was challenging where we had to cross the stream and some of us had to sit down to descend. There is a connector that leads from Gould to Cheshire Hill trail. We divided into separate groups while going down and I enjoyed the company of Qasim. We talked about private and public schools as we descended. Always a leader, he stays behind with those who are left behind. I was also amazed at Zahid Bhai also who wills himself to come to these hikes and makes them more enjoyable with his jokes in real Punjabi.
As we reached down, we quickly split up, said our farewells and drove home. Zubair Bhai gave me a ride back to my car which was parked downtown. He was happy about his new truck which he recently leased and intends to keep. Pulling up in Adams, I had some nostalgia about my time living in Berkshires. On my way back, I listened to a lecture on Corona virus which was eloquently explained by me spiritual leader and wondered what sort of challenges laid ahead personally and professionally in lieu of COVID-19. One thing is for certain, our group will soon be getting together for another hike, Allah willing.
westernmassoutdoors 