Tom arrived sporting his Birthday top hat and cane and regaled us with his Birthday Irish jig (of sorts). He led us on a five mile in/out hike through gorgeous forest marked by huge boulders and some cellar holes. The weather in the low 40s, and ice is beginning to form on some of the footpaths, but most of today’s hike was on old dirt roads. There must once have been small communities of homes and barns spotted along the road. It’s stunning to think of people living in such a high and remote place. Even today, Monroe presents as a place to pass through, hike, hunt, or kayak the river, but not so much a place to stay. At last, the view of Bear Swamp Reservoir and electric power station stopped us for a bit as we took it all in. Then on to a viewing station constructed of stone much in the style one sees in New York State, It was so beautiful up there that we stayed a while, shared snacks, and just enjoyed the view and each other’s company. We’d been out for many hours and the drive back to Charlemont and “lunch” (2 o’clock) at Cold River Cafe was so so so good. I had the spicy veggie burger with avocado, onion,and tomato, sweet potato fries, and lots of ice water. The Cubano, chicken curry, and “beef bomb” sandwiches were delicious as were the beef tacos, clam chowder, and shepherd’s pie. Tom was crowned with a Thursday Hiker birch bark crown made by Lissa, and we all we wolfed down Black Bottom Cupcakes made by Lissa from a recipe given to her by the organ player at her mother’s church! (How about that?) It was a long and totally perfect day. Happy First Day of December tomorrow. Love, Penny 
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