Bash Bish Falls

Last Sunday was one of the most invigorating and relaxing days I've had in a long time. I've never been much of an outdoors person, but the urge struck and I set out with three other girls from the costume shop for a little hiking excursion. Plans laid weeks in advance were almost sabotaged by a late work call. Thankfully, our shop pulled through last minute to accomplish a huge amount and we were given Sunday off. (Some credit is due our production manager who mandated a day off after opening another large show for the season).

The hiking trail we choose was in Mt Washington State Park, near the MA/NY border. At the bottom of the short trail is Bash Bish, an amazing 60 ft falls. Short of a few treks in the hills in El Paso when I was little, I've practically no hiking experience. This was a treat. To our surprise, the hike to the falls from the parking area was extremely short. More of a casual 15 minute walk with a few rocks and tree roots thrown in. As we came to hike (in addition to gazing at the mountain stream cascading down the rocks), we meandered a ways, hoping to find a trail to take us to the top of the falls. None of us are sure we were actually on a trail, but the one we found took us straight up. Not to the top of the falls, but up nonetheless. The hike became more of a climb. Every 20 minutes or so, dripping with sweat, we'd stop for a breather. Assuming we had found ourselves on level enough ground to take a break. We felt like hobbits on way to Rivendale. After about an hour, we made it to the top of the "trail." The view of the Berkshires was breathtaking. We could still hear the falls down below. A leisured lunch at the top and a debate about how to head back down ensued. Oddly, we discovered that the parking lot was a short downward hike from our resting point. We had come full circle.

Thus the trail began again...this time to enjoy the falls themselves. The four of us took a brief wade into the mountain pool. I have not ever encountered natural water as clean as this stream provided. There certainly is something to be said for mountain spring water. The rest of the early afternoon was spent sunning on rocks at the foot of the falls and people watching. Until the rain hit. Packed, dressed, we headed back up in a drizzle, which quickly turned into a downpour. The old adage..."if you don't like the weather..." truly applies to the Berkshires. Pouring rain, soaking wet, lightning over head, we scrambled to our cars. It felt vaguely Jurassic Park.

To top off the day: dinner at a diner in Great Barrington, followed by a round of Cineplexity (courtesy of my sister and her husband). After all movie references that seemed to pop up all day, it seemed appropriate.

Now, after two fairly sedentary days of sewing, I've the urge to move about. Looking forward to the next sunny day off when I might be able to head to a state park again. And looking forward to the trail Hawaii is said to provide.