APPALACHIAN TRAIL - MA - SLACKPACKING - DAY 2

The day began with a two-hour flight delay departing from North Carolina, setting the stage for a challenging journey. Onboard, leg cramps and a restless environment—courtesy of a teen kicking the seat behind and a snoring neighbor—made sleep impossible. Touching down in Albany, NY, at 3:30 AM and in my sleepy state I found a comfy chair and waited for the Adventure in Good Company shuttle van which wasn’t supposed to arrive until 1 pm. I made the best of the wait and spent time connecting with friends and family over the phone at the airport.

Upon arrival at Villa Favorita in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. This historic estate, nestled on 25 acres of serene woodland, offers a unique blend of rustic charm and spacious comfort. With 11 bedrooms and accommodations for up to 23 guests, it was more than ample for our group of 8 ladies and 3 guides. The villa’s eclectic decor and maze like layout—so much so that it took me three attempts to locate my third-floor room—added to its distinctive character. Features like a grand piano, oversized bedrooms, and spacious grounds sprinkled with beautiful flowers add to the property’s character.
Despite the rocky start with flights, settling into Villa Favorita provided a much-needed sanctuary, setting the tone for the hiking adventures ahead.

After leaving airport, we stopped at the Big Y for groceries. I saw this mural when leaving town.
Unique deco in the AIRbnb. Reminder to say a Peacock prayer for a friend.
Looks like a cozy spot. I didn't take the time to enjoy it.

Flight one of the stairs to my wonderful room for the week.

A little reading to prepare me for the local summer reader project programs.

Just for fun....blazes to my room.
Tape for every occasion.

Oh my, what a delicious meal with good company.

This mirror freaked me out.
Claire's cookies
Oh, my precious boy, Justin

This painting depicted how my feet felt. My dogs were a barking!

Guess what we had later in the week!




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