Trail is clear, wet but only muddy 2-3 miles in due to some beaver work. No bugs, almost no people. Kay Wood lean-to was OK no problems with privy or water supply. Barred Owl was calling all night. Met a couple of hikers from VT thru-hiking MA SOBO.
We all wanted to get early start but 5:30am rain made us all sleep in.

Also, The Trail Guide states hostel in Cheshire is closed except to parking.
ASK, new clergy is more user friendly to the idea and the trail register gives more than one set of kudo's to St. Mary's for a dry night recently.

We had every intention of doing the next section to Cheshire but growing pains (heel spurs) killed the trip for my son in Dalton.

Next time is soon enough, don't want to ruin the experience for him or me with a force march.