Date: 2013-08-06
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

I didn't sleep well last night. I kept tossing and turning. Even with all my clothes on, I was cold. Finally we all just got up. I was putting together my morning bowl of granola, I was listening to Pressure-D's story and I poured three days worth granola into my milk. Well, damn. I certainly appreciate all the calories this morning, but it also puts me in a food bind of sorts. I'll have to push all the way to Upper Goose Pond Cabin today. There is a caretaker there that makes pancakes in the morning. So now I guess I have the extra incentive to get the miles in.It was a bit rocky and chilly first getting out of the shelter. I'm not sure if it was the cool temperatures or overuse, but my left knee kept "catching" and "popping." I didn't like it even just a little bit. It was uncomfortable and concerning. The trail skirted a deep, narrow ravine. The guidebook called it an "ice ravine", so I'm guessing it is the result of glacial activity. I stood on the side and looked over the edge and hoped like hell that the rocks wouldn't give way. It was a beautiful smooth trail for most of the day. I bee-bopped along enjoying the cooler temperatures and the sunshine. I stopped at a vista and called Mom. She told me about taking my nieces shopping and them playing dress up. Man, I'm sorry I missed that. I love those girls. Just thinking about them makes my eyes tear up. It's funny. I love being out here and having this experience, but I also think about all the get-togethers and memorable times that I'm missing out on. The world just keeps on a-turnin', and peoples lives go on a-livin'. There's no stopping.I sat for a while at the vista overlooking the Berkshires. They are so beautiful to walk in. Quite ponds seemed to be tucked in to dark corners of the forest. Fields are piled high with flowers. There are picturesque barns atop green pastures. Stone fences creep along through forests as they have for hundreds of years, though their purpose has long since ceased. There seems to be lots of hemlock forests with soft, spongy ground beneath. There are marshy areas with board walks ushering us along. There are small clear creeks and larger coppery-colored ones. Near the top of Cobble Hill, I passed two younger couples with various sized little ones. The four year old saw me and asked "Are you hiking the Appalachian Trail?" in perfect articulation. I was impressed. I answered, "Yes I am! Are you?" She said, "No." I replied, "Well, you are here on the trail so you must be!" She smiled. I love it when little kids smile. The group told me of a near-by swimming hole, a local secret. It sounded inviting, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to swim there AND make it to the Upper Goose Pond Cabin. At Goose Pond Rd., I saw two hikers. When they got closer, I realized it was the two guys that had come in late to the shelter the night before- Mike and Will. We hiked together and talked, and the miles FLEW. They were video-journalists. They asked me all about the trail, and I asked them about their jobs. Suddenly all my foot, ankle and knee pain was gone. Oh the power of distraction. We arrived at the edge of Goose Pond. The sun was shining off the surface of the water. The trees across the lake looked bright yellow in the direct light. Big droopy evergreens stood dark on our side of the lake. It reminded me of a Victorian silhouette cut-out. I wanted to stop and take some photos, but our little wagon train was cruising along, so we just kept going. We turned off on the side trail to the cabin. There was a sign warning hikers that Norovirus was back and if anyone showed symptoms they would be turned away from the cabin. The cabin was a beautiful brick-red clapboard cottage. There is a front porch, back seating area, small kitchen, bunkroom fitting 20 people. The place was busy. They said there was one bunk left, but I opted to set up my tent in the back near Hobo. Pressure-D, Fancy Feet, Walmart, Mouse, Oak, Hipsy Gypsy, Pop Tart, Sleepwalker, Cat Lady, Shady, Green-Blaze and Bojangles and several others were here. I dropped my pack and headed straight down to the water. I vowed I would take a swim as soon as possible. There was a small floating dock. The water was flat and smooth. It was the final moments of the 'golden hour'. Even though the air was cool, the water was still comfortably warm. Every part of my body felt so soothed. Every part, except for my big toes. They ached. Hopefully I can get in another swim in the morning. This would be the perfect place to zero for a few days. But unfortunately, that's not going to happen this time....It was dark by the time I got back to my tent. I chatted with Hobo through the wall of my tent. I was too tired/lazy to cook dinner, so I made due with trail mix, pepperonis and a cliff bar. I'll need to resupply soon, but for now this will make due. I want to hang out a bit in the morning. I'm in no rush to get out of here. It's pretty heavenly here. And I think that pond needs more swimming in.