Date: 2009-07-15
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton And The Byrd Cage
Miles today: 20.6

I remember years back when we were working on a project with my godfather, Uncle Joe. I heard him exclaim 'son of a bitch' and I turned to see what was wrong. The next words out of his mouth were 'I never trust things that go too well'. That is how I have felt for the last week. If you forget about the mosquitos, which have abated after a foul forty mile stretch, the weather has been pristine, with highs in the seventies and no rain in sight. Today I may face a few thundershowers, but as long as I stay dry all will be well, especially since I get to see TMax tonight. Tomorrow we will climb Greylock, a mountain in North Adams, the town her parents live in, and then stay at a camp her family owns just over the border in Vermont and very near the AT. Another TMax day for me!!!!! and maybe a little trail magic for other hikers. Maybe I deserve this change in the weather, especially after my debacle a few days ago. You see, my beautiful ring which Terri presented me with (the first time I can remember waering a ring of any kind, bought myself or from a woman) tends to fall off from time to time when my hands get wet. So when I arrived at the Riga shelter Sunday night, I went to wash up and took the ring off so it would not fall into the stream and become lost. In my emptyheadedness, it was left on the rock all night, and I passed over it in the morning. Ten miles down the road, and three decently hefty mountains later, I once again felt for Topo, and double checked my finger. To my everlasting regret the ring was not there and my heart fell like it has but few times in my life. How could I be so foolish as to have left it behind? And what could I do? The shelter was shared with a ridgerunner, who was headed south that day, and three other thru-hikers headed north. If I went back, would it still be there, or in the hands of the ridgerunner? If I did not retrieve it, would Terri ever talk to me again? I attempted to use my internet service on my cell phone to try and contact someone who coould put my in touch with the ridgerunner. No luck. If I went back with full pack, it may all be in vain, and all those wasted miles. I could leave my pack where it was, but then I would have to make thirty miles that day, or be without all my possesions. A little after three Beefy came by and said 'sure I saw it, it is right where you left it. Hellbender and I stepped right over it.' UGH. So with full pack in tow, off I went. Back over EVERREsT (I climbed Everest three times that day!) and then Race. I figured I could make it back to there, so with a minimal amount of food in tow, I stored the rest in a bear proof box near a campsite and kept on trucking. I hit every side trail to shelters or camp sites, leaving a note under my poles on the main trail to Ducky or anyone who might pass by. Finally back at Sages Ravive (a gorgeous place sans the skeeters) I saw Madison, Ducky's pup. When she came into view I asked her if she had the ring. Sadly she told my that she did see it, but placed it in the shelter in case someone came back for it. My face must have been something to see at that point. Luckily minutes behind were Angry Beaver and Prairie Dog. Angry Beaver told Prairie Dog to take the ring (it is a very nice ring) and if no one claimed it.....He was very happy to return it to me (Thanks Dude!!!!!) and I quickly turned to try to make the most of the daylight that I had left. L-Train was there also, and she wanted to get as far as she could,so with her inspiration I made it all the way back to where I started my retreat. A full 23.2 miles that equalled 10. Also, it was the most gain I had for a single day at 6360 feet into the sky. I heard others talk about how hard the day was to cover those mountains once. I can only laugh inside, and cry at the same time. At least I am safe when I see TMax again! The next few days were spectacular. My plans had to be tweeked, but I still did a fifteen mile day in five hours to Upper Goose Pond Cabin where I arrived at one-thirty and enjoyed a dip in the glacial pond and some rest and reading. Even the skeeters had let up, due to the terrain or the light wind, either way I was happy not to have to walk in circles while eating to keep the bugs from invading my bowl. After a few blueberry pancakes, I made fantastic time to the Cookie Lady's, where I enjoyed three wonderful homemade treats, and then to Dalton and the Byrd Cage, a place recommended by the Mayor and well worth the stay. Rob is a wonderful human who will do all he can for you, and many have enjoyed a prolonged stay at his house. The day was made all the better because of Gimpy, a southbounder in 03 who placed a cooler full of snacks a few miles from Goose Cabin. I had plenty of food, but no crap, and if I became hungry (the inevitable) I would have to stop and cook something. With a few treats in store, I was ready to go and loaded for bear. I had just enought fuel to make it to town and a full reset. Soon I am off for a quick ten miles to meet Terri. I am becoming too spoiled as of late. Thanks to all of you who give a damn, and I can feel your encouragement enticing me on to the finish line. I promise to stop and smell a rose or two and enjoy a few vistas for all of you.....topofgothics