Date: 2017-08-05
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

8/5Shaker Campsite to Upper Goose Pond Cabin 9.9 milesTotal miles:  1548.1I awoke this morning to the sound of rain on my tent. Breaking camp in the rain can be a real challenge. Fortunately, it wasn't a hard rain. I got dressed and then fetched my food bag from the bear box. I brought it back to my tent.  I got out the food I would need for the day and packed my entire pack except for the tent while inside my tent.  I got out of my tent, quickly took it down, and stowed it away.  I was able to keep everything almost completely dry this way. I also packed in record time and was on the soggy trail before 7:30. The rain ceased almost immediately, and it developed into a fine day for hiking. The first order of business was a fairly straightforward hike up Cobble Hill.  The view from the summit was quite interesting and included a stately church and graveyard in the valley below. I was soon joined by Joe and his class of backpackers.  I took their "class photo" and chatted briefly with them before they continued on toward Upper Goose Pond.  JP then arrived, and we hiked together for awhile.  He originally planned on having a big mileage day, but changed his mind and decided that ten miles today equalled pancakes tomorrow. It was great to catch up with him, since we hadn't seen each other in several weeks.  As we crossed Jerusalem Road, we noticed a small building with a large AT sign adorning its wall not far from the trail. In another example of fun things to discover along the trail, it turned out to be a small store for hikers, or, perhaps more accurately, a well-stocked lemonade stand for hikers. A sign inside informed us that the hiker stand was operated by two young people. Inside was a refrigerator full of Gatorade and soda, along with boxes of chips, cookies, pop tarts, and other goodies on shelves. There was an outlet strip for charging phones and a take-one/leave-one library.  You could also purchase duck and chicken eggs. A price list and money box were on the shelf by the refrigerator.  It was a dandy set- up, and I was quite impressed with the entrepreneurship of the young people who operated it.  I wrote in the log book and purchased a Gatorade, a Pepsi, and a bag of Cheetos.  Cost in dollars: $4.00. Value of the experience: Priceless.  JP and I enjoyed our goodies at the picnic table and then continued on.  About a mile later, we crossed another road to find a cooler loaded with slices of cold watermelon. I love surprise trail magic even more than I love watermelon.  JP had made up his mind to head for Upper Goose Pond and hiked on ahead.  I soon caught up with Joe and his group and was invited to hike with them. I have hiked most of the 1500+ miles I have so far covered alone, and it was fun to be part of a group for awhile. We made steady time the rest of the day and arrived at Upper Goose Pond Cabin by 3:30. I was able to talk more with Joe along the way and learned that he is a very experienced backpacker with a deep love for the AT and for Massachusetts.  He is also a natural teacher and led his group from behind, allowing them to make the decisions that were required along the way. I was invited to camp with them, and set up my tent with their group. The cabin at Upper Goose Pond is amazing and features a large gathering area, a large front porch, and bunks replete with mattresses upstairs.  I met Ken, this week's caretaker, who explained the set-up.  I was momentarily distracted by the aroma of his cup of coffee, and he told me there would be coffee with the pancakes tomorrow morning. He advised me to be there early, since the coffee goes fast. Don't worry, the alarm is set.  I went down to see Upper Goose Pond, which is actually a beautiful lake. There is a wooden dock and two canoes. I stripped down to my skivies and had a swim. Thoroughly refreshed, I returned to camp to cook supper.  I would later return to the pond near sunset and chatted with JP, Umbrella Face, Pheasant Man, and Sean (one of Joe's backpackers). I wandered back to the tent site and wound down my day sitting at a picnic table sharing stories and laughter with Joe and his hikers.  I headed for bed around 8:00. As usual, I made notes for my journal entry and then dozed off. Usually, I wake up a few hours later and type the day's entry into my phone. Tonight, I had a dream that I was having to hike over very rugged terrain in the dark while writing my journal.  I woke up at 11:30 a tad confused, but my head soon cleared and I got down to the business at hand. For this entire trip I have lived by the adage, "If you're going to hike slow, you have to hike long." It's rare for me to have a day where I get in early enough to have hours of free time. Although I love hiking, today was a very pleasant change of pace.  I plan on getting up early tomorrow for pancakes and coffee before heading for Kay Wood Shelter, 17.5 miles to the north. Joe and his group have about a six mile day to wrap up their three-day trip. I have really enjoyed being included in their group.  It's been a very enjoyable day, and I look forward to continuing on tomorrow. Only a few more days, and I will be hiking with Becky.  It's been four months ago today since I left home to begin this venture, and I am amazed how fast the time has flown, and all at the speed of walking.