Date: 2006-07-09
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin, MA

To: Grange Hall Road, MA
Miles today: 17.9

Cell good.The Upper Goose Pond Cabin is a great place to stop along the AT. It has a upstairs bunk house and a number of tent platforms if you prefer tenting, or are traveling with a dog. The donation for staying at the facility is reasonable, too. I lucked out in that the caretaker made pancakes for breakfast this morning, so I started out on a full stomach. I got in late last evening and didn't get the opportunity to swim in the lake or use the canoe on it either. I might see if they need another caretaker for a week next year, it was that nice. The only drawback is that it is a half mile blue blaze from the AT. It normally has to be a big draw for me to go that far off trail, I'm glad I did.Today had a few highlights - the first came about a mile down the AT, I crossed the I-90 Mass Pike on the foot bridge that goes over it. I've driven this road dozens of times and dreamed of the day I would be hiking across it. This feat was a little emotional for me, too. This may be more psychological than factual, but I now feel I'm more North than my home. I live about one mile south of the NY State Thruway, which is also I-90. Now that I'm North of the Thruway, I am in the mindset that I'm North of home. In honesty, I really will be in short order.The hiking wasn't particularly tough today. It went through some relatively flat land and nice forest. I got a late start because I stayed for the breakfast, and then I hiked hard to make good time. I was planning to reach Daltn,MA, this evening and meet up with DieHard. When I reached the Kay Wood Lean-to, which is three miles short of that goal, I was exhausted. I called DieHard from there, and he came and picked me up at the next crossroad instead. I'll hike those three miles tomorrow.It is great to see DieHard again, and to meet his wife Gail. DieHard is looking good, and he's much stronger now that he's been home a while. He's used this time well to take care of himself, and he will do fine tomorrow when he returns to the trail. We we went out to a place called Jimmy's that served excellent food and beer. We talked about the people we knew on the trail prior to DieHard leaving the trail. I know of the ones ahead of me from their entries in shelter registers, and we speculated on some and confirmed some from stories we've heard about those that have gotten off trail.It's wonderful to have this time with DieHard and Gail. They are great people! I enjoyed this evening with them very much. It was fun to catch up on AT friends and I liked seeing DieHard feeling so well and ready to get back on the trail. Thank you so much, DieHard and Gail, for inviting me to stay with you! I enjoyed this time with you very very much.One of the questions I was constantly asked prior to going on this hike was, "Are you hiking alone?" As you can see, I'm in a community that keeps tabs of their own and watch out for each other.I feel good tonight after showering and having my clothes washed (thanks, Gail and DieHard!). It's amazing what an influence clean clothes and a shower have on how you feel. Tomorrow I will stop in Dalton to pick up more food at the Post Office, and then head on down the trail. Sue gave me good news that she will be free this weekend, so she'll be coming out to see me again. Hiking the trail isn't a solo endeavor for a married person. It is hard for the other half, too. I am fortunate to have the support of a loving wife, and it is important for me not to ignore the sacrifices she is making, too. I chose to do this hike and put us through all of it; she is enduring this for me out of her love for me. It is important for me to acknowledge her sacrifices and to thank her every chance I get.I have heard of hikers leaving the trail due to partner issues. I am glad I'm married to a strong and loving woman. We work hard to keep the lines of communications open while I'm away. I have a cell phone with me, and I use it daily when the signal is good. Some hikers don't like them, and frown on their use. I wouldn't have made it this far without our almost daily talks. Everyone must hike their own hike.Old Goat