Date: 2003-08-20
From: Stealth Campsite

To: The Cookie Lady's Yard :)
Miles today: 15.9

Today felt like a lazy day, even though it really wasn't. We slept in till 7:30, and I really didn't get in a functioning mode till at least 8:00. I think I was worn out from yesterday...it was a physically and emotionally tiring day for me (in a good way!). I knew I needed a power start...4 maple frosted pop tarts and a Mello Yello, courtesy of Seester (thank you!). I was a bit wired to say the least! We packed up, Gerri left a bit before 9:30, and Randy and I hit the Trail at 9:45. We had gotten our ups out of the way last night, so we had a leisurely 6.4 to Route 20, where we were taking our first break. Relatively leisurely, that is. The AT's version of flat is a very different thing than what I once thought flat was. It comes down to the usual...don't believe the profile maps! But the morning went by quite quickly, and our walk by Goose Pond was very nice. We were warned by some day hikers that there were some "happy sun-worshippers" ahead. We met random gro!ups of partially clad to completely nude hikers as we approached the MA Turnpike. As I think I've said before, you never know what sort of quirky things you're going to find on the Trail. We took our break, then Randy and I went to what was listed as lodging .2 mile up the road, to see if we could use the phone. We ended up asking some men from the Mass Highway department, as the motor lodge was closed. The gentleman by the door let us use his cell phone (we needed to make reservations for staying in Dalton) and fill our water bottles. He told us that he had a niece who was on the Trail, and was close to being done. He didn't know her Trail name, so I wasn't sure if it was anyone I knew. We went back to the Trailhead, and started up, literally, again. We had close to a 1000 foot climb ahead. I felt like the second part of the day took forever! We hiked a shorter distance, but it seemed to take longer. It didn't really, we actually were making pretty good time, bu!t it felt as if we weren't. I think it was due to a) the humidity andb) it was my down time. I've always had a period of time during the day when I just feel sleepy and unproductive...usually between 1 and 3. This is not the best thing when you're hiking, but I just move a bit slower. Anyway...we took a good long break, then headed out for our last 4 miles. I stopped at the shelter to get some water and use the privy, and spent some time chatting with a few southbound section hikers. I raced to catch up with Gerri and Randy...caught them at the road...and we went to the Cookie Lady's house. She wasn't home, but the Cookie Man was. We asked permission to stay on their lawn, and set up camp. The property includes a blueberry farm, and is beautiful. The Cookie Lady came home and brought out some very yummy cookies, which we ate before dinner. We had dinner with Viking, Rumbler and Hiker Biker Babe, who are also staying here. It was nice to get in early (6:45) and get situated. It seems lately as if we're constantly getting into camp! late and eating by headlamp. Tomorrow will not be one of those days, however. We only have 9.5 miles to Dalton, where we can finally shower and do laundry, which we haven't done since CT. I can't wait! Till tomorrow, then...good night!