Date: 2003-08-21
From: The Cookie Lady's Yard :)

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

I woke up to a wonderful breeze blowing through my tent. Not too cold, just right with the sunshine that was also present. I slept pretty well. I took my time getting up...we had a short day ahead, and it was just so beautiful at the Cookie Lady's house. I ate breakfast at the picnic table, then packed my stuff up. I went over to a bench by the garden to put on my boots...I miss gardening this year! Several of the flowers that were there are the same as the ones I've planted at Elizabeth's house. I hope you were able to get someone to take care of the garden, Elizabeth! We headed out at 9:45 for an easy, albeit muddy hike. I guess I never realized how swampy MA is. It was humid, so we were all sweating like crazy, even though the terrain was not that tough. We took a break in a pine needle-carpeted area, and were able to feel a little of that breeze once more. As we got ready to go again, clouds started to roll in...it was soon very gray. When we began hiking, w!e could hear thunder from the direction in which we were headed...it was going to be a race to get to town before the rain hit. The last few miles were quite uneventful...one good-sized up to get the heart going, then all downhill into town. A train had just passed by as we got to the tracks, showing that we had impeccable timing. As we entered Dalton, on Depot St., a woman in one of the houses came out to warn us about the approaching storm. She said she worried about the hikers...we thanked her, and told her that it was okay, we were staying in town. A van went by, and I heard someone yell my name. It was Chief...he was staying with Rob, a gentleman who takes in hikers. I told him that I was all set with a place to stay, and he told me who else was in town...Iceberg Slim and his girlfriend, Jess, Moose, Circus, and Snot Rocket had gone to the Cape, but would be back tomorrow. I thanked him for the info, and continued on, to catch up with Gerri and Randy. We check!ed into the Shamrock Inn and went to the post office. As we were going back to the inn, it started to rain. We watched it from the porch, discussing how nice rain is...when you're not hiking in it! Pop-O was staying there, too, and came over to visit with us. We all got showered, and I went to the library to check my e-mail. Michael, I didn't get chance to reply to your e-mail, but yes, we're still on for the song. I figure we can practice on Saturday? I'll be back the night of the 4th, and will give you a call. We went to do our laundry, and ran into Rumbler and Hiker Biker Babe on their way out of town. They'd done their laundry and cleaned up there. Don't know if we'll see them again...it was fun hanging out with them at the Cookie Lady's. We shopped for a few things (I needed snacks) while the clothes were washing, then Randy went back to the inn. Gerri and I finished the laundry...then the only thing left to do was EAT. We went to the Shamrock Pub, which was next to the inn, and had a most wonderful steak dinner. Viking join!ed us...he was staying at another house in town, and had gone to the mall, to EMS, to get new boots. After dinner, Gerri went back to the room, and Viking, Randy and I moved to the bar. We had a fabu time with Terri, our very cool bartender. And, although Randy had said we wouldn't stay late...well, let's just say it was 2:00 before we knew it. We all went back to the room and crashed...it was a good day!