Day 0 – Slackpacking Massachusetts

Today was arrival day, the day I got to meet the 11 strangers I would be spending the next 6 days with. I met Barb and her sister Linda in the driveway and instantly knew this group wouldn’t be strangers for long. Barb, whom I call water woman, is brilliant, and loves tech. Yep, loved her instantly. It was great to meet the other ladies throughout the evening as well as our 3 guides. I was impressed to learn how experienced each of the guides were with the Appalachian Trail and that they are all Woofers (see below) and one is an EMT. I certainly hope I don’t need to be carried off the trail.

The home is quintessential New England, but happened to be built by the DuVal’s (a Pittsburgh family), in the early 1900’s. Pittsburgh always seems to find its routes in every small group anywhere I go in the country.

After a delicious dinner, we sat down for our daily debriefing about the next day. I’m not going to lie, I felt a bit defeated as the guides talked about these hikes being a Level 5, the most challenging, Adventures in Company offers. I immediately started questioning my training and what I could have done better to prepare. I went to bed knowing I did the best I could with the time I had, come what may.

What I Learned

• Woofer stands for “Wilderness First Responder,” who is someone (like a guide) who has taken an intermediate-level course in Wilderness Medicine.

• I really don’t like meeting new people, but I’m sure I knew that (and you probably do as well).

Highlights

• A mamma bear and her cubs are on the property and I might get to see a black bear (which is on my In My Lifetime List)

• Strawberry Shortcake dessert