Day 4 – Hike #6 Slackpacking Massachusetts
Day 4 – Appalachian Trail – County Road to Dalton 14 Miles – Gain 1,742 and loss 2,454
We started off the day with a quote from Kate, “Suffering is pain leaving the body.”
I pondered that for a while as we began today’s hike. It made me think of the hardships I have experienced and how I’ve grown from every one of them. So when the hike gets hard, you persevere, and as a result, you reach the end stronger. Thanks Kate! I already finished two of the climbs while noodling on this one.
Today’s weather was amazing. High 60’s and party sunny skies filled our beautiful day. I found today’s hike to be comfortable, not because the hike or terrain was easy, but because I think my, “hikers legs” kicked in a little. Yes, that’s a hiker’s thing I just found out about. “Hikers legs” are when your body adapts to the demands of the activity and you gain increased strength and endurance. Wahoo!!
Linda (Barb’s sister) asked some great questions that I remembered, which led to further pondering. “Why are you doing it? What are you going to say to yourself when you feel like shit? So, why are you doing what you are doing, and how are you going to motivate yourself to finish? By the way, I’m talking to you.
Great stuff! Can I kidnap all of these amazing ladies and bring them back to Pittsburgh with me?
We stopped at a camp site/shelter and talked about the snakes and mice that visit. Gross. I was ready to leave. Then we hiked further north to meet the Cookie Lady! The Cookie Lady wasn’t home, but we got to meet the Cookie Husband and 2 of their dogs. Wow, what an awesome family and amazing treats for hikers. They also have the best potty in town!!! Yes, it’s a porta-potty but to us, it was like a Ritz Carlton. The cookies were amazing, and I also bought this beautiful handmade necklace. Then, Chef Claire surprised us with iced coffee at the road crossing/takeout. Yum! The remainder of the hike was lots of bog boards, and, of course, the ups and downs.
The evening was filled with a delicious salad topped with Donna’s homemade concoction, pizza, and peanut butter pie. Then came, the briefing. Now I must go to bed to sleep to be up for coffee at 6 am and a 12 mile hike. Can’t wait!
What I Learned
- One of the ladies has an email address about Tiny Bubbles.
- When climbing over a downed tree/log, make sure you are always facing down the mountain. This way, if you slip (with a backpack on) the weight of the backpack doesn’t send you over the edge.
- Tori taught us about blackberry and raspberry plants and how to spot them. Blackberry has 5 leaves, just like B L A C K and raspberry has 3 leaves, just like R E D.
- I feel like I know Doug and have never met him. (Doug is Pam’s husband).
- You don’t want to step on the roots, which will put more strain on your feet. It would be easier to accomplish this if I had smaller feet.
- We will only have about 23 miles left to finish the state of Massachusetts when we finish on Thursday. Thanks Allison! Now we are on a mission to finish the state! Who’s in?
Highlights
- I’m getting better at the bathroom in the woods thing.
- Iced coffee break
- Skittles from Linda
- Bad Pam is so impressive, we added to her trail name. She is now “Super Bad Pam”
- Pizza dinner! Pizza! Pizza!
- I saw bear and moose tracks, but no bear.
- Did I mention that we only have 23 miles left to hike in Massachusetts AT after we finish this trip?
- Alison and I are already looking at maps to see how to get the final miles done in Mass and some ideas for PA.
