Day 108 - West Cornwall Road to Plateau Campsite

Another day of slackpacking, another day of freedom. Terrain was easier than the previous day. Almost wished for a lot of ups on a day I didn’t have to lug my pack around.

Murph and Stray caught up with us. Went through a stand of white birch trees, which was nice. Another river walk, this time along the Housatonic, I believe. Stopped for lunch and ate a leftover hamburger, cold and condiment-free. It’s amazing what you’ll eat when there are no options.

Also, it’s good to be able to eat anything you want without worrying about the impact on lipstick/makeup. I just dive right into juicy pieces of fruit and corn-on-the-cob without a second thought.

Pretty nice walk, but we’re all dragging a little. Stray left a note on the trail saying he found a great swimming spot. It was an awesome place with cliffs, waterfalls, and a swimming hole. All the boys jumped in; I just took a shower under the waterfall. Saw a beaver swimming in the water. It was a nice break.

Didn’t think we’d make it to the meeting place on time, but somehow we pulled it off. Chris was waiting with juice, soda, and grapes. I really hope she comes to the clambake.

Dave and I went into Salisbury to resupply. Another yuppie Connecticut town. Boy is my pack heavy! We’re carrying food til Friday. But it’s also the shock from not having carried a pack for two days.

Made it to the Plateau campsite just before dark. We’re doing separate dinners now, so I scarfed down my everything bagel and a half with peanut butter in no time. Three mountains tomorrow! But we cross the Mass. state line, which will be very exciting. Might be a short (13.5 mile) day.

P.S. - Almost forgot about Chris' "hiker-smell-be-gone" tactics in the car: trash bags covering all of the seats and scented oil under her nose.

Day 107 - Mt. Algo Shelter to West Cornwall Road

Got up and out in time to make it to the road to meet Cameron and his aunt Chris. It was a hot one, and it didn’t take much prodding to get me to leave my pack in her car. Dave, too, I was quite surprised to see.

More ups and downs than we’ve been used to lately. I felt so free without my pack. Hiking was actually fun, and not a chore -- the way it’s supposed to be. There’s definitely something behind the GoLite philosophy.

The three of us walked merrily along. Then Smittee caught up with us around the 10-mile mark (he’d slept late). Oh, went down St. John’s Ledges, which I had been nervous about because it’s supposed to be very steep and rocky and “put the hurt on your knees”. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have a pack on, but it wasn’t that bad.

Cranked out the miles after lunch. Smittee, who usually flies, was struggling to keep up with his full pack on. Chris met us at West Cornwall Road with juice, soda, and plums. Mary Poppins showed up and was invited to join us. Drove a little over an hour to get to Chris’ house in New Lebanon, New York. Actually crossed the border into Massachusetts at one point. (“I flew to Georgia, and I walked home,” as Mary Poppins said.) Pretty cool.

Longshanks, Mary Poppins, Aunt Chris, and Cam

The house is an old farmstead and is amazing. So many things to look at. Took a great shower. And the food! Humongous salad (all fresh veggies), cheeseburgers, corn on the cob, beer, ice cream, lemon cake, etc. She cooked enough for an army of hikers.

Really nice woman. Kind of reminds me of Aunt Joan. Sad we didn’t have more time here. Have to be up early to eat breakfast, pack, and drive back to the trail. Some trouble sleeping, but I was warm and dry and bug-free and comfortable. At some point I woke up and thought I was outside and that the bedroom wall was a stone wall.

Up at 5:45 to the smell of pancakes cooking. Coffee and fresh fruit, too. Took us a while to get our act together. On the road around 7:30.

Day 105 - Morgan Stewart Shelter to Ten Mile River Campsites

Really good night’s sleep again. Chilly enough to snuggle up in the sleeping bag and even wear a fleece hat.

Got rolling around 8:15. Walked around Nuclear Lake (used to be radioactive), past the largest tree on the trail (I thought that was supposed to be in Virginia), and to the Appalachian Trail stop on the New York commuter rail (only runs on weekends).

Mary Poppins gets comfy

Cameron/7 States, Blur, and Swagman

We weren’t making great time, but I honestly didn’t care. Hiked with Cameron (Seven States) for a while, and a whole group of us were hiking together later on. The pace was reasonable (I could keep up), so I didn’t mind. Also, it was almost chilly out at times, which always makes the hiking easier.

At some point after the 16-mile mark, I was feeling really good and remember thinking, “I could just keep walking forever today”. Wish I could capture that spirit every day.

Stopped at a hot dog stand, and someone told us about a phone we could use. I took the opportunity to call home. Dad said they’re getting a tent and tables and chairs for the cookout. Hope it’s nothing too elaborate.

Dave and I talked about the “guest list” today. So far he’s asked everyone who’s been hiking with/around us, plus a few more. I prefer to keep things smaller/simpler -- especially since all the hikers will have to be shuttled to and from the trailhead. I’m sure it will all work out in the end. Hard to believe it’s just a week away!

Crossed the border into Connecticut, and once again the scenery totally changed. There was a house right at the NY/Conn. line, and a woman was sitting on a farmer’s porch talking on a cell phone. I waved, but got no response. Welcome to Connecticut!

Entered a pine forest, with lots of space between the trees. After a pretty good climb, then a matching descent, we came to the Ten Mile River. It’s quite big, with water rushing over rocks and gurgling quite loudly. Camping area is right on the bank.

Today is a first for Dave and myself -- we’re out of money, fuel, and food. Not a good feeling. We would have had enough food, but three packages of pasta I took from a hiker box had been contaminated by a strong detergent taste. We would have had enough fuel, but we had to cook twice (and throw out both pots of food). No excuse for not having any money.

People helped us out, but I do not want to be in this situation any time soon. Luckily, we only have 8 ½ miles to get to Kent. Lesson learned.