Day 106: Trail Magic and a Much-Needed Boost
Today was a day of trail magic and a much-needed morale boost. After a particularly grueling 16 days of hiking, averaging over 21 miles per day, we were all exhausted. The plan was to start hiking at 6 am, but we kept hitting snooze, eventually leaving camp at 9:45 am. It was clear that the extra rest was necessary, but it also meant we wouldn't be able to hit our mileage goal for the day.
I was also dealing with a personal dilemma: my hiking clothes were soaked in humidity, and I didn't want to deal with the discomfort. So, I opted to hike in my sleeping clothes, a decision that might have consequences for future Dubs. The trail started out with a flat mile, followed by a 600-foot climb over 0.8 miles, which wasn't too bad. After that, it was a mix of small ups and downs, with some rocky terrain.
Around this time, I received a message from my friend Becca, who was just a few miles away with trail magic! I kicked it into gear and reached the road crossing where she was waiting. Becca had prepared a feast: iced coffee, cold pop, cookies, grapes, and French toast! I indulged in her generous offerings and took a break in the shade. After an hour, we continued hiking, with Becca holding on to some of our gear, essentially slack packing us for the day.
The afternoon hike was a breeze, with only 10 miles to go before we were picked up and taken to Lee, MA, for a well-deserved hotel stay. We hadn't showered or done laundry in a week of hot and humid weather, and a clean body and fresh clothes were a welcome change. Plus, it was Shooter's birthday the next day, so a celebration was in order.
Hiking around Upper Goose Pond was a highlight, with the clear, cool water tempting us to take a dip. We resisted the urge and continued on, climbing down to a highway, crossing it on a pedestrian bridge, and then ascending Beckett Mountain. The rest of the hike was downhill to the parking lot where Becca was waiting with cold beverages and ice cream.
We headed to a Mexican restaurant for dinner, indulging in chips, salsa, and queso, followed by a celebratory margarita. After dinner, we returned to the hotel to finish our laundry and relax, watching a World Cup game before heading to bed. It was a great evening, and I was glad to be in the AC, with clean clothes, and in a real bed.
Despite the challenges, today was a reminder of the trail magic that makes hiking so rewarding. Becca's generosity and our ability to take a break and enjoy the moment were a much-needed boost. As we continue our journey, I'm grateful for these moments of respite and the support of fellow hikers.
