Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

July 20, 2001

Well, I survived my first night alone with little mishap. The night noises were limited to the squeakings of raccoons--maybe the mama and four babies I saw by the pond--and the odd, continued gnawing of some animal dismantling the shelter one nibble at a time. At one point it grew so loud that I thought someone might be doing repairs on the shelter at 2 a.m. Maybe it was the porcupines. Maybe they were the ones who left the mysterious scat in the shelter as well. Glad I didn't sleep there. Just as I was leaving the shelter, up the trail comes Deuce carrying my hat. She had slept along alongside the trail. She had hurt her knee but was on a mission to get to the BBQ tomorrow. I guess I am too since I'm leaving at 5:30 tomorrow morning. Could've gone further today but couldn't pass up Upper Good Pond Cabin. And I'm glad I didn't. Got in at 4:00 after a 16-miles day. Plenty of time to swim to the island and back, share leftovers and my supper with the caretakers, and take the canoe out at sunset with Priceless. It's been a terrific day. This place is magnificent. Kathi and her sons, Adam and Josh, are making the place feel like home. They're caretaking this cabin for the Berkshires Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club all week long.

Today I listened to the bullfrogs and played with a crawfish. Tomorrow I'll miss pancakes because I'm leaving so early, but I'm headed toward endless BBQ and, rumor has it, a keg?