August 5, 2012

Start: US 20, Lee, MA - Berkshire Lakeside Lodge

The weather for today was calling for severe thunderstorms but we planned to hike out anyway. That quickly changed when No Whistle, Miles Supertramp, and Carver were hanging out for the day and when we found out the price for a second night for hikers was $30. A zero it was. This was definitely the best zero we've had on the trail. It all started the night before when Miles, Brian, and No Whistle wanted Chinese and Carver and I wanted McDonalds. I first called McDonalds and asked if they would deliver to hungry hikers for a good tip. The answer was no. Next idea... Order Chinese and ask them if they will make a stop at McDonalds. Success! Everyone in the room doubted my ability to get this done, but I proved them wrong. The next morning, the shenanigans continued. No Whistle and I wanted to go to town to do laundry and resupply. We were going to hitch the 5 miles into town, but Diana, the motel owner offered to give us a ride in. Thank you Diana! We did some much needed laundry and then went to Rite Aid to resupply some food. While we were waiting for laundry to be done, we decided to go to McDonalds. Our packs were full with heavy loads from Rite Aid so we put them in a shopping cart and wheeled them to McDonalds. We must have been quite the sight. The looks we received from the cars driving by were hysterical, but they were nothing compared to the look that the 5 year old girl inside Mickey D's gave us when we wheeled the cart inside. Lunch was delicious and then it was time to get our laundry. When we were done, I asked a guy who appeared to be nice if he would drive us to the motel. It turned out he is a hiker and was happy to help us out. Once back at the hotel, a nap was next on the "To Do" list. We relaxed for the rest of the day and for dinner we all enjoyed pizza together. Brian, Miles and I all took kayaks out on the lake. I had my feet hanging over the side contemplating a swim, but I must have contemplated too far and I capsized the kayak. Swimming it was! After the sun went down and the nearly full moon came out, we decided to do some night canoeing and swimming. We had an awesome time! The reflection of the mountains and the moon on the flat water was amazing. I'm glad we took this zero because we really had a great time with our trail family, shared many laughs, and created memories that will last forever. Tomorrow is a big 19 mile day, so bed time it is.

End: US 20, Lee, MA - Berkshire Lakeside Lodge

Peace Be The Journey
~Flicka