Start: US 20, Lee, MA - Berkshire Lakeside Lodge
The day started at 9:20 am with a 700 foot gradual climb. The weather today was absolutely perfect. It was 80 degrees, low humidity and there was a nice breeze blowing. Once we were on the ridge, we stayed there for most of the day. We took a short break after 5.3 miles and talked to two day hikers from Brooklyn. The "Cookie Lady" was only 4.2 miles away and I was ready for some cookies, so we got started again. The Cookie Lady is a women who makes chocolate chip cookies for hikers for free and also allows hikers to tent in her yard. She also sells blueberries that you can pick yourself, hard boiled eggs, soda, and ice cream. We took a 40 minute break and enjoyed some soda and snacks. No Whistle was there when we arrived so we hiked out together. It was time to conquer an additional 9 miles to make it a total of 19 miles today. Our biggest day yet! The trail continued to follow the ridge with a few minor climbs until it was time to descend into Dalton, MA. We reached the town at 7:45 pm and had achieved our 19 mile day. We were hungry and celebrated our day with a delicious dinner. Now we are showered and exhausted.
Today was another amazing day on the trail. As the wind blew in my face and I felt the warmth of the sun shining on me, all I could think was how lucky I am to be out here experiencing this! We saw 2 garden snakes, many orange newts, walked a beautiful part of the trail, and were treated like royalty by complete strangers. I'm not sure a day could be better. I'm starting to get a bit nervous about my transition back into "normal life." Six weeks ago, September 1st seemed so far away. Now, it appears to be quickly approaching. I do miss my friends, family, kitties, and bed, but this trail life is exactly what my wild spirit craves. It will be hard to leave the trail. For now though, I will live in the present and enjoy each day, not worrying about the future. Living in the present moment is another trail lesson I have learned.
End: Dalton, MA - Shamrock Village Inn
Peace Be The Journey
~Flicka
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