Friday, July 30, 2010

Day 108: Walking to Paradise...?

Chilly morning and [almost too] cold last night. If it weren't for the bed of leaves, it might have been. Scatters and I packed up, and while we were eating breakfast, Tattoo wandered up and joined us. Then we three walked in the glorious morning.




Such a pleasant hiking day! Poofy clouds, bright sun, excellent cool breeze. We climbed uphill. We descended. We crossed into Massachusetts!!! Wow. Ten states down... Only four to go - FOUR LEFT?!?


We took lots of short breaks and we took it easy today since Scatters' friend, Anita, has a house out here. She was lovely enough to invite us over for the evening! We weren't supposed to get there until tomorrow, but looks like showers tonight!! We were quite excited, and the house was only about ten miles from where we camped. We only had to climb over a few mountains to get there...




The first mountain was Lions Head, and it was a nice gradual incline. Once we got to the top, it opened out to an amazing ridge line with views of what must've been Connecticut and Massachusetts. It was so grand and so worth the climb. Scatters, Tattoo and I enjoyed it very much. It was beautiful. Big smiles.




We walked along the ridge, then started downhill. Stopped for lunch before climbing up Mount Everett. It was an intense grade up a rocky path, but the cool breeze made it great climb. This marked 1500 miles that we've walked from Georgia. Almost only a quarter left. Hard to believe.

We made it down the other side and to the Guilder Pond picnic area. This is where Anita's directions had us turn left and follow a non-AT road down to her street. Our paces quickened as the shower and laundry called our names, and we were very lucky to get a ride the last mile from a few friendly guys.




And then we got to the house... The glorious, beautiful, wonderful house!! What an oasis! We were designated to the guest house, which is awesome, but we did laundry in the main house. Such a gorgeous property!! A long driveway, huge trees, two houses, sculpture art, a pond, a flowering garden, and a perfect afternoon. Anita and Steve weren't even there yet, but they told Scatters how to "break in." She also told us to help ourselves to whatever was in the fridge, SO we made I've cream sundaes!! We were so freakishly happy and giddy. We did laundry. I scrubbed my pack down. We took long showers. We were clean. (I FINALLY got to upload a few blogs - sorry! My phone battery and service have been problematic the last few days) Then Tattoo made us a delicious pasta dinner. Life is good.


Anita and Steve probably won't get in until after 11pm, so we're not sure if we'll see then until the morning. We watched a movie and now it's all bed. This bed is so comfy. I'm going to sleep so well tonight.
(11.2mi 4st)


-- Posted from the trail...

Location:Anita's House in Mount Washington, Mass.

1 comment:

Marilyn said...

Well we finally caught up on all the news, up to 108. Carrie, you really are a great reporter. Congrats to all on completing over 1500 miles. Glad you met up with Xan and Neutron. Tell Xan his grandma say Hi.
Be careful, you're heading for the finish line.
Marilyn