8/3/99 Upper Goose Pond Cabin   Miles Today : 21.1 Miles to Katahdin : 635.0

Another great day out on the AT today. First, we met TAD this morning just as we were on our way out of camp. He was looking to make a fire so he could have coffee, but needed to hike to a fire permitted area since he doesn't carry a stove.

Before the morning was out we came upon Benedict Pond, a nice glacier pond in the middle of the woods. Since we had high mileage to do today we opted NOT to swim. Also it only got up to 75 degrees today so it wasn't exactly hot. Also, we ran into Bronco and Slugger near the pond, 2 more north bounders. DB and I hooked up with them for a little while as we all hiked about the same pace.

The mosquitoes continue to get worse as I head north. Everytime I stopped for even a second, I was forced to defend my blood from these foul creatures. However, as with everything on the trail, the good comes with the bad. Today was one of the best fruit days on the trail so far. Big plump blueberries, ripe raspberries, blackberries and my first crab apple.

Also, we had some more views of the Berkshire area today and rocky ledges on 2 different ridges opened up views several times throughout the day. After the last good view of the day, we entered a wet boggy area. Here I passed 2 southbounders with long sleeves, pants and head nets. I was wearing just shorts. I refrained from laughing.

The best part of the day however, came right at the end. I got about 3 miles away from the cabin, when I realized that it's a .6 mile walk off the trail to the cabin, but I saw that the old AT went in between Goose Pond and Upper Goose Pond, dropping off at the cabin. Sweet. Time for another Blue Blaze adventure. Well, most of the blue blaze trail turned out fine and I actually found some old blazes, but when I came to the channel between 2 lakes, I find that it's uncrossable.

It was at least 6 feet deep in the middle and way too wide to jump or throw my pack. However, just as I am debating my options, I see a boat approaching. Yes, today I was able to aqua blaze. The local gentleman offered not only just to shuttle my pack across the channel but to give me a ride to the dock for the cabin. Trail magic! The look on the other hikers faces when I rolled up on a boat was priceless!

Here at the cabin are 6 southbounders which is more to see a group that big. Soon after I arrived DB, Bronco, Slugger and Second Wind rolled into camp. A bunch of us went swimming/bathing in this gorgeous lake.

As night was falling, gentleman Jim and TAD showed up to cap off the list of hikers. The cabin is a good size with bunks for 20 and tenting for more. Pancakes are served in the morning as well, all for the price of $3.

Tomorrow, DB and I are going to do a little canoeing on the lake and take a short mileage day. There is plenty of time left so I am not going to miss a thing. It's 8:30 and dark already, I can't believe how much time we have lost. Well, I am going to chat with this group of south bounders about Maine, moose and the end of my journey.

-Chomp

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