Day 143
Start: Levardi’s, Dalton, MA
End: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles Hiked: 13.9
Miles on AT: 1590.0
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I woke up bright and early today so that I would have enough time to make it to the post office. By my conservative calculations, I would get there around 30 minutes before closing time, which was perfect.
Mr. Levardi was also up early, so I had a chance to say goodbye before I left. His yard is decorated with patriotic hiking poles, a true representation of how he operates.
I walked through the town of Dalton before heading back into the woods. The climb looked a bit daunting on the map, but it wasn’t too bad. I was on a mission today, so there wasn’t much on my mind except moving forward. I had a quick second breakfast that consisted of half the sandwich I packed out and a Coke. Sugar and caffeine in the morning is the way to go!
With only a few miles left to Cheshire, I knew I was going to make it in time. But, before I reached the town, I met El Flaco, a triple crowner who was on his 4th AT thru hike. He had already hiked the trail three (3!) times before and still felt the need to come back for more. I didn’t understand it, but I enjoyed hearing his perspective on the different trails. He said the AT was the only trail he felt homesick for, so he kept coming back.
I think if you really enjoy your first thru hike, that experience keeps calling you back for more. I feel the most connected to the CDT because it was such a transformative experience for me, there’s no trail (so far) that has been able to supersede that experience.
Back on trail, I reached Cheshire and the post office and picked up my package. Janitor had included a few goodies and a sweet note to me. It was a major morale boost. Since I was no longer in a hurry, I took my time in Cheshire. There was an ice cream stand across the street, so I bought a cone, laid out my wet tent in the sun, and enjoyed my sweet treat.
After hanging out at the Dunkin Donuts/gas station for a while (while charging my phone and eating snacks) I was finally on my way back to trail. Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in MA, was up next. I didn’t want to climb the whole thing today, so I just stopped at the shelter before the final climb.
Another Yale group was there. They were a bit rowdy, but ear plugs kept me oblivious to their shenanigans. I also was thissss close to getting attacked by someone’s off-leash German Shepherd. He wasn’t obeying his owner’s commands at all. Please leash your dogs, people, especially at campsites. Not everyone loves your dog.
Anyway, since I got into camp relatively early, I was able to chat with Janitor before eating dinner and heading to bed.
And that’s day 143.
A version of this post originally appeared on TheTrek.co.