Day 112: Meadows, Mountains, Mistakes, and Magic

Jug End Road

I finished at Undermountain Road (MA 41) yesterday, but we boondocked a mile back at Jug End Road trailhead, where we had safer and quieter parking. I briefly thought about re-hiking the lovely meadows between the two roads this morning and letting Northstar sleep in, but she was up when I left and was happy to drop me off. As it turned out, I didn’t need the extra mile.

Today’s goals included finishing map #6 of 9 (three more to go!) and biting off another chunk of Massachusetts before a zero the day after tomorrow.

Meadows

I started out with six miles of relatively flat terrain that traversed an alternating sequence of pleasant meadows, bogs, and woods. Summer wildflowers dominated the meadows, splashing bright colors over the tall, dew-soaked grasses. After four months in the long green tunnel, I treasure the farm fields’ open skies and colorful carpets. And my feet love the soft grass.

Several of the woody sections included fragrant pine groves with wide, soft, needle-covered trails and long views through the nearly bare understory. If I owned a house in woods like these, I’d walk the dogs along these peaceful paths every morning and evening. But I must be the only one who feels that way, as I walked completely alone all morning.

In some places the trail crossed boggy wetlands, sometimes on rough-hewn wood planks and steppingstones, and occasionally on more elaborate boardwalks raised above the ground surface. Despite the morning chill, I had to pull out my head net whenever the trail got swampy or shady, especially if I stopped moving.

Eventually, I reached the Housatonic River, this time following it briefly downstream before crossing it and traversing its floodplain to head toward the mountains. I saw my first white birches growing along the Housatonic. I’d seen several fallen birches the last few days, but no standing groves until today. I love everything about birches.

Mountains

As I walked away from the Housatonic River along a paved road, a runner startled me from behind. So, of course I yelled at her, telling her to cough or click her poles… just kidding. When I noticed she wore a race number, I asked if I was on a race route. She must have thought I was worried about crowds because she began explaining about the pack and her pace or something. But all I really wanted to know was whether there might be a snack station ahead. Alas.

I left the road and started climbing back into the woods. Two 1,000-foot climbs lay ahead of me, the first steep and the second much more gradual, with plenty of saw-toothed terrain in between them.

I passed Goldie at the top of the first climb, loudly chanting, horking up a hairball, or something at the only view portal, so I slipped past to give her some space. I’d last seen her in Pennsylvania. Northstar had met her two days ago where she was planning a 30-mile day to try to catch her tramily, but from what I saw, she was still alone.

Since the view rock was taken, I stopped for an early lunch at the next paved road crossing where I could sit in the sun to try to escape some of the mosquitos. I pulled out FarOut to check my remaining mileage and was shocked when it told me I still had 13 miles to go.

Mistakes

I had planned a 19-mile day. I’d been hiking for about four hours. Usually, by the time I break for lunch, I only have six or eight miles left. I did some quick math. I’d hiked four miles before reaching the end of FarOut map #6 and nearly eight miles since then. I should have had seven miles left to go, not 13, unless I’d only managed a pathetic 1.5 mph this morning. If FarOut was right, I’d end up with a 24-mile day, sore feet, and just possibly, a bad attitude.

Northstar had called this morning to tell me that our planned meet-up spot didn’t exist. There was no road crossing where I’d sent her. Plus, the road was nearly undrivable and had no parking, not even enough to sit and wait for me. Clearly, FarOut had flipped out.

Regardless, we needed a new meeting place. Eventually, we decided on the wonderfully named Beartown Mountain Road, a gravel road with a pullout just large enough for the van. I’d hoped for an actual town of bears but was happy enough with a place to park and to not have to walk 24 miles.

Magic

Now all I had to do was walk the remaining miles. Somehow, the threat of 24 miles made the 19 miles feel longer than it was. But God was smiling on me this fine Sunday and I found an untended trail magic setup at the next road crossing, just before I began the last big climb. At least I think it was trail magic. If it was somebody’s picnic, they had one less banana, Gatorade, and cookie when I left.

Don’t panic, it was definitely trail magic. They had a hiker sign-in sheet and a southbounder had told me about it, saying the lady had just left to run an errand.

Fueled with sugar and caffeine, I headed out for the last few miles. I passed Pony and Soup taking a break on a big rock. Pony said he’d just started The Name of the Wind, the book the Ridgerunner had recommended yesterday.

That Again?

Then he invited me to join him at the Upper Goose Cabin tomorrow night, saying it’s a great place to meet other hikers, sit around the fire, and tell stories. Like, for example, stories about how you got your trail name. I’d seen that one coming. He started working that angle yesterday. Not a chance. He’ll have to wait like the rest of you.

But I did make him the same offer I made Survivor back in North Carolina. I’d give him another clue every day I saw him. He’ll learn soon enough that I won’t necessarily give him good or useful clues. Plus, I knew that I’d be taking a zero day soon and we’d probably get separated. It all depends on his commitment.

For now, all he knows is that no priests were defrocked as a result of the incident. As far as I know.

Odds & Ends

• I saw a turkey on the trail today. In the woods. Also, two garter snakes pretending to be something more alarming.
• The bite valve on my water bladder is leaking. Maybe it’s not been the humidity that’s been soaking my shirt after all.
• The water caches at road crossing are a mess of empty plastic bottles. The ATC needs to figure out a better solution.

Daily Stats:

• Start: Undermountain Road (Mile 1,525.4)
• End: Beartown Mountain Road (Mile 1,543.4)
• Weather: Cool morning. Sunny, slightly humid, getting hotter again.
• Earworm: Wrapped Around Your Finger (The Police) – it’s back.
• Meditation: Lk. 12:15
• Plant of the Day: Balloon Flower
• Goal: Finish FarOut Map #6
• Best Thing: Trail magic
• Worst Thing: Mosquitos