The hikers spent the night at a motel in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Madeline enjoyed cocooning in bed with the television and Jonathan shared pizza and time with another hiker, YoYo, who was also staying at the motel for the night. Jonathan also walked into town and was treated to a couple of beers by a local who enjoys meeting AT hikers. They both appreciated beds and showers.
It has been slow going for the last week. Madeline had a few days with a stomach virus and feeling weak. Over that but then sprained her ankle a couple nights ago navigating a rocky, rain slick mountain. There has been rain aplenty this past week. Madeline has lost her pack cover and has to resort to garbage bags to keep it dry.
They have been spending their days mostly hiking separately as their pace has been significantly different. Jonathan is feeling in peak shape and is now comfortable with a pace of between 2 1/4 and 2 3/4 miles per hour as long as the ascents aren't too steep. He has down time when he stops to wait for Madeline to catch up.
The trails of late have been pretty good, though the top of the peaks are very steep. They are still encountering low sections of muddy swamp, heavy with mosquitoes. Madeline sighted a large owl who flew about 10 feet in front of her. Jonathan sighted a skunk kit, hopping around and acting foolish.
They have detoured to towns several times to resupply food. With their slower pace, they are relying longer on a food drop than anticipated.
They sometimes make use of shelters, sometimes camp, and sometimes separate. They have not encountered any mice or other critters creating disturbances in the shelters at night.
They are in the middle of the pack of north bound hikers and are now running into some southbound hikers as well. Spirits seemed pretty good in spite of set backs. They were prepping to head back on the trail, picking up extra provisions in the grocery and asking around for someone going their way to give them the 10 mile ride back towards the trail. Madeline, of course, picked up another book to read as well as a small book of crossword puzzles. Perhaps everyone will be healthy and whole and making better time in the next chapter. ~ Amy
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