22 August 2009
After a long 20 mile day hiking south from Dalton, arrived at Upper Goose Pond just as the sun was setting. Located a half mile off the trail, the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) run cabin is on the opposite end of the pond. As part of the government's acquisition of land around the AT, they acquired a formerly privately owned cabin which has been renovated for hikers to stay. There is a bunk room on the upper floor, a kitchen with gas stove, and two canoes are docked at the pond below. It is a cozy place. The water is appealing after a hot sweaty day. The only sensible action is to strip off and jump in for a swim. The water is a perfect temperature. Scenery is gorgeous.
Later that evening we talk with the volunteer caretaker (AMC members volunteer one week each), consume dinner, talk with other distance hikers, and read.
In the morning, caretaker John cooks us Blueberry Pancakes and makes several pots of coffee.
And then, although many of us would like to stay longer, it is time to leave for another day of hiking...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Upper Goose Pond Cabin
22 August 2009
After a long 20 mile day hiking south from Dalton, arrived at Upper Goose Pond just as the sun was setting. Located a half mile off the trail, the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) run cabin is on the opposite end of the pond. As part of the government's acquisition of land around the AT, they acquired a formerly privately owned cabin which has been renovated for hikers to stay. There is a bunk room on the upper floor, a kitchen with gas stove, and two canoes are docked at the pond below. It is a cozy place. The water is appealing after a hot sweaty day. The only sensible action is to strip off and jump in for a swim. The water is a perfect temperature. Scenery is gorgeous.
Later that evening we talk with the volunteer caretaker (AMC members volunteer one week each), consume dinner, talk with other distance hikers, and read.
In the morning, caretaker John cooks us Blueberry Pancakes and makes several pots of coffee.
And then, although many of us would like to stay longer, it is time to leave for another day of hiking...
After a long 20 mile day hiking south from Dalton, arrived at Upper Goose Pond just as the sun was setting. Located a half mile off the trail, the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) run cabin is on the opposite end of the pond. As part of the government's acquisition of land around the AT, they acquired a formerly privately owned cabin which has been renovated for hikers to stay. There is a bunk room on the upper floor, a kitchen with gas stove, and two canoes are docked at the pond below. It is a cozy place. The water is appealing after a hot sweaty day. The only sensible action is to strip off and jump in for a swim. The water is a perfect temperature. Scenery is gorgeous.
Later that evening we talk with the volunteer caretaker (AMC members volunteer one week each), consume dinner, talk with other distance hikers, and read.
In the morning, caretaker John cooks us Blueberry Pancakes and makes several pots of coffee.
And then, although many of us would like to stay longer, it is time to leave for another day of hiking...
The Birdcage - A Hiker's Hostel
09 August 2009
Along the trail are some well known "hiker hostels". There is the "White House" in the midst of the 100 mile wilderness, Rebekah's "Lakeshore House" in Monson, Jeff's "Green Mountain House" in Manchester Center, VT. In Dalton, MA there are two... Thomas Lavardi's house right on the trail, and "The Birdcage".
The Birdcage is run by Robert Bird and is located in the house where he lives and where his mother lived her entire life. There are bunk beds on the porch and in several rooms. Sometimes people set up tents in the yard or sleep in the garage. All are made to feel extremely welcome. Rob will shuttle you to the trail, to the store, or wherever you need to go. Laundry can be washed, and the kitchen is available for cooking. The living room contains a large screen TV and has a great sound system. Weary hikers like to relax and catch up on conversation and a movie or two. For all this, there is no charge.. if shopping one can buy something for the house, but that's all. Rob loves the trail community and feels a certain purpose in live from the service he provides. He is well known both on the trail and off, and has been doing this for 9 years. When he attends the annual Trail Days celebration he must be a celebrity.
Although only one story is told here, there are many others.
Along the trail are some well known "hiker hostels". There is the "White House" in the midst of the 100 mile wilderness, Rebekah's "Lakeshore House" in Monson, Jeff's "Green Mountain House" in Manchester Center, VT. In Dalton, MA there are two... Thomas Lavardi's house right on the trail, and "The Birdcage".
The Birdcage is run by Robert Bird and is located in the house where he lives and where his mother lived her entire life. There are bunk beds on the porch and in several rooms. Sometimes people set up tents in the yard or sleep in the garage. All are made to feel extremely welcome. Rob will shuttle you to the trail, to the store, or wherever you need to go. Laundry can be washed, and the kitchen is available for cooking. The living room contains a large screen TV and has a great sound system. Weary hikers like to relax and catch up on conversation and a movie or two. For all this, there is no charge.. if shopping one can buy something for the house, but that's all. Rob loves the trail community and feels a certain purpose in live from the service he provides. He is well known both on the trail and off, and has been doing this for 9 years. When he attends the annual Trail Days celebration he must be a celebrity.
Although only one story is told here, there are many others.
The Birdcage - A Hiker's Hostel
09 August 2009
Along the trail are some well known "hiker hostels". There is the "White House" in the midst of the 100 mile wilderness, Rebekah's "Lakeshore House" in Monson, Jeff's "Green Mountain House" in Manchester Center, VT. In Dalton, MA there are two... Thomas Lavardi's house right on the trail, and "The Birdcage".
The Birdcage is run by Robert Bird and is located in the house where he lives and where his mother lived her entire life. There are bunk beds on the porch and in several rooms. Sometimes people set up tents in the yard or sleep in the garage. All are made to feel extremely welcome. Rob will shuttle you to the trail, to the store, or wherever you need to go. Laundry can be washed, and the kitchen is available for cooking. The living room contains a large screen TV and has a great sound system. Weary hikers like to relax and catch up on conversation and a movie or two. For all this, there is no charge.. if shopping one can buy something for the house, but that's all. Rob loves the trail community and feels a certain purpose in live from the service he provides. He is well known both on the trail and off, and has been doing this for 9 years. When he attends the annual Trail Days celebration he must be a celebrity.
Although only one story is told here, there are many others.
Along the trail are some well known "hiker hostels". There is the "White House" in the midst of the 100 mile wilderness, Rebekah's "Lakeshore House" in Monson, Jeff's "Green Mountain House" in Manchester Center, VT. In Dalton, MA there are two... Thomas Lavardi's house right on the trail, and "The Birdcage".
The Birdcage is run by Robert Bird and is located in the house where he lives and where his mother lived her entire life. There are bunk beds on the porch and in several rooms. Sometimes people set up tents in the yard or sleep in the garage. All are made to feel extremely welcome. Rob will shuttle you to the trail, to the store, or wherever you need to go. Laundry can be washed, and the kitchen is available for cooking. The living room contains a large screen TV and has a great sound system. Weary hikers like to relax and catch up on conversation and a movie or two. For all this, there is no charge.. if shopping one can buy something for the house, but that's all. Rob loves the trail community and feels a certain purpose in live from the service he provides. He is well known both on the trail and off, and has been doing this for 9 years. When he attends the annual Trail Days celebration he must be a celebrity.
Although only one story is told here, there are many others.
Trail Magic
As the trail goes through populated areas, more Trail Magic appears. It is often provided by people who have themselves completed thru-hikes of the AT, and is a kindness that by definition must be repaid to others.
An example: coming down a trail, hot, sweaty and dirty, a cooler comes into view. On the top, a note welcoming distance hikers to partake of what is inside. There is always some way to write a note - most often a spiral notebook. Inside the cooler can be any combination of soda, water, candy or cookies. Trail Magic is always highly appreciated by the hikers, and can only be repaid if you (after your hike) provide some "Magic" to other hikers in another place and time.
Trail Magic is part of the trail culture, and in addition to being welcome adds positive karma to the giver and the world.
Thanks to all the providers of magic - we all love you!
An example: coming down a trail, hot, sweaty and dirty, a cooler comes into view. On the top, a note welcoming distance hikers to partake of what is inside. There is always some way to write a note - most often a spiral notebook. Inside the cooler can be any combination of soda, water, candy or cookies. Trail Magic is always highly appreciated by the hikers, and can only be repaid if you (after your hike) provide some "Magic" to other hikers in another place and time.
Trail Magic is part of the trail culture, and in addition to being welcome adds positive karma to the giver and the world.
Thanks to all the providers of magic - we all love you!
Trail Magic
As the trail goes through populated areas, more Trail Magic appears. It is often provided by people who have themselves completed thru-hikes of the AT, and is a kindness that by definition must be repaid to others.
An example: coming down a trail, hot, sweaty and dirty, a cooler comes into view. On the top, a note welcoming distance hikers to partake of what is inside. There is always some way to write a note - most often a spiral notebook. Inside the cooler can be any combination of soda, water, candy or cookies. Trail Magic is always highly appreciated by the hikers, and can only be repaid if you (after your hike) provide some "Magic" to other hikers in another place and time.
Trail Magic is part of the trail culture, and in addition to being welcome adds positive karma to the giver and the world.
Thanks to all the providers of magic - we all love you!
An example: coming down a trail, hot, sweaty and dirty, a cooler comes into view. On the top, a note welcoming distance hikers to partake of what is inside. There is always some way to write a note - most often a spiral notebook. Inside the cooler can be any combination of soda, water, candy or cookies. Trail Magic is always highly appreciated by the hikers, and can only be repaid if you (after your hike) provide some "Magic" to other hikers in another place and time.
Trail Magic is part of the trail culture, and in addition to being welcome adds positive karma to the giver and the world.
Thanks to all the providers of magic - we all love you!
A Hungry Hiker's Dinner
03 August 2009
Arrived midday at Manchester Center, Vermont. Got a ride to the town center and went shopping at the local food store. Jeff, the owner of the hiker hostel "Green Mountain House" mentioned that there is a hiker kitchen which includes a gas grill outside. Time to eat!
Dinner menu:
1+ pound of steak, grilled
a huge bowl of salad
4 ears of corn on the cob
2 cans of root beer soda
a can of mixed nuts
After all that, hardly felt full!
Arrived midday at Manchester Center, Vermont. Got a ride to the town center and went shopping at the local food store. Jeff, the owner of the hiker hostel "Green Mountain House" mentioned that there is a hiker kitchen which includes a gas grill outside. Time to eat!
Dinner menu:
1+ pound of steak, grilled
a huge bowl of salad
4 ears of corn on the cob
2 cans of root beer soda
a can of mixed nuts
After all that, hardly felt full!
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