Oh glorious sleep. I think it has to do with a couple of factors. I was exhausted yesterday. When I entered my room, I turned on Family Channel – Hallmark and promptly fell asleep. Such riveting stories but I already knew the ending. I slept way past my wake-up time.

I was pretty much already packed, had a ride lined up and was back on the trail before 8am. Not bad for a town stop. The morning walk went through some pasturelands, and had a couple of rocky climbs that overlooked the Housatonic River and valleys below.

Once I crossed the highway, I saw Gasket. He looked like I felt last night, exhausted. Gasket was ready to head back to Town, and get a room for the night. I totally knows how he feels. Some days I am full of energy and tearing to go, and other days I am spent by noon. The incredible sleep I had last night, kept me moving.

I had a little climb up to Benedict Pond. This is a local hangout for the neighboring area. It is a good sized pond, more like a lake with boulders and frogs croaking. I met a nice couple from South Point, England, Caroline and Ian. They were visiting cousins nearby and went for a stroll to the lake. Caroline had lots of questions regarding my excursion. We talked for a bit about trail life, what in the world do I eat out here, and if I’m afraid? These are the typical concerns that most people have. I showed them my lunch, salami, cheese and a big dill pickle. Ian wanted to know where the bread was? I thought to myself, I do need to find some good artisan bread.

I retrieved my snack bag and they went to find groceries. The pond was pretty, the day was nice and I ate my lunch. There were dragonfly’s all over the pond, and butterflies landing on the rock beside me. The bullfrog was out of sight but you could definitely hear him over the birds. He was croaking like he had something to croak about!

After lunch, I started my afternoon push to camp. I wanted to get a few more miles in so I set my goal for Shaker Campsite. In Massachusetts, they have required areas to camp at. There are Shelters, which I’m not a big fan of, and primitive camping with Bear Boxes and Privy’s. This site even has platforms to put your tent on top. I haven’t tried that yet, so we’ll see.

Around 6pm, I arrived in camp. There were quite of few people already set up. Both platforms were used, and most the sites were spoken for. A hiker told me about a site above the picnic table. Perfect, I’ll head over yonder. It was just what I needed. I built my home and went to get water.

I met Poncho and Strawberry-Shortcake. They are flip-flippers like me and started just a couple of days before I did. And they are females. I haven’t seen many women out here since C2T and Braveheart left. Poncho pointed me to the creek and we talked a bit later.

Shaker Campsite has quite a bit of history. 1762, the Shakers came to this area and lived in communal homes. They grew in numbers and by the 1800’s, there were close to 100 Shakers. They were farmers, tapped close to 5000 trees and produced Maple Syrup. They built a 5-Story building for growing, packaging and selling seeds. In fact the rock wall that still stands was most likely a small barn. My tent is sitting on top of it. Sadly, the Shakers slowly left to other places, and by 1858, the last of the community members had sold their properties and moved elsewhere. It seems that they were an important part of this rich history and their memory is still alive.

I made my dinner, Backpacking Pantry’s Chicken Pad Thai. This is my most favorite version of this meal. It even comes with peanut butter packet and fresh peanuts. I was only missing bean sprouts. I probably could find some in all the ponds I had passed by today. Next time.

Well that wraps up another day on the Appalachian Trail for me. It’s nice to be sleeping near others, knowing if Mrs. Bear comes, I’ll have some backup. From reading my FarOut App, there’s a Mama Bear with two cubs in the area. I’ll keep an eye out and let you know if I see or hear them. For now, I’m signing off.