I did not want to get up today, but Bunny insisted. I did not want to head over to the other cabin to eat, but Bunny insisted. I did not want to use the privy today, but Bunny insisted. I did not want to shower today, but Bunny insisted. I did not want to pack up today, but Bunny insisted. I did not want to leave the cabin, but Bunny insisted. I did not want to hike today, but Bunny insisted. I didn’t want to hike far today, and finally, Bunny quit being so pushy and agreed with me.
We enjoyed our little cabin on the Housatonic River immensely. This place is, without a doubt, our favorite place we have stayed to date. By the time we rolled out of bed (at Bunny’s insistence) at 8:30, Kaos had already been gone a couple of hours. I grabbed a cup of coffee and the empty wine bottle to take to the recycling and headed to the other cabin where the peasants were staying. “Wine for breakfast?” was the only comment I got. If only Bunny would have insisted on that one.
Needless to say, we didn’t get started until almost 11:30. We walked through the woods to get back to Bull’s Bridge. We were finally back on the trail after a zero. We usually have a hard time getting going the day after a zero, but now we were going to make some time. “Bunny Tracks and Easily Forgotten, if you keep walking that direction, you’re going to miss the magic.” I couldn’t tell who it was, but we were willing to backtrack a few feet for some magic.
The voice turned out to be Pilgrim who we haven’t seen since the day we left Delaware Water Gap. The magic turned out to be beer, Cokes, cookies, and chicken nuggets. We dropped our packs and chilled a bit. It’s always nice to be polite. We also got to meet several more sobos, the real kind that started at Katahdin and don’t wear “depends” to keep from getting up in the night.
Delay a lot, I can do. Delay forever, I cannot. By the time noon rolled around, we had to get hiking. I tried to get Bunny to stop for some lunch, but she’s turned hard as nails and said we’ve got to hike. If Karen had said to us this morning, “I’ll give you a $1 discount if you want to stay another night” I would not be hiking now. The sound of the river had too much draw for me.
At the first overlook when most of our climb was done, I was able to convince her to stop for a break. While we were sitting having some snacks and Gatorade, a group of students from Western Connecticut State University showed up at the overlook. They were part of an outside adventure class on a day hike. I asked how far they were going. This was it for them, just turn around and head back to the cars at the road we had started at. They asked if we were thru-hiking. When we said yes, they had a few questions for us which I gladly took the time to answer. No amount of hiking progress is more important than a child’s education. The minute they left, Bunny insisted I get my pack on and start walking.
A little after 2, we ran across another couple heading north. Baby, and his girlfriend, Elizabeth had already hiked 10 miles today to our 4. We talked about possible camping spots ahead and where everyone might be headed. Bunny had toned down her goal from 18 miles for today to about 14. I didn’t think I had another 10 in me. 3 maybe, but only if it’s Bunny’s idea.
Luck was on my side. We ran across a pretty crappy section of trail going downhill. It was a boulder field that would have fit in the perceived image of PA. I can see now how PA has gotten its reputation as Rocksylvania. Everyone keeps talking up the 20 or 30 rocks in the state trying to outdo everyone else’s tall tales of rock woes. Truth of the matter is, the trail has been pretty easy since Rockfish Gap in VA (the start of Shenandoah). Now all the babies cry about an 800’ climb like it’s something tough. This is how the Whites in New Hampshire have been built up to the mythical Great Wall of the AT.
I could hear Bunny sighing behind me. It was getting close to 4. I had to use just a little squeak to get the hinge oiled. “Can I have an Aleve? My ankle is hurting.” The hook is in and just needs to be set, just a little yank…
“It’s getting late and I’m feeling a little tired. Maybe we should stop at the shelter and tackle the ledges when we’re fresh tomorrow.” I had to acquiesce. “That’s probably for the best. We can get caught up on the blog. I had really wanted to get the 18 miles in, but if you’re tired, I don’t want to push and run the chance of you getting hurt.” I can’t lose. I’ve given into her desire, shown concern for her well being, and laid down just a little guilt. Someone call the “husband of the year” selection committee. As long as Bunny doesn’t proof this day’s entry, I’m golden.
We made it to camp and had the tent set up before 5. I organized all the food while Bunny set up the air mattresses. When she came out to give her input for supper, I opened a big bag of M&Ms and let her eat freely. I didn’t count a single M tonight. For an appetizer, we had hummus and pita chips (compliments of Alice) and an entree of Knorr Parmesan noodles with chicken, followed by a dehydrated ice cream sandwich for dessert. We were in the tent by 6:30. Tomorrow, we’ll get up and get that 18 I wanted to get today. I’m a patient man.
EFG