Today was a really fun day on the AT in Mass. We only hiked 14 miles, which at this point feels pedestrian.
For starters, I saw my first wild bear this morning. I was with another hiker who carries an umbrella, and when he flashed it at the bear, she didn’t know what hit her and ran off. She did have a few cubs, but they climbed a tree.
A few miles later, we passed through an old Shaker community with a trail stand selling soda and chips-hiker heaven!
The true highlight of the day, however, was arriving early to Upper Goose Pond Cabin. This place is simply amazing–an AMC cabin free to thru hikers with bunks for 14 and access to a beautiful pond.
Some other hikers and I had a great time taking out the canoes and swimming in the crystal clear water.
As fun as the lake was, the true highlight of the cabin were the caretakers’ kids. They stole the show and are all little monkeys…right down to the 10 month old who is already walking. 
Hiking through the woods is great, but this trail really is all about the people you get to meet along the way.