August 1 – Upper Goose Pond Cabin (Day 135 – milepoint 1522.8)

Joined here at the Upper Goose Pond Cabin by 20+ other thru-hikers.

Achilles and I had an interesting conversation today about this group of hikers that has loosely formed. A pretty wide variety of backgrounds, all extraordinary in their own way. We wondered if other groups have formed liked this and whether this one will remain, dissipate, or grow? Does this happen every year? Most of the people we’ve hiked with for multiple days out here are still going. Interestingly, most of the people who have gotten off the Trail for whatever reason, are folks that we don’t know or haven’t spent much time with.

Which brings us to Achilles‘ question: Is there a common trait attracting the folks who have within them the luck, perseverance, frame of mind, physical stamina, etc. to make it this far? How many people have these traits, but will not make it this far because of the influence of those who “didn’t have it?”

Maybe luck has nothing to do with it, but a lot can happen in six months and I’ll bet there are some solid sociological conclusions that could be drawn from the social patterns that exist on an AT thru-hike.

Of course, we could be wrong.

Anyway, Upper Goose Pond is a beautiful glacial pond. Small World, Jarvis, Woolybooger and I took a canoe out and explored for a while. Nice to be on the water.

Aquaholic