Day 124 - 2nd August - Sth Wilcox Shelter to Goose Pond Shelter - 16 miles.

We see our first beaver swimming in a beaver dam, and are excited. Only the head and ripples from the swimming pattern but it is better than nothing.

 There is some wonderful hiking through lush forests, and we revel in the damp moist New England environment. We find a Shaker community in a valley alongside the trail - a remnant religious sect based on very simple living from another century.

We find huge blueberries and feast on them. .We make it to Goose Pond, a place which is a legend on the trail. There is a luxury shelter, with a warden in residence, and loads of hikers. We camp on a platform 100 metres away from all the noise. 

This is the only place where I actually have a swim on the trail. The water is cold. There is a great communal dinner cooked that night for all the hikers with everyone pitching in to help and make a donation. The same thing happens for breakfast. So we eat really well and feel full.