We woke up to a truly magical sunrise over Upper Goose Pond. The stillness of the water and the soft glow of morning light made it one of those unforgettable trail moments 🌅. To make the morning even sweeter, the caretaker greeted us with his famous blueberry pancakes and I treated myself to a ginger latte—a perfect breakfast to fuel the day ahead.
After packing up, we hopped in with a shuttle driver who kindly took us into town. First stop: laundry. There’s nothing quite like the fresh comfort of clean clothes after days on trail 🧺. We also took the opportunity to ship some extra gear and clothing home, lightening our load for the miles to come.
The best part? Our shuttle driver offered to slack-pack us for the day. That meant we got to hike without our heavy packs—just carrying water and snacks. With the heat and humidity pressing down, it made such a difference. We flew through the trail miles, feeling a little lighter and quicker with every step 🚶♀️💨.
By evening, we made our way into the town of Lee. It was the perfect place to rest, recharge, and prepare for the next stretch of trail. A shower, some hydration, and the comfort of a real bed never felt so good 🛏️💧.
Day 5 was a reminder that trail life is a balance—between the tough, sweaty climbs and the little luxuries that make the journey so worth it.
Ava Outdoor Adventures 🏔 