Date: 2015-07-20
From: Governor Clement Shelter, VT

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 10.6

Everyone in camp began stirring just before 6:30am. Knowing ~4 miles and a ~2,000ft climb awaited me, I quickly ate half of my limited food supply for a little energy. Yoohoo, Huey, Rabbit, Wilson, and I began our trek at 7:15am and immediately began the gradual climb up Mt. Killington. Saybra was left behind, but we'd briefly see her later at the summit. With Yoohoo leading and me falling in behind, our 5-man caravan, dubbed the "USS Bennington" by Huey, made our way up through beautiful beams of sunlight filtering through the leaves and light fog clinging to the mountainside.After reaching Shrewsbury Peak and following a ridge line leading to Killington Peak, a cool, steady wind insured that we kept moving in order to keep warm. Exactly 2 hours later at 9:15am, we reached Cooper Lodge Shelter, sitting a quarter mile below Killington Peak that would require scaling a steep rock wall in order to reach. Everyone dropped their packs for the climb up except for Rabbit and I. I'd be questioning my decision not to in no time as I lead the group up the climb. Reaching the summit under the thick cover of clouds speeding across the summit, I was afraid we'd made the sketchy climb for no reason. However, moments later as I stood atop the rocky summit, the clouds passed and was replaced by blue skies, the warmth of the sun, and miles and miles of mountains in every direction. The cycle would continue as clouds passed, leaving us shrouded in fog one minute and beneath clear skies the next. The whipping wind left me feeling cold at first as it beat against my sweat-drenched shirt, but soon didn't bother me as the wind actually began crying the shirt. After ~20 minutes of enjoying the views and taking pictures, we made our way back down the steep, wet trail, holding on to trees lining the trail.Back at the shelter we breaked for another ~20 minutes, snacking for energy after the morning's climb. I finished all of my fold supply save a cheese stick that I decided to have upon reaching US 4 in ~6 miles. Saybra made good time up the mountain as well, briefly appearing before she headed for the steep summit trail. We continued down the trail and would spend the next ~2.5 hours making our way down ~2,200ft over the next ~6 miles past Pico Camp, Churchill Scott Shelter, and the 1,700-mile marked (unmarked on the trail.) A couple hundred feet from US 4 we scored another round of trail magic left by the kind people at the Yellow Deli Hiker Hostel in Rutland, VT. Once again I was able to enjoy an ice cold Capri Sun.We exited the woods at US 4 to speeding vehicles. We originally planned to stay the night in a hotel in nearby Killington, VT, but had decided earlier to travel 10 miles off trail into Rutland, VT. With more hotel, food, and resupply options, it made more sense to us to do so. As we stood on the shoulder of the road, Huey spotted a city bus heading in the direction we needed to go and randomly tossed out his thumb. The bus was somehow able to stop for us and we ran down the road after it. One minute we were sweating in the woods, and the next we're enjoying the comforts of AC and a $2.00 ride into town. Perfect timing. I enjoyed my last stick of cheese as we rolled into town.The rest of our day was spent doing the usual nearo/zero activities I'm order of importance: eating (Wendy's,) lodging/shower/laundry (Day's Inn,) eating again (Denny's,) and resupply at a local grocery. I also walked to a nearby Staples and bought a new pair of headphones to replace the one's that have gradually been falling apart over the past few months. Being able to hear loud music in both ears was something I quickly discovered I had greatly missed.It's currently approaching 10:30pm and Yoohoo, Huey, and I are watching TV and enjoying a hodgepodge of one of Vermont's top brewing companies, Long Trail. Tomorrow's distance will be dictated by the weather which is calling for rain and possible storms as the day progresses. Shelters sit ~10 and ~20 miles from where we'll begin so somewhere between the 2 will be the goal. It's time to sign off and enjoy another night of clean clothes, silky smooth hair, and a bed to myself.Here's to standing atop the highest point of the AT in Vermont, breakfast for dinner, and a cold Long Trail IPA to wash down the day.