Date: 2003-07-19
From: Randy & Linda's Place West Hartford VT

To: Hanover NH (Panarchy House)
Miles today: 9.8

Day 128 Avg Mls/Day 13.5Weather: Pleasant, cool for the morning hike in to town. Sunny low 80's.Today's Nature: More birds singing today. Some chipmunks and toads.Falls Today 0 Total 6Today's Song: Beer For My Horses (again...I'll explain)Well, the hike went well but the stop in town...let's just say it could have worked out better.Got up and out before 6. The climb of 1,200' out of West Hartford wasn't that bad. I stopped for a break at Happy Hill Shelter and still did 2.5 mph. The Trail was nice, fairly wide except for the narrow passages through the weeds. Nice soft crushed pine needles in places.Just before Hanover the Trail goes through Norwich VT. I stopped by a local bakery for a danish, coffee and juice ($6) While I'm there, this couple pulls up in their Bentley convertible...very sheek. He goes into the wine shop and she the bakery.You know Hanover is known as "the most sophisticated town on the AT" and is the home of Dartmouth College. First thing I did was talk to a student in the information booth on the green. Her name is Nicki and she was so nice and quite helpful. I was trying to find a reasonable motel since I had heard from other hikers that the basement accomodations in the frat houses were less than desirable. She called several places and all were booked. Finally found a room several miles out of town at a Days Inn for $129.While I was talking to Nicki, a gentleman section hiker stopped by and we got to talking. His trailname is "The Professor" and he is doing the Trail north of here for 2 weeks starting Monday. He was gracious enough to take me out to the Days Inn. When I saw how far away fom everything it was, I had him take me back to town. I also thought it was a little high. Thanks again Professor for your help.BTW, the professor hiked with Blaze last year. Blaze was one of the thru-hikers I followed passionately on Trailjournals. I didn't mention it, but "T", who I was with yesterday, also hiked with Blaze. What a coincidence.I then visited the Dartmouth Outing Club where I was directed to the Panarchy House. I walked over and met 2 SOBO's who had been there for 3 nights...Broke and No Z. Interesting guys. The place looked pretty rough, old dirty mattresses, stuff strewn around, empty bottles.I checked the other frat house but they were not taking hikers this weekend due to activities. I then decided to take the room at the Days Inn.As I was waiting for a bus (to take me out to the Inn) I met a student, J.R. We chatted for awhile and he had to leave. He is doing a paper on thru-hikers (probably what sophisticated, intelligent people we are) We got to talking about why one does this and the religiuos aspect. Nice guy.I got tired of waiting for a bus and hitched a ride with a young man named Jim. Great guy who recognized me as a hiker and was glad to give me a ride. Only problem, after he dropped me off at the motel I found all rooms were gone. Anyway, thanks Jim! I decided to hitch back into town. Across the 4 lane, next to the Days Inn, a country music station was broadcasting live over loud speakers. I yelled from across the highway, "play Beer For My Horses!" The guy yelled back, "Give me 10 minutes." Just as I was getting picked up by these 2 young guys, they played it. They tuned it in on the car radio as we took off. The driver had hiked the AT a few years back, great guy and I apologize for not remembering his trailname. The ride was much appreciated.When I got to the Panarchy House SOBO's Stubbs and Broken Shoe were there. We went to the grocery store and bought some food. Came back and another SOBO, Coop, and I decided to try and clean the place up a little. We picked up the trash and swept the floor, best we could. I don't think it had been swept for months.I went out to eat at a popular restaurant, Mollies. Sat at the bar next to a nice young man, Warren. He is here from Colorado for week of "lacrosse camp." He hopes to be admitted here and make the team. Great young man with a bright future.Came back to Panarchy where I will cheerfully and gratefully spend the night. Also here are SOBO's Jeremy & Ginger plus Birdsong, NOBO Swift. and the others previously mentioned.Tomorrow I believe I will zero at a Mom & Pop motel a couple of miles out...rooms are available. I need a zero in a good place before I get into the Whites in a few days.Thought for the Day: A thru-hiker appreciates any accomodations...well, almost any.