Date: 2005-08-09
From: Hanover, NH

To: Dartmouth Athletic Fields, Hanover
Miles today: 0.0

Hopeful:   Today counts as a zero day for math purposes, but we really did walk a little (maybe a mile) to get to the outskirts of Hanover where we're sleeping along the edge of the Dartmouth athletic fields. Camping here may not be totally legal, but we couldn't find any signs, and it was too dark to try to hike up the trail to find a better spot. Plus, the grass looks awfully inviting! Hairball calls it our "night hike", but I'm not sure that a mile, mostly down sidewalks, can be called a "night hike".    We didn't plan the zero day, but it seemed the obvious decision when we woke up feeling still exhausted this AM. Last night we (Hairball, Snowbunny, Red Wing & I) had all felt a little rushed and even anxious after running around, getting things done in Hanover, and trying to gear up for the week of hiking to come-- which includes heading into the White Mountains, some of the most spectacular sections of the trail on the whole AT. In the frat house basement there were no parties last night, but we still didn't sleep exceptionally well. It was a little stuffy (maybe partly due to our stinky hiking gear being in a confined area), but also a hard tile floor, and fans running. I think we prefer a natural breeze at this point. Anyway, alarms went off at six and we all rolled back over with a groan. No sunlight reached the basement depths that could call to us this AM. The next time we stirred as around 7:30 AM and I believe that Hairball's comment was, "There's no way I'm hiking today". We shared similar sentiments, and the decision was a relief to all of us. Red Wing and I still had groceries to buy and phone calls to make. We added laundry to the list, and also a movie. It was a tough choice between Batman Begins and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but the majority voted for the superhero.    Being in town is much harder than being on the trail in the sense that in town I try to live in both worlds. Ideas run through my mind such as..."I really should write ____, or call ____." Or, "We should look for ___, or take care of ______." And, "Is it too much money to get/do _____?" While on trail, we make due with what we have. The choices are simple, such as... "Will we have mac 'n' cheese, beans and rice, or tortellini for dinner?", Or, "Should we stop for water in 7, or 10 miles?" And, "Should we stay in the tent or the shelter?". Not only do decisions in town seem more tiring than on the trail, but we definately don't fit in as well. Hanover is used to hikers I think, but it still may seem odd to see people with boots and wool socks walking down the street on a hot summe day. They also might see (like today) people folding their laundry in the library, or men with scruffy beards, or someone who orders two full meals for themself at a restaurant.   Hanover highlights include: *Ben & Jerry's store right on the trail*Dartmouth college computers everywhere without a usage time limit like so many libraries we've been to lately*a stopping point for both northbounders and southbounders*a fantastic grocery store called the Co-op   We're tired tonight! Hot days on pavement without much shade seems just as tough on our bodies, legs and feet as some days hiking in the woods up mountains. Yet, we're glad that we stayed, and I enjoyed unrushed time updating journals, and a couple of hours to reflect and pray by myself while Red Wing was off doing laundry. I was even able to get a hold of Lori Watkins (Queen Diva) back at Bear's Den Hostel, and she's a huge encourager to me in the hike, and in my relationship with Jesus. It was a great time and way for me to be encouraged.