Date: 2003-07-07
From: Spruce Peak Shelter (2180')

To: VT11/30, Manchester Center (1870') 
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Aloha! Gosh dog if this wasn't another terrific day I don't know what would be! Check out that mileage. You're reading it right, a whole 2.8 miles. Excellent! I'm moving now, huh. I'm moving right to where I wanted to be - with two former hiking queens from 2001! Wuhuu!   Earlier in the week I heard from another one of the three phenomenal women I've told you about from 2001. You've already met Monya, now meet Short Job. Another awesome woman. Short Job contacted me to let me know that I was coming in to her neck of the woods and "let's get together". We set up meeting in Manchester Center where I had a mail drop to pick up. Excellent!   Thanks to Dave and Dale, Ben and I were able to catch a ride into town with them early this morning. Having to shuttle cars around, Dave and Dale were heading exactly where we wanted to be - Manchester Center. With a mere 2.8 miles to walk, a shuttle to town already set, Ben and I couldn't have been happier. We meandered along behind the gentlemen just as happy as two pigs in mud. Our day was starting out perfectly. We even arrived in town early enough to enjoy a breakfast bagel before Short Job's scheduled arrival.   Right on time, it was fantastic to see her. With the same heart-warming smile I remember from two years ago she was there and ready to go wherever. It had already been agreed that she would assist me in getting whatever I needed to do accomplished, such as the post office, and then I would spend the night at her place in Saratoga, NY. What I hadn't known is that she and Monya had chatted and Monya was on her way into town to get together with us too! Awesome! Another reunion! It wasn't very long before Monya showed in all her energetic glory. To have two of the three women I've most admired on the trail there to see me almost made me cry. They're so great!   From that moment and until we sat down to lunch, Monya and Short Job spent the time doing something they both enjoy doing - playing trail angels.   Numerous hikers, to include Ben, Rocky, Skeeter, Lucky, and a southbounder, benefited by their being in town. Trips to the trailhead, the post office, the grocery, and the outfitter were quickly taken care of. Since Manchester is a hiker-friendly but not hiker-convenient town, their trail angel acts were greatly appreciated. They are Angels!   After most everyone known had been taken care of the three old friends were off to a nice little restaurant for lunch. It became quickly apparent that the normal lunch crowd was not used to seeing dirty smelly hikers there. We seemed to draw quite a bit of attention and not so happy looks. Didn't matter though, we were enjoying the hell out of our reunion and the tons of food.   Time passed far too quickly and Monya had to get on the road to Boston. She is about to embark on a working sailing vessel cruise. I don't recall from which period but it wasn't a modern vessel. This one includes wearing the garb/attire of that period also. It sounded great. Another grand adventure for a grand lady. I'm so excited for her.   With Monya's departure Short Job and I headed to New York. I realized quickly that Short Job had gone way out of her way to come see me. Our drive back to her house was via what I thought were back country roads but turned out to be THE way to get to and from points A and B. No expressways in this neck of the woods. An hour later we were pulling into Short Job's lovely home.   The rest of the day was spent washing my filthy laundry and body, chatting up a storm, sorting through my mail drop box (thanks Char, felt just like Christmas, looks yummy), chatting some more, admiring my new boots and inserts (wuhuu!), chatting even more, changing out the lower sections of my hiking poles (Leki came through as promised), chatting lots more, and basically just relaxing. Or at least I was. Short Job and hubby, John, stayed constantly busy.   Busy waiting on me hand and foot and cooking up a wonderful dinner of swordfish, potatoes, green beans and fresh salad. I had been more than willing to take them out to dinner for their kindness but will admit that the home cooked meal was so much better. So tasty! I owe them many thanks for their generosity all through the day. Once again, it's going to be hard repaying their kindness.   Filled with strawberries and whipped cream decadence it was time to call it a night and let these good people rest. They've got to be exhausted. I know I am and I didn't work anywhere near as hard as they did. Tucked into their guest bedroom in a big soft comfy queen-size bed I can barely keep my eyes open. It's been a long but fast day... and I loved it.   I've said it already but I'll say it again because I can; it's been another awesome day! All because of other people's kindness. I'm feeling pretty special right now. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to do the same to and for someone else. I can only hope that I can be as generous.   Okay, enough sap and crap. Time for bed. I can already tell that tomorrow is going to be another great day. What else could it be after a day like this one? You sleep well. I'll dream a good dream for you tonight. Good night.BSandTs: absolutely not!AandPs: my arches have fallen and they won't get up!MandGs: today? I think NOT!Critter count: not a single critter to be counted. Bummer.