Date: 2015-07-14
From: Seth Warner Shelter, VT

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 11.5

Although temperatures were reasonable last night with most hikers shredding their sleeping bags, I suffered through a night of cold due to the lack of one. Tossing and turning until around 2:00am, I finally gave up and put on 2 pairs of socks, rain pants, a nano puff jacket, and gloves. Even with these additions I was still cold, but managed to fall asleep. I woke up just after 6:00am to the voices of nearby LT hikers who were beginning their days early. I remember a mere ~3 months ago when I was able to rise with the sun and get moving before everyone. These days the sun has been up a couple hours by the time I'm moving.Rabbit was off before the rest of us again and we'd follow suit within the hour. A half mile into the day's hike we'd cross the 1,600-mile mark, though unmarked or even commented on by anyone. The closer we get to Katahdin, the more only one milestone matters, though every mile is still an accomplishment.As we neared the peak of Consultation Peak, Yoohoo leading followed by Huey and I, I heard a 'sploosh...sploosh, sploosh...sploosh' over my music, followed by profanity. I looked up to see both Yoohoo and Huey recovering from shin-deep steps into wet, soupy mud puddles. As I rock-hopped to avoid their poor choices in foot placement, I did manage to get a drop of mud on one of my gaiters. I was pissed, to say the least. I considered stopping, setting up my tent, and zeroing in order to allow the drop to dry, but ultimately decided I could continue on if they could.We reached Congdon Shelter after ~7.5 miles and breaked for a quick snack and break. This plan, however, would turn into a break of just over an hour as LT hikers continued to roll in and ask us questions regarding the AT and long distance hiking in general. We happily supplied them with the information they were looking for, mainly because it postponed us returning to the trail. A little after noon, though, everyone left the shelter as a big group, but we soon separated ourselves and pushed ahead. Our goal was to reach VT 9, ~4 miles away, before making our next plan. North of VT 9 is a 10-mile stretch of uphill before finally topping out, one of the longest ascents since climbing out of Fontana Dam into the Smokies. After reaching Harmon Hill, the remaining terrain was dominantly downhill which we covered by 1:30pm.As we reached VT 9 we were waved over across the road by Mosey who was enjoying some trail magic. We headed over where we met Steve, providing 2 coolers full of Gatorade, sodas, and cookies. I helped myself to 2 Coke's. We knew Rabbit had gone into Bennington, ~5 miles off trail, and Huey decided to go in as well. Yoohoo and I decided it'd be best to go in as well for another light resupply before entering a stretch of few trail towns. Steve was heading into town and offered us a ride as well. On the way in he pointed out some points of interest, and suggested where we eat and stay should we decide to. He dropped us off at the Catamount Motel where Rabbit greeted us wearing nothing but a towel after a fresh shower.It didn't take long before Yoohoo and I got our own room. Though the terrain has yet to really return to the mountains, I find the trail taking more of a toll on me, both physically and mentally. Anything other than routine has become much more desired. Being on the trail and moving north is still the highlight of this journey, but keeping my mind and body in a good place is key as I begin entering the final stretch with less than 600 miles to go.After quick showers in a room reeking of musty-smelling gear, the 4 of us walked downtown to Ramunto's, a pizzeria/bar type place offering fairly priced options ranging from pizza to burgers to pasta. The downtown of Bennington is quaint, but has enough hustle and bustle to give it the appearance of a happening little place - perhaps somewhere you could one day retire to. A semi pulling a Huey also rolled by which made for a rare sight. The town can't be all that bad. The daily special was a double cheeseburger with fries and any beer on tap for $7.95. I ordered that, plus a slice of pizza, and a Coke. Leaving with a tab of $15, it felt refreshing feeling stuffed, but not ripped off. After dinner Yoohoo and I began making our way to Dollar General for a small resupply, but ended up stopping into a small bookshop due to my weakness for books. I purchased a book for whatever reason, somehow thinking I'll find room for it in my pack. Though I've read most of it before in the past, I couldn't help pass up The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. Hiking through an area just east of where the book takes place, I saw myself as Natty Bumppo as I stood between the rows of books. Whether or not I find the energy to actually get some reading done while on the trail is still TBD.After a quick resupply at Dollar General we walked back to our motel, got our laundry started, kicked up our feet, and have since been watching the MLB All-Star game as we split a 2-liter of Coke and 6-pack of Shock Top. I would assume we'll get some sleep tonight, but I can't promise that at the moment.For now I'll dive into a night of relaxation in a nice bed (as nice as motel beds get, anyways) and hopefully return to the trail energized in the morning.Here's to more titles for Djokovic and Williams (sporting news gets to me slowly,) 1,600 miles complete, and positive encouragement provided by my friend, Doug.