Date: 2008-08-18
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: few clouds

I packed up, had a quick breakfast of mini bagels, cheese and spam then was on the trail minutes after 6:00 a.m. It was only 3 miles until the trail crossed VT 11&30 then 5-1/2 miles west into town. We arrived at the road in record time, the thought of a big breakfast had set our pace.We took up our positions along the road and stuck out our thumbs. We kept saying this next one will stop, well the next one for sure, and so on and so on.After 15 long minutes we got a ride, A small pick up. Medium Rare hopped in the front, I rode in the back amid a table saw and a pile of other tools.We thanked the driver who let us off at Bob's Diner, we dropped our packs, found a place in the corner the furthest away from other patrons and ordered a killer breakfast. I was surprised however, that we had to pay an extra dollar for real Vermont maple syrup as opposed to regular? Oh Well, when in Vermont?It had been good hiking with Medium Rare, after our breakfast, we shook hands and hit the road. Medium Rare hitching back to the trail head and me just walking the mile or so into Manchester and to the P.O.I looked back a few moments later and saw Medium Rare loading into a van. Smiling, I looked ahead at the blue sky above and the mountains around me. My thoughts went into a happy place as I continued to walk. Right now, not a care in the world and truly living free and enjoying this moment in time. I soon found the P.O. and picked up my package containing some warmer clothing I am now going to need. I ran into T-Bone again and met "Cookie Monster". Next order of business was to find a place to stay.There had been recent trail buzz about a new hostel called the Green Mountain House, there was only a phone number. I found a pay phone and left a message. I went another couple of blocks and did my resupply. I was able to exchange my 2nd defective SteriPen at the REI next door., Hopefully 3's a charm?Still leaving messages, I decided to do my laundry rather than waiting until I reached the hostel. Next to the laundry mat was a liquor store, I picked up a resupply there too. While my clothes were washing, I enjoyed a cold beer by a tree at the edge of the parking lot, it is sunny and warm today. I still can't get over where this beer thing comes from? I only have 1 or 2 tops, but it quinches my thirst in a way gator ade never could.A real treat was calling my Daughter Jeannette & speaking with my daughter Karly who was visiting her. I finally was able to hook up with the hostel owner Jeff, his pick up point was the grocery store where I was earlier. Jeff drove me just out of town to his home and hostel.Jeff had just started this a couple of weeks ago, he and his wife moved out of their house into a much smaller one next door. The hostel was a beautiful furnished 2 story home. Furniture, carpet, everything nice. Too nice I thought for a hiker hostel? Jeff had completed the AT in sections from 2001-2007. He had also started the PCT with about 400 miles completed? A true hiker spirit, who is giving back to those whom share his passion.Sprite and Freckles arrived later, we shared a room. I showered and sat out back on the patio eating a pizza with my feet kicked up and enjoying the mountains that stood not far away. A beautiful day, I was surprised to hear thunder in the distance. Gradually, the sky grew a little grayer and eventually began to rain. No matter, it has been a great day, all is well on the AT.Here tonight are John & Kelly, Dutch, Snowplow, and 2 southbounders "Honey" & "Duster".An additional comment about our host, Jeff is quickly becoming a trail legend in his hospitality. His home has become ours and all that he asks in return is to respect it. No Drugs, No drinking, and to smoke outside. I'm sure some of us have family that we wouldn't treat as well, let alone strangers? Thanks Jeff, you have enriched the AT with your giving. I have finished loading my pack and am enjoy hearing the thunder and watching the lightning from the window of my room. I am in a bed tonight and hope to have a good nights sleep? I have grown quite accustomed to my thermarest on the ground, hopefully this soft mattress will be as comfortable?