Date: 2013-06-28
From: Mass

To: Vermont
Miles today: 0.0

"squuuiish, gluurrrp, ssshhmoock"...Welcome to Vermud! I was warned that Vermont can be muddy, but again, it was beyond my expectation. Much of the time I was dancing on rocks and logs to avoid a mud pit, or skirting around the sides the best I could. Thinking back this was all pretty pointless because either way my shoes, socks, and feet were always wet and muddy. On top of that, it rained nearly everyday in VT. An afternoon thunderstorm was expected- just enough to get me soaked before the end of the day. The rain and overcast days wear me down. Trudging up and down mountains and through the mud takes its toll on me, and one day I call it quits before I reach my goal for the day. I remember feeling completely zonked. It was not enough sleep, not enough water, not enough food, or any combination of these necessities that did me in. I was kind of concerned with my inability to continue on that day and how discouraged I felt, but sometimes you just gotta know when to stop and not force it.I spend the 4th of July on top Stratton Mountain, the mountain on which Benton MacKaye conceived the idea of the AT. I, and another hiker Clammy, were hoping to catch some fireworks from the surrounding area, but what we saw was a disappointing display of dim lights through the night fog. Anyway, the mountain was beautiful and the fire tower on the peak offers a perfect view. I make a stay in Manchester Center. I feel I should be consuming more calories so I go to where I know I will get the most bang for my buck; McDonalds. Conveniently enough, they had the calories for each item listed next to it so I was able to chose the foods that had the highest. I consume a few thousand calories with only shelling out a few bucks. The next day I refill on a healthy breakfast; around 3,000 calories! That supplied me with plenty of energy to get through the hiking day. The forests in Vermont, aside from muddy, were very nice. Once I hike up to about 2,500 feet in elevation, the forests transform into fresh evergreens and pines. The cool air lightens my steps. I meet up with Clammy and he invites me to a friends hotel room in Rutland. We hitch into town in a matter of minutes and enjoy the hotel during the downpours and heavy thunderstorms of the night. Rash, Brightside, Clammy and I head up Killington Mountain, one of the east coasts' most popular ski resorts. It was neat to hike up this mountain which I snowboarded down a few years ago. I was able to take the .2, very steep, side trail to the summit and had a brief view before a cloud parked itself just on top as well. While down at the shelter it was a sunny, nice evening, I couldn't see past 50 ft on the summit.I had noticed in MA that my shoes were falling apart; the toe flaps in front and holes near my pinky toes. I give a call to Oboz, the shoe company, and explain the situation. They send out a brand new pair. Yes I know, awesome customer service. Unfortunately, the shipping mess made me have to wait till NH to get the new shoes. Again with the rain. Every evening I wring out the mud water and foot juice from my socks. Putting them on in the morning is something I will certainly not miss upon completion of the trail. Fording brooks is no problem if you just walk right through them. On one occasion, I take the opportunity to "show off" in front of a few section hikers who were deciding how to get across a stream without getting wet. I didn't turn around to see their faces after I just walked right through it, but I thought it was funny. My last day in Vermont was like a gift. I sleep in and hit the trail just before 9 am. The suns out! I stop two times throughout the day and actually sit in the sun and dry my shoes and socks. I walk through some peaceful meadows, and decide to hike into town (Hanover, NH) that evening. The trail pops out onto a roadwalk for a few miles. I see a cooler near a mailbox; trail magic! As I'm signing the logbook, a car pulls up with Rash, Brightside, and Clammy. The epitome of perfect timing. Trail angle Short and Sweet puts us up in her house for the night. A chance to shower, get laundry done and eat some good food. only about 440 miles to go!