Date: 2012-08-02
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

We got up early today in order to get into Manchester by lunch time. When we got to the road crossing we were lucky enough to get a ride into town with another thru-hiker's mom. The first thing Warrior and I did in town was stop for sushi, then we went to the Mountain Goat Outfitter. There are two outfitters in Manchester. I know I made a big racket about cooking on fire, but I've learned that carrying a few Esbit blocks completes the system. Some days it's too wet to easily start a fire and sometimes you just don't feel like it. I think Esbit fuel is great. The only problem is that they are not always available. Only the better outfitters carry them. I ran out in Conneticut because they don't allow campfires in that state along the A.T. I told my God Sister Yumiko that I ran out and she is going to meet me in Hanover, NH with a whole box of them. But I've still been hoping to find some before then. I lucked out at the Mountain Goat. They were selling an off brand by the block. I bought 4 to have as back up. They also had and "Esbit" brand .4 ounce titanium stand for sale. I've been propping my cup up with rocks up to this point, but the stand is small, light, and holds the fuel at the most efficient distance from the cup. I had to have it. I also purchased a Leatherman "style CS" to replace the squirt. The scissors on the style CS are way better then the squirt, it's also cheaper.After shopping at the Mountain Goat, we walked across town to check out Eastern Mountain Sports. I traded out a pair of "Darn Tough" socks there. The only reason that they had a hole in them is because I used them as a pot holder...it melted one of them a little bit. Darn Tough stands behind their socks with a lifetime replacement guarantee, I got a new pair free of charge (no questions asked).......FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT... I was prepared to get no for an answer, but I didn't. The reason I'm broadcasting that I got new socks is because I like Darn Tough and their return policy. I also admitted that it took using them as a pot holder to put a hole in them for two reasons. One, Smartwool socks don't melt when you use them as a potholder. Darn Tough has a higher percentage of synthetic fibers which means they'll melt, (don't spray deet on them either). Talking about these things may help other hikers from making the same mistakes. Two, the reason I was honest is because Darn Tough socks really are tough and it's hard to wear them out. If I hadn't explained why I replaced them people would have assumed that they wore out. (If you want to leave critical comments at least leave a name and address so I can respond to you). I deleted the two comments that were critical of me for having exchanged those socks, it was a knee jerk reaction. As far as Darn Tough losing money for replacing them, the experience I had with their return policy ended up with me buying another pair in addition to the pair I exchanged. That's how you grow your business and at $15 a pair, a certain amount of replacement cost has already been factored in.We stopped at a pizza place for second lunch. I made Warrior an alcohol stove out of two pop cans using my Leatherman and a pair of nail clippers. I resupplied at the supermarket next door, remembering to get almost everything on Spirit's grocery list. I met a woman outside the store when I was done shopping who agreed to give me a ride back to the trail (Warrior is staying at a hostel in town).I walked a short distance to the Bromley Shelter where I met Spirit. I forgot to get her a cheeseburger so I gave her two pieces of left over pizza.UPDATE: 8/6/12I know I'm a few days behind. I am experiencing some technical difficulties. I was in an awful thunderstorm a few days ago and my phone got soaked. I've had it in a bag of rice for three days hoping it will dry out and work properly again. I have journal entries and pictures to post, I will get them up ASAP. Stay tuned and thanks for your patients.