Date: 2014-07-19
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

Boy was I mad at myself this morning when I woke up this morning and saw that a mouse had eaten through the tent netting right where I had stashed some empty wrappers the night before. After all of this time I should have known better. Oconee who is a piddler when it comes to getting ready in the morning was ready to go before me today. But then again he has fore gone his usual cup of coffee and his 2 packets of oatmeal to do so with the reason being he has visions of pancakes and real maple syrup at the Whistle Stop Diner up ahead. We got a nice view of Rutland's airport and then came across an impressive suspension bridge over a gorge which was unfortunately built after a thru hiker had lost his life in 1993 while trying to ford the waters before the bridge was put in place. We made it to the trail head shortly after and quickly covered the .5 mile walk to the Whistle Stop for breakfast. To say we pigged out is an understatement especially for Oconee who had the Hiker Special along with a BLT and a sandwich to go. He was really besides himself as he really enjoyed the maple shake. We were also able to charge our cell phones and they filled our water bladders. Vicki, the owner, and Amy, the waitress, were the best. Any Thru Hiker would be a fool not to stop here. Back on the trail I made a miscalculation when telling Oconee we had an easy up and over because we first had an incredibly steep rock scramble that took everything we had to get up and over it. It was so rocky and required a lot of hand climbing that it made me think of what the Mahousac Notch would be like. After finally topping off we bounce along and met Herb who is a trail maintainer and was out painting white blazes. He was really nice and even painted Oconee's poles when he asked. These volunteers just blow me away when I see some of the work they have accomplished. Their dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated. We took a break at the Governor Clement Shelter which is the second oldest shelter on the AT. We actually saw old pictures of the shelter from 1934 and it astounded me in that there were little to no trees in the area. It would explain why quite often when we come to a view that it is blocked by trees it would really be a good view considering many years ago the trees were either really small or not there at all. What a difference 80 years makes. This stop was followed by what had to be the most difficult and arduous climb in almost 2 months. 2000 feet straight up to the top of Killington over rocks and roots gouged in the side of the mountain and through blow down after blow down. It took over 2 hours to make this climb. However, the great part of this climb was when we went under the 500 mile to go mark. What a feeling. Many of us are no longer speaking in terms of how many miles we had hiked but in terms of how many more miles we had to hike. Again, it blows my mind to think how far I've come and the thought of finishing is slowly creeping to the front of my mind. Gargamel and Gazelle are here tonight. I haven't seen them since Maryland. When I reviewed the log I saw that Movin On and Murphy were only 2 days ahead. I would have liked to have seen them both. Tomorrow we go over the 1700 mile mark and are stopping at the Long Trail Inn for lunch and a beer. Its one of those must stop places. Its also where just before the trail that leads to it where the AT and Long Trail split and go their separate ways. I talked to Doug tday and he's all set for Tuesday and I can't wait. Well its late and I'm tired so off to bed I go.