Date: 2018-06-16
From: Manchester Center VT

To: Greenwall shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

We put in "the matrix" last night to watch but I couldn't stay awake very long for it. It seems I never really sleep well or long at hostels but I thoroughly enjoy them. I woke up at 5:30 and went downstairs to start cooking some eggs and pancakes in which Jeff, the hostel owner, provides. Instead, a hiker named Relentless we just met yesterday had already started cooking and had made omelettes! Score! I didn't have to cook so I grabbed an omelette and English muffin to eat along with coffee. I followed that up with some cereal too.By 6, Gandalf and Two Clicks had joined me downstairs and we relaxed and ate. It was nice not rushing. I packed my bag and got everything ready then sat on the couch until 7am which was our agreed upon departure time. We dropped a man off at the bus stop who had section hiked part of the Long Trail then headed to the AT. After saying goodbye to Jeff and thanking him for his wonderful hospitality and clean hostel, we made for the trail. We separated along trail at the paces we know we hiked and enjoyed the cool morning.The first hike was up Bromley Mt, a familiar named ski resort although I've never skied it! The trail brought us right to the peak and it was cool to walk the slopes. The ski patrol building at the top is even kept open for hikers to use as a shelter if they please!I climbed down the mountain then back up the other side to Jennings peak and Peru peak. It's nice being back in some serious mountain ranges with views and the smell of Christmas at the top.After a few brief breaks, I stopped for lunch at the Big Branch Shelter right along a big river. I was alone here and it was nice to eat with the sound of the river in the background.After lunch I pushed to Little Rock Pond which is a popular day hike for people in the area. As I got nearer, I saw a group of people on a big rock across the pond. With only 5 miles left in the day and my body feeling good I decided to hike a blue blazed trail roughly half a mile to the rocks. When I got there I met a group that told me to call them the the Izzy Tizzys. It was a family out for the day but that name seemed to be easier than naming them all. They immediately asked if I was hiking the AT and then asked a bunch of questions all while feeding me! They gave me their leftover sandwiches, an apple, a protein bar and some pretzels. They even gave me more when I mentioned hiking with Two Clicks which I then packed out for him for dinner! Thanks to the Izzy Tizzy family for your generous food and conversation! My ultimate plan of going on the blue blazed was to try and jump off the rock into the pond. I half hardedly passed it off as I ate the food they had given me and enjoyed the views! There will be more ponds! Putting it on the list of things to come back to-- little rock pond and Up for Breakfast in Manchester Center!I made the last 5 miles to camp and was the only one here! I hung around eating and enjoying the peace then gave Two Clicks, Gandalf and Hazmat sandwiches that I had left from the pond. They were all grateful! We realized today just how close we are to Killington where the AT and LT split! Should be headed east to NH by Monday!P.S: Hi Mrs Devlin! Thank you so much for the offer of hospitality. I'm shooting you a text!