Date: 2012-07-17
From: Thistle Hill Shelter 1727.4

To: Hanover, NH, Wheelock, VT 1742.0
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We got up and out of the shelter in record time, since we were meeting my sister-in-law Barb at 4:00 and had no idea how tough and slow the terrain would be. The first 4.5 miles of the day's hike were easy, and we hiked them in under two hours. We were on a mission to find the Full Belly Cafe in a small town right on the trail! When we arrived, Dickle and Byline, who had passed us shortly before, were already there. We ordered our second breakfast: eggs, ham, sausage, or bacon, and potatoes and cheese, on an English muffin, with coffee or tea. Mmmm. The servings were so big we actually took leftovers with us for lunch! Once we left, we followed the white blazes along the road partway up the ridge and under the freeway, then off the road and onto a duff trail again. Soon we ran into some southbound thru hikers, Avocado and Chef. Since Avocado is about my height (short) I asked her about stream crossings in Maine. She said they were doable, and should be lower by the time we got there in a few weeks. Good news. Dickle and Byline caught up, then passed us, and we continued climbing up the ridge. Eventually we came to a stream with a note pinned under a rock: no water at the next shelter. Since we still had plenty of water, and weren't planning to stop at that shelter anyway, we didn't get more. (Random note: north and south bounders frequently relayed useful information to each other about such things as water, trail magic, suspicious characters, trail conditions, changes, and bypasses, etc. Everyone on the trail really watches out for each other.) We got out our leftovers from second breakfast, and munched as we hiked. Soon we saw a weasel like animal slink across the trail. (Mink?) It was black, and 18-24 inches long, and moved like a weasel. It was gone in the wink of an eye. At the shelter was a sign that Norwich, Vermont was only 3.5 miles. Wow! We had thought it was farther. It turned out, however, that the sign was referring to the OUTSKIRTS of Norwich, so our guide was correct after all. After 3.5 miles we came to a road leading to town. We went past two acts of trail magic!! Thanks! We continued in the heat to Main Street, and called Barb, since it was only 1:45. She said she could leave right away and would be there in about 75 minutes. We agreed that we would walk towards Hanover so as not to waste the day, and would talk again, closer to 3:00. The road walk was really hot! We were glad to get it over with. We crossed under I-91 and followed the white blazes on the bridge over the Connecticut River into New Hampshire, stopping only to take a photo at the state line. We continued up a hill after the river, following the blazes, to Main Street. Since we were confused as to which way to turn, we stopped and got our our trusty Thru Hikers' Companion. A kindly passerby stopped and was able to tell us which way the trail went, which we confirmed when we looked at a map in our book. The next order of business was to find a restaurant where we could get out of the heat, and get a cold drink. We made a left at Lebanon Street, following the blazes, and stopped at a Subway fast food. It was so good to get into an air conditioned building. After we'd ordered our food and beverages, I called Barb again, to tell her exactly where we were. Once we got into her car we found out why we had been so hot: it was over 90 degrees!! The drive back north to the house on I-91 was cool and relaxing. After a stop to buy some food, and to the outfitter to get more tick repellant for our clothes, we went to the house to unpack and shower. Yea! Thanks so much!!!! Life is great when you can look forward to two full days to relax and recharge! Back on the trail on Friday!