Date: 2015-08-06
From: Norwich Inn, Norwich, VT

To: Three Mile Road
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

Gail and I had a big breakfast at the Inn before heading out. That may have been a mistake. I do not usually eat that much before hiking several miles.After I reach Katahdin I plan to return to Norwich, VT, to hike South to Dalton, MA, to make up the portion of the AT I recently but temporarily skipped. I started hiking the AT from the Norwich Inn. I did this because I would like to again stay at the Inn when I return to Norwich, and so I have a clear starting point both going north now and for heading south later - I need to keep myself honest here. No skipping any white blazes and no yellow blazing!!Gail hiked with me through Norwich, VT, over the bridge over the Connecticut River and across the VT/NH border, and then through Hanover, NH. The white blazes led the way, we just had to be very diligent about looking for them in an urban area. The white blazes are not as easy to spot when they are not painted at a fairly uniform height on trees in the woods.Finally the AT retreated back into the woods. At that point Gail headed back to her van. She slack packed me today. So she drove her van (and my heavy pack) to my ending point for the day.I continued on alone with just a waist pack with food and water. It was a perfect day for hiking - clear and cool with a slight breeze. I kept thinking I forgot something, something was missing. Then I figured it out. There was no heat, no humidity, and no bugs! Wow, what a nice change!I was concerned that I was wearing brand new hiking boots. I was paying close attention for hot spots and stopped once to adjust the lacing on the left boot. I was also concerned about my left foot and ankle in general.   The Arnica seems to be helping with the left foot pain and swelling. But my ankle is still bothering me. I hope it gets better soon.There was a slow steady climb to the Velvet Rocks Shelter. I stopped there briefly to sign the trail journal and to have a snack. There is no water at that shelter. In fact there is no good water from Hanover north for several miles. Fortunately I was carrying plenty of water.From there I had the biggest climb of the day, which really was not bad at all as far as NH goes. Afterwards the trail was relatively easy and the hiking was wonderful.   I saw several of the stone walls I love, a couple of squirrels, and a rat snake. Sadly I saw no moose.Gail was waiting for me at Three Mile Road. So was a nice gentleman giving out trail magic in the form of cold water and snickers bars.It looked like rain and I needed to get out of my hiking boots to check for blisters. I was done hiking for the day.We headed back to Norwich to King Arthur Flour. I briefly checked out the store, but again bought nothing. As much as I love to bake, I was not buying and carrying anything else in my pack.Gail and I had a nice dinner while at King Arthur - sandwiches made with their freshly baked bread and tomato basil soup. We topped off dinner with a couple of cookies, which were also baked at King Arthur. I know sometimes it seems like I eat a lot of junk. Actually I am eatting a lot of junk that I would not otherwise eat. While in the woods I eat oatmeal or granola for breakfast, various snacks during the day, and dehydrated Mountain House (just add boiling water) type meals for dinner. Plus I take lots of vitamins and supplements. A 1 week supply of them weighs about 1/2 pound. But I think that the vitamins and supplements are worth the weight.Whenever I have the opportunity to do so I try to eat fruits and vegetables along with lean protein. But many times, unfortunately, I have no choice and just have to eat what is available.As you have probably noticed, while on the trail I crave Diet Coke, ice cream, and York Peppermint Patties. When I was in junior high and high school I could eat whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted without gaining a pound. Of course, like all good things, that did not last. Now that I am hiking the AT I can again eat whatever I want and as much as I want - but this time I am losing weight. I needed to lose weight. I have needed to lose weight for a long time. Other than the aches and pains from hiking all day, I feel great. I should have hiked the AT a long time ago.Under the circumstances I plan and look forward to pigging out all along the AT. What concerns me is how I am going to curb the eatting when I finish the AT. Obviously I do not want to gain the weight back. I hope I do not have to become like Forest Gump and hike all the time just to keep the weight off.After dinner Gail and I watched the GOP debates and then hit the sack. The AT is calling. I know NH was easy on me today. I will get to see the REAL NH starting tomorrow.