Date: 2009-06-22
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Hampton Inn, Rutland, VT
Miles today: 17.8

Mon Jun 22, Day 104. Intercept Day. Well, it happened. I hiked all day long from the Big Branch Shelter to the Clarendon Shelter and after getting in had the surprise of a lifetime. As I was transferring some water for the evening I hear a hauntingly familiar voice off the side of the shelter. "Does anyone here know how to get to Charlotte, NC?". I look up and who do I see? My good friends Ron Horton (the transcriber of this journal) and Ricky Scott. Amazing! I was in Shock and Awe that they were here.....on the AT!!! They tracked me down and decided to come for a little visit. Actually they flew into Burlington, VT, rented a car, then drove to the VT103 AT trailhead and walked 1 mile to the Clarendon Shelter where they intercepted me. I am still baffled they're here.They talked Hot Wheels and me into joining Ricky for the one mile hike from the Clarendon Shelter to Lottery Road where Ron (who had hiked back to the car at VT103) picked us up and took us all into Rutland, VT. We had a great buffet dinner at the Bonanaza and stayed at the very comfortable Hampton Inn.The plan now is for Ron and Ricky to hike with me for the next several days. I can't wait for them to experience this section of the AT and look forward to seeing a report from them about their trek along the AT. Let's hope Ron and Ricky brought some good ol' southern sunshine with them!First, a few photos and video from our hike into the Clarendon Shelter. Misty Moisty Morning, click on picture to see full size. Homer Stone Brook Mill River, Clarendon GorgeEarlier in the day, we came across the community of Rock Stackings out in the woods. Go figure Rock Stackings Rock Stackings Rock Stackings Rock StackingsPictures from the start of the Intercept Operation, we parked the rental where teh AT crosses VT103 about five miles north of Rutland, VT. From there it was a one mile hike into the Clarendon Shelter. What a hike it turned out to be! Sam Adams on ice, ready to track down Spokes Ron and Ricky about to hit the AT We won't get lost if we just follow these white blaze things One mile to Spokes - most of it straight up did I mention straight up? View from Clarendon Lookout, Rutland VT airport in the valley We're just a hundred yards away from the encounterHere is the video clip of the conclusion of the tracking down and intercept operation, marking the success of this initial phase of Shock and Awe II. This video has been revised from the first version published on 6/22.A few pictures taken at the shelter after The Intercept. Spokes appears to be in Shock and Awe! How in the world did these guys get here? The Clarendon Shelter Crew, enjoying the Trail Magicbrought to them by Shock (Ricky) and Awe (Ron). L to R: The Boston Boys, Hot Wheels, Spokes, Carolina Clarendon Shelter Spokes drawing water at Clarendon Shelter,before we talked him into heading to the HamptonPictures taken after the one mile hike from Clarendon Shelter to Lottery Road. Spokes on Lottery Road, calling Kimto tell her about Shock and Awe II Hot Wheels arrives at Lottery RoadWondering where the name Shock and Awe II originated?Click here to see the video from Shock and Awe I Click here for audio journal