Date: 2009-08-14
From: Spruce Peak Shelter, VT

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

We headed out today singing the birthday song to Otter! The three of us walked to the road crossing that took us into Manchester. It didn't take us long to get a hitch. The first order of business was getting a good breakfast. "Up for Breakfast" was a neat little place with great food. Manchester is a really nice town nestled between the mountains. It's a town full of shopping- lots of little expensive outlets in an eclectic atmosphere.Next order of business- go to the outfitter. We hit up EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) and Berry finally got some new shoes. We've had no luck at the past 5 outfitters for shoes- they either haven't had her size or the right type...so we are thankful to have the shoes. Still no luck on a new filter, all outfitters have been sold out. We just made a purchase online for all the things we need and will pick it up in Hanover, NH.After EMS we went to Price Chopper to resupply our groceries and then to the post office. Our winter gear is here! We're sad for the weight, but glad for the gear- now we are all set to tackle the Whites and Maine.We had heard a lot about Green Mountain House hiker hostel and decided to call and see if they had an opening for 3 hikers. Jeff, the owner, was happy to pencil us in and pick us up in town. There isn't enough we could say about this hostel. By far this is our favorite hiker hostel yet on the AT! Everything is super clean. A lot of thought and time went into accomadating a hikers' needs. It is quaint and beautiful. I think everyone would agree that a hiker comes here and immediately feels valued and taken care of- that is so refreshing! Hikers have a full kitchen with soda and ice-cream ready to go, 3 bathrooms, laundry, clothes to change into while you do laundry, fast internet, land-line phone with free long distance, rooms, real beds with real linens, nice lounging areas and a tv with a decent movie selection. The house has an all-things-hiker feel and is decorated for hikers. Did I mention it's a donation only hostel. What a service! We love it! Jeff and his family are amazing hosts and we feel right at home.We immediately hit the showers and did some laundry. Then Otter and I took care of business on the computer while Berry whipped up some brownies for Otters birthday request. We met some new hikers today too, some on the LT and some going southbound on the AT.Later in the evening the kitchen and dining room bustled with hikers eating and making conversation. We ordered Otter pizza for his special day and gathered with other hikers at the dinning room table. Jeff joined us and we all talked about our experiences and encounters along the trail. We all took a group photo that will be seen in the Green Mountain House for years to come. After the photo I lit 26 candles on a brownie cake in the shape of an O for Otter, we turned out the lights and everyone sang happy birthday- he got a little shy.Everyone sat around the dinning table and conversed. At 9:00pm I left the group to click on "The Office," Otter, Berry and two others joined in and we had some good laughs.It was off to our comfy beds- a little reading and talking with Berry- then lights out. We are thinking about a zero day tomorrow because we enjoy the atmosphere that much!