Date: 2014-09-10
From: Peru Peak shelter

To: Rt 11/30/ Manchester Center
Miles today: 0.0

September 10--Peru Peak shelter to Rt 11/30--10+You saw that plus sign and probably thought,"Did Slow n Steady get lost again?!?" Well, I was sorta lost, but not really. I just could not figure how to get off Bromley Mountain. I was up and out early this morning after a great night's sleep. All was quiet last night as I was the only one in the shelter. I had seen a mouse before dinner, so I was nervous that he may come out at night. If he did, I didn't hear him. The full moon lit up the night sky and I fell asleep, bathed in moonlight. After my morning ritual of coffee and packing, I was out by 6:45. Today was a town day which meant showers and town food. I was excited. I also was eager to summit Bromley again. I had led a group up there and knew the walk was not difficult and beautiful. As I set out, I heard a blue jay's call and flushed a grouse. I also saw something jump down from a tree but only got a glance and wasn't sure what it was. The woods are alive in the early morning. The climb up Peru Peak was absolutely lovely. Small brooks babbled under an azure blue sky. The forest smelled so fresh and sweet and I couldn't help but smile as I walked along. At the peak, the view was spectacular. A carpet of clouds covered the landscape with mountaintops peeking through. It looked magical. The whole day was a joy and I felt strong and good. When I finally reached the summit of Bromley, I sat with Siva for lunch. We hung out in the sunshine, taking in the splendor of the day. As we picked up our packs to leave, we looked around for a blaze but could see none. Because we were at the top of a ski mountain, there were many trails heading down. It was very confusing. I started down what looked like an established trail, but Siva did not follow me. I heard her voice in the distance and so I thought she might have discovered a blaze. I walked back up the steep trail to where Siva stood, looking frustrated. Since I had not seen any blazes on the trail I'd just taken, I wasn't sure it was the right path. We wandered around the mountaintop for a while until Siva was able to locate a worker who was weed whacking a black diamond trail. So, where do you think the AT was?! If you guessed the path that I had originally taken, you would be correct. You can imagine how happy I was to be going down the same steep path a second time. However, before I headed down, I left a note in the warming hut describing where the path was for future hikers. The walk down Bromley was pleasant, but I was tired and eager to get to town. As I neared the parking lot, I noticed two hikers being dropped off. I ran up to the driver of the pickup and asked if he was heading to Manchester. He offered to drive us into town. Not only did he drive us right to Sutton's place (a B&B without the breakfast), but he gave us a tour of the town and he is meeting us tomorrow and taking us back to the trail! We thanked our new friend, checked in and gathered our stuff to do our laundry. As we were walking out with our dirty clothes bundled in a sack, we saw our friend, Clark, and his dog. He is a southbound thru hiker who we have seen at shelters and at the Yellow Deli. The person who dropped him off took is to the laundromat, saving us a long walk through town. We agreed to meet Clark for dinner at 6. I'm full of good food and have had another day where I've experienced the kindness of strangers. Life is good!