Date: 2006-08-05
From: Minerva Hinchy

To: Rutland, Vermont
Miles today: 20.1

There is no better way of describing today than today was a good day. A beautiful blue sky, white, puffy clouds day. Those are always a nice surprise.We woke up early and ran out of the shelter packing our packs as we went. Because, of course, the one thing that makes us really run was waiting for us 2.7 miles down the trail. A great big breakfast to get the day rolling. It was a great little restaurant called the Whistle Stop made along with an old caboose. (My Dad would have loved it). But, I'm sure the girls there didn't love us...we stink...Really....very bad. But they were sweet, just the same and we tried to at least look clean. Difficult with Vermont. Mud all over you.After breakfast we began climbing and along the way we ran into a few southbound thru-hikers who told us that climbing Killington was like being in Maine. So we got very siked up to climb the mountain, especially since yu can get a view of Maine from the top. But, before we even begun the 4 mile climb up the 4,000 footer, we stumbled upon trail magic twice! First A Dr. Pepper and about 3 miles later a coke. With coffee from breakfast and both cans of cola...we were fuled up like jets.On top of the magic the hike was gorgous. Lots of streams and thick forest, oh and have I mentioned mud? My shoes used to have colors. Still no moose though.The climb up th Killington was steady and not too strenuous with lots of sneak views. the trail does not go all the way up to the summit of Killington. However, there is a .2 side trail that takes you right up. Actually, straight up over boulders. Rock climbing.....it was incredible...Then you hit the summit and the twilight zone. One second you are all alone in peaceful, serene forest then bam 500 tourists, all over the summit. Were they staring at us? Of course! We stink! We were covered in mud up to our knees and our clothes looked a little like a homeless person's. There were burgers and sodas up there and we could see freakin New Hampshire and Maine. The view was absolutely phenomenal. In a world where I have become numb to views, this one renewed my excitement. Well, it made me want to do a little dance and sing a little song. Make the tourists really think of me as a lune. Good thing Swansons distracted me with a whopping bacon cheeseburger.After our gawking and drueling over all those mountains yet to come we proceeded back down to our home, the AT and cruised a smooth 6 miles down into town. Those last miles went so quickly I didn't truly believe it when we made it to the road.To add to our fun day, we began to walk the .9 miles down the road towards the inn at long trail. But we casually stuck out our thumbs just in case someone wanted to give us a lift the short distance.   And someone did! I love Vermont!Unfortunately the Inn was full, but they let thru-hikers tent across the street! And they were having a great Irish band play in their cozy Irish pub...plus they let us use their laundry. It was easy to decide, we would tent across the street. Who needs a shower when you have an Irish Pub? And it was the perfect choice...Great end to an awesome day.