Date: 2006-07-18
From: Upper Cold River Road

To: US 4 - Killington, VT - The Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 12.0

I did spend last night at "secret shelter" actually 2 roads further north than I had been directed...(translates into a little more mileage than indicated, but I'll let that rest...) And, I was grateful when I arrived because I was fed a hamburger and a chikenburger which tasted great and were sorely needed!The shelter is owned by 2 former AT thru hikers who have done much hiking of other trails, too. Swan Song (female) and Dog (male)- as if you couldn't tell!Today was cooler and there's a threat of t-storms. I walked from beyond Upper Cold River Road to Governor Clement Shelter (1,850') to Killington Peak Trail (3,850') past Cooper Lodge to Sherburne Pass Trail, Pico Camp (3,400') and on to Churchill Scott Shelter where I was picked up by a guy who hiked the AT in 1981. He's part of the 'Hurd' herd from Bedford, MA.He dropped me, a couple of miles from US 4, at the Inn at Long Trail where I have a room and will probably spend tomorrow night, too, unless I decide to move to another recommended lodging place - Pine Knob or Knoll - I can't remember!I'll take a zero day tomorrow and maybe another on Thursday depending on how my body responds to some rest.My plan to be in Hanover, NH next Friday will be pushed out to Monday.I'm achey in the legs, groin and knees and am sweating profusely as I continue to drink water and Gatorade.When I spoke with Bonnie, she gave me Dr. Brandse's phone number and I will call her if that's necessary...I'm hoping it's not an indicator of something bigger than "trail trauma" (my words). I really don't want to 'go there'.I'm showered and getting ready to eat early and again later - if one dinner is good; 2 must be better!) My big decision is Irish stew vs hamburgers (now or later).Familiar face: Orange Man, who's been on the trail with me before, and is also staying at the Inn tonight.We are again blessed, and when I rest my head tonight, I will include a new name in my gratitude list: Caroline Parker Duane 7 lbs. 5 oz., 19 in., 9:32 AM, July 18, 2006God bless you...I love you.She's created a "shift" in the Duane Family 'balance of power'. Girls now decidedly rule - 4:2. Good luck Jack and Tommy!Congratulations to Mommy, Daddy and her BIG brother, Tommy, who will be 2 on Thursday.        The Eyes Of A Child - Air Supply -When you look to the past for life's long hidden meaningFor the dreams and the plans made in your youth Does the thrill to achieve match the warm hidden feelingThat lies so still and lives in youIn the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughterThere is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the futureFor the lessons of life there is no better teacherThan the look in the eyes of a childYou've found the place to walk the path you've chosenYou'll never miss the world you've left behindWhen life gives life, it's happiness unbrokenWhen you give love, it's love you'll findIn the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughterThere is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the futureFor the lessons of life there is no better teacherThan the look in the eyes of a childIn the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughterThere is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the futureFor the lessons of life there is no better teacherThan the look in the eyes of a childIn the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughterThere is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the futureFor the lessons of life there is no better teacherThan the look in the eyes of a child