Date: 2015-07-18
From: Bromley Shelter, VT

To: Greenwall Shelter, VT
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: broken clouds

Last night and this morning brought a steady rain. I pitched my tent in the trough of 2 slopes which collected rain water, tuning the inside of my tent into a bathtub. I folded up my soaking tent, crammed it into my pack, and hit the trail at 7:30am, half an hour behind Saybra who headed off to begin her first day without her friends who quit the LT yesterday. I didn't even consider going to check on Yoohoo, Huey, and Rabbit who I was sure still sleeping. Confident that they'd eventually catch me, the day would pass and I'd actually never see them.Up Bromley Mountain in a thick layer of fog, my boots were quickly wet as I trekked through wet grass overhanging the trail. I soon exited the woods onto the steep, grassy slope of what is a ski slope in the winter. I reached the foggy summit and momentarily lost track of the trail as several trails criss-crossed the area. To one side the erie outline of a ski lift stood silently, giving the impression of a post apocalyptic world. I soon found an arrow pointing in the direction of the AT on the side of a small wooden building and I continued on off the summit.I'd catch up to Saybra soon after and we'd spend the majority of the day hiking togeter, talking about a variety of non-AT things which I found very refreshing. At 30, Saybra is an elementary school guidance counselor and utilizes her summers for travel and adventures whenever possible. I encouraged her to attempt her first 20-miler and decided to stick with her for most of the process except for a few sections of uphill where I pulled away. Over Style's Peak and Peru Peak, we'd pass a few SoBo's looking weary as they sloshed passed us through the mud.I reached Peru Peak Shelter, just under ~9 miles in, half an hour ahead of Saybra where I'd rest, snack, and wait for my group to catch up. I concluded my group wasn't going to catch me in the time I was willing to wait so on I continued with Saybra over Baker Peak and passed Lost Pond Shelter, Old Job Shelter and Big Branch Shelter. As we passed the last one, we met a hiker heading north on the LTz familiarizing himself with some of the trail before he plans to thru-hike it in a couple weeks. With him was his 4-legged companion, a Golden Retriever named Mason. For the next ~2 miles, the hiker would fall in line with us as Mason zigzagged around us, unsure of whether he wanted to lead or follow. We eventually reached a spot where Saybra and I breaked for water and they continued on.A few miles later we reached Little Rock Pond, a beautiful Pond surrounded by the green of spruce-covered mountains. As we walked along the shore, we saw Mason happily playing in the water next to a half-sunken canoe. It was during this time that the sun finally made an appearance in what was forecasted to be a soaker of a day. Wanting to take advantage of the sun, Saybra and I found a small grassy area between the trail and lake, unpacked our tents, and let the warmth of the sun work its magic. As we waited we snacked, enjoyed the view, and I dipped my feet into the crystal clear waters of the pond. In the distance a few boys stood in their trunks atop a large rock face, their voices just barely carrying over the water. On the opposite side of the pond, Mason was still enjoying his time in the water. It was a nice treat to an otherwise sloppy day that really helped to boost our spirits.With only ~5 miles remaining, Saybra and I continued up a gradual climb that would take us up ~400ft in that span. I reached a side trail leading to White Rocks Cliff ahead of Saybra and utilized the time by trekking the steep, rocky ~.2 miles off to check out the view. I was rewarded with several vistas facing the west and the slow-settimg sun. I took a few pictures, awed at the mountains above me and treetops below me, and returned to the trail where Saybra stood waiting. From this point it was only .6 down the trail and .3 off a side trail to reach Greenwall Shelter. This normally small distance couldn't pass quickly enough for both of us were out of water. Luckily a small stream with just enough of a trickle allowed us to fill up and not have to go to sleep feeling thirsty.After speaking with an older AT hiker, the only other hiker at the shelter tonight, we retired to a a spot behind the shelter to set up our tents, eat, etc. With my stomach rumbling, I had to pay a visit to the privy for the first time at night during my journey. Not a fan. I eventually received a message from Yoohoo saying that he, Huey, and Rabbit all went into Danby, VT, ~6 miles back, because Rabbit's air mattress ripped. Apparently it takes all 3 of them to resolve the issue. They should catch up to me either tomorrow or Monday depending how many miles they/I put in.It's currently nearing 11:00pm as I wrap this entry up. Saybra has finally quited down after a battle with moth's inside her tent. I can't give her too much flack, though, because she successfully completed 22.6 miles on just her sixth day on the LT. It was a pleasure to be a part of the first big day of her hike. I'm sure she'll have several more to come during her hike over the next few weeks. I plan to reach a shelter either just shy of Killington Mountain, or on its summit. Killington Mountain will be the first 4,000ft peak I've climbed in a good while. It should be a good test for the ever-approaching White's.Here's to getting lucky with the weather, watching Saybra surprise even herself, and a dry tent to call home for atleast another night.