Date: 2013-07-13
From: North Adams, MA

To: Warren, NH
Miles today: 197.9

Since its been 14 days, 197.9 Miles, 2 borders, and an entire state since I've posted, this is going to be a highlights episode, a summary of the last two weeks:- we got to Vermont. We hiked through Vermont. We left Vermont. We are now in New Hampshire!- it has rained every single day. Of July, of Vermont, and of the last 16 days. So far both of the previous months have boasted record breaking rainfalls in many of the states through which we travelled, and this month surely didnt want to be left out. Overall, it has been very wet, with wet socks, wet shoes, wet clothes, wet sleeping bags, wet backpacks, and, well, I think you get the idea.- the trail now falls into one of the following three categories: the flowing water/stream beds, large ponds of standing water, or deep mud bogs (thanks to which I can now answer the question "what does it feel like to be up to your knees in mud?" Answer: pretty gross, but also slightly hilarious in a "is this for real?" kind of way.) - we took the day off on the 4th to rest and celebrated in Manchester Center, VT with about 12 other hikers. I guess we technically walked 2.8 miles to town, but it was still a very relaxing and food-oriented day (even though we got rained on) and we even got to see fireworks- we visited my dear Aunt and Uncle, who reside in Vermont and graciously took in 3 soaking wet and tired hikers for the evening as the storms raged on around us. We were blessed with delicious food, showers, warm beds, laundry, and delightful conversation; all a hiker's favorite things! We could not be more grateful for the hospitality! - Beacon is now carrying a dead dog in his backpack. Through a bizarre turn of events, a hitchhiking endeavor turned into an overnight stay at the gracious stranger's house. In return, they asked that we carry the ashes of their deceased dog and release them on the top of Mt. Smart. They weren't heavy, so we obliged, and now we have a dead pet to add to our crew! With a slightly sick sense of humor, we started treating the ziploc bag as is if it actually were our pet. - I spent two days feeling very under the weather. They were long, arduous days, and the plan was to hit the doc as soon as we got to Hanover. However, Hanover was over 40 miles away. Somehow we still made decent mileage, in the rain and my condition, and made it there in two days. But amazingly, by the time we arrived in town in a downpour, I was feeling almost 100% and decided against it. So instead we spent a dry evening at a friends house, which was much appreciated.- I resupplied entirely at a Dollar Tree. It was best resupply ever. 3 days of food and some toiletries for $12. On the other hand, I now have pop-tarts of a completely unidentifiable flavor and some offbrand tuna fish, both of which could be either great or disgusting. But it was cheap and there's a thrill involved in the mystery. Everything else looks fairly reputable.- New Hampshire. Can't believe we're here. There have been a lot of people quitting lately, which is surprising, seeing as they've hiked over 1700 miles already. However, I will admit the weathers and conditions have been simply outrageous, if not downright ludicrous of late, and I can see how it could break a person. - oh yeah, back to New Hampshire.. This state didn't waste any time gettin crazy. Day two (yesterday) consisted of 2 large (dare I say it?) mountains, finally being high enough to warrant the label. The hand-over-hand climbing and increased elevation changes made a day of moderate mileage feel like one of a much longer distance. But, it's fun. And tomorrow I tackle Mt Moosilauke, the first of the infamous White Mountains and my first nearly 5000 footer!Disclaimer: i mostly blame the lack of cellular service for not writing as often, and since that will likely not change in the near future, entries will probably be less frequent, but I'll try