Date: 2008-08-25
From: Stealth Site North of Podunk Rd.

To: Hanover
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: broken clouds

To no surprise it had rained again last night. We packed up and soon our crew was heading into town for breakfast, Pie & Pickett were finishing up their trip today. Although we all had just met the day before, we had shared a little time and adventure together. When we said our goddbyes, we were really going to miss each other. The friendships you make out here can happen quickly and become a cherished treasure. The drive to breakfast was several miles, I'm not exactly sure what the name of the town was? My breakfast was the usual Scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns and toast, but ever since Medium Rare & I were at Bob's Diner in Manchester, I now am having to add pancakes to my menu. Vivian drove us back to the trail head, she has a heart of gold and it has been a real delight in knowing her. I will miss her and wish only the very best for her. Another farewll on the AT.Today was going to be a relatively short hike of 10 miles. The trail eventually left the woods and entered the streets of Norwich. As I was walking I passed a house that had a table and 2 chairs set up by a tree in their yard. There was a sign leaning on the tree that said "Trail Magic". Goose, who had passed me earlier was sitting there enjoying some tea & cookies so I sat down and joined him.I never did meet the owners but I am grateful for their thoughtfulness and the fact that they would do this, just because?Goose and I now walked together another couple of miles. We crossed the bridge over the Connecticut River which brought us into the 13th state of New Hampshire in the town of Hanover. We stopped momentarily to shake hands and congratulate one and other.We walked maybe another mile to a main intersection of town. We were still on the trail as it ran right through town. Dartmouth College sat on the opposite corner. Goose had made reservations at a motel just out of town and was going to grab a quick bite to eat before he was to be picked up. I found a bench and sat watching the hustle-bustle of Hanover. It was about 2 hours until Sprite & Freckles showed up. Just as we were talking, Powder River came walking up and we had a side walk reunion.Powder arrived the day before and gave us the run down on this neat little town.We headed to the outfitter while checking out the store fronts. Next we went to Romano Pizza, they offer a free slice of pizza to thru-hikers. While sitting outside eating and catching up, the owner brought out a couple of pizzas that had not sold in his alotted time, so he gave them to us.Man, I am so liking it here.Next stop was the library, The girls went on line to check into renting a car.I ran into Baltimore Jack, it is always a pleasure to speak with him.I went down stairs and took advantage of the pay phone opportunity. Afterward we walked to the other end of the town, still on the trail we headed to the woods just behind the soccer field.Apparrently, the Dartmouth campus in cooperation with the AT permits hikers to camp inside the treeline at the edge of their property. We selected our sites and pitched our tents.We had passed a large grocery store on the other side of the soccer field, so we did our resupply, came back and chillaxed inside the treeline, talking over wine as the sunset.