Date: 2015-07-16
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 6.3

I planned my stop last night based on the fact that it was the middle of July. The shelter was right below the Killington summit and was only at 3928 feet. Not even close to the 6000+ of Roan High Knob Shelter. It got cold as the sun went down. Then the wind kicked up. Then it got colder. I was told this morning that it was 38 degrees. With only a 40 degree backpacking quilt, I froze. I even slept in my down jacket.By 7:00 AM Jeopardy and I were talking from tent to tent about what we were going to do. I decided to pack up as fast as possible and get moving. When I finished the 2.5 miles to Pico Camp I was feeling better. Being 500 feet lower helped a lot. By 9:45 I had made it to US 4 and the road into Rutland. It was only 65 degrees at the bottom but I was happy to be in shorts and a t-shirt again.Jeopardy showed up about 10 minutes later and we discussed whether to hitch or catch the bus the 8.5 miles into Rutland. Before we decided we had a ride. Susan from the Fox Creek Inn was headed to town and asked us to hop in. We had a good time talking with her on the way in and she eventually let us off at Wal-Mart. Noting there was Subway in the same shopping center, Jeopardy and I agreed it was a good idea to take the food edge off before making any decisions.We discussed where to stay while eating and both agreed to check out the Yellow Deli Hostel. We'd heard good things about the place from other hikers. The deli, hostel, and outfitter are run by The Twelve Tribes community and are very well set up and friendly. I haven't tried the deli but I've heard it's great. They've been nothing but gracious hosts to the hiking community. I'm glad I came.I've dried all of my gear out, scrubbed my ridiculously smelly armpits, washed clothes, resupplied, and watched a bit of Netflix. Good day. Jeopardy and I went to dinner at the Hop'n Moose Brewery. I had 12 wings, a cheesesteak and fries. Then I went to Wendy's and had a double stack, fries, and a coke. Then I went to the gas station and had a mountain dew and a box of nerds. The movie size box of nerds. I think I'm full but I could probably eat.Tomorrow we'll catch the bus back to the trail and finish the 47 miles to Hanover. Two good days should end with a short walk into town on Sunday. Monday is looking to be a zero before heading into the good stuff. The trail ahead is going to be the toughest and most rewarding hiking I've ever done. I was looking at pictures of Franconia Ridge this afternoon and drooling.I'll also pick my winter gear back up in Hanover. I was questioning whether or not I truly needed it and last night was proof that I do. Mrs. Rock Boat got it all together, along with another pair of shoes. It's all waiting at the Hanover post office. Without her I'm not sure how this would all be possible. You all read about what I'm doing but you have no idea what all she has done behind the scenes to get me this far and keep our lives at home together. I've said thank you so many times and it still doesn't feel enough. If you see her be sure to remind her what a champ she is, if only for dealing with the mental breakdowns I have almost daily at this point.Good stop today. Vermont has been awesome. Let's go to New Hampshire.