Date: 2003-07-15
From: Big Branch Stream

To: VT 013 N Clarendon VT (Country Squire Motel)
Miles today: 16.1

Day 124 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Mostly Sunny warm, high in mid 80's. Hot in the sun.Today' Nature: Trail not as "confined" a little more open with less "green tunnel" effect. Chipmunks are back.Falls Today 0 Total 5Today's Song: Why Don't You Stay by Bob Seger Great electric piano in his tunes.   Had a good night in the tent last night. The sound of the rushing water over the rocks made it easy to sleep. It was also nice and cool and that made it comfortable in my down bag. I still find my Zrest pad fine. Some hikers can't get used to them and go with the heavier inflatable thermarest. Being able to sleep on a somewhat stiff surface has made the hike easier. Having said that, I still enyoy the motel beds (except for the Doyle where the bed sunk to the floor) and that has helped the hike go well.Got up around 5:45 and was hiking NOBO around 6:30. I still don't know what takes me so long to get going. I did have to take down the bear bag and tent and eat something for breakfast. The climbing was again gradual with a few rocky sections. First climb was over 1,000' up White Rocks Mtn. There was somewhat of a view. On the way there the Trail went around the east side of Little Rock Pond. It was quite pleasant...the blue sky reflecting on the still clear water. There was a "caretaker" for the campsites and nearby shelter camped beside the Trail. We exchanged hellos and his dog gave me a hello as I hiked by.I took a couple of short breaks to eat some snacks. I believe it was Sugar Hill Road where I found some leftover "trail majic"...a package of cupcakes and Doritos. Didn't worry about eating alot since I knew I'd have a nice late lunch at the Whistle Stop Cafe around 2.Not much activity on the Trail. Passed a couple of SOBO day/section hikers and one NOBO sectioner. Saw an entry on a trail register where Ranger Rick was ahead. After climbing 500' up Bear Mtn (2,240') stopped at Minerva Hinchey Shelter for an afternoon break. Saw some familiar names in the register, hikers who are now anywhere from 3 days to a week ahead like, Orb, L.T., Goldberry and Jersey.Eli looked liked he has 2 weeks on me. He said he was getting off a few days for a wedding and I might catch him...yeah right!...that guy hikes! What is it with these thru-hikers getting off for their siblings' weddings? I don't think they should. They will only hike the AT once while their brothers will probably get married 2 or 3 times. Liteshoe is taking off 9 days...I tried to give her hell but she wouldn't listen.Got to VT 103 and walked a half mile down the road to the Whistle Stop. Had a great BBQ Pork sandwich & FF plus a large swirl ice cream cone.The motel was a couple of miles further and I walked most of it. Got picked up the last half mile or so. I apologize but can't remember the name of my driver. It's always appreciated!The radio wasn't quite as good today. Had trouble with early reception but did get some good music...real bummer when I didn't hear Beer for My Horses. Since they're calling for thunder showers tonight and I would have stayed in a shelter, I got off here at a "hiker friendy" motel...only $30...that's what I paid at a hostel a couple of days ago.   It's kind of neat. Out my back window about 30 yards they are bailing hay. As I was checking in saw Ranger Rick...he is also here for the night.Thought for the Day: The average raindrop falls at 7 miles per hour.