Date: 2014-07-22
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover/ NH 120
Miles today: 15.4

What a great night to sleep. I was tenting under a group of pines and there was a gentle breeze blowing all night long and with the tent fly off I could catch glimpses of the stars from time to time. The only distraction from this wonderful setting was listening to the tent caterpillars chew on the leaves up in the trees nearby. I haven't seen a whole lot of impact from them which is good. We were up and out early as there was a rumor of breakfast being available in West Hartford and our final destination of staying at Doug and Terri's in New Hampshire! However, when we got to W. Hartford and crossed the bridge, there was no sign of any breakfast anywhere. As we walked along the main street, we talked to an older gentleman on a porch to see if he knew of any place to possibly eat or buy resupply items. We had also hoped that if there wasn't he might offer something. But alas neither hope prevailed and that's the way the trail works. As we moved out of town we ran into some SOBO's and both groups were excited to see the other. We see them as celebrities given that they have conquered the 100 mile wilderness and the White Mountains in their 1st month or so of starting the hike. In turn they see us as veterans who have 1700 + miles and we both share information of what the other is about to encounter, thoughts about the trail and any tips we can give each other. Well we had places to go and people to see so we made our way out of W. Hartford which was a long kick ass climb out and you could feel the heat and the humidity building. Once past Happy Hill Shelter, we knew we were over the top (Happy, Happy, Happy)! We knew we were headed toward civilization, but it seemed like a never ending day of hills and turns. About a mile outside of Norwich, VT we made it to the Paugh Road and there was Trail Magic right away. There was cold lemonade, coke, cookies, watermelon and nut bread. People just left things at the end of their driveways for us. They even left Dog Treats for those with dogs. Even though I suspect some hikers are so hungry thy may even try the Peanut butter ones. In Norwich I posted some letters and Oconee picked up his package. Like Laura, his wife has been very supportive. With that done, we made our way out of Vermont and into New Hampshire and quickly looked for a local food establishment that had great food for a reasonable price and we made 3 Guys Basement BBQ our first stop. It was a cool bluesy kind of place that had excellent BBQ as well as a great selection of beer is. After getting our fill of food and beverages it was off to the Post Office to get Oconee's other 3 packages. There we ran into Mosey and his son Jungle Jim. With the sorting and packing done we waddled our way thru Hanover enjoying the sights and sounds of very vibrant college town. We made our way to the Food Coop and hung out there until Doug picked us up and took us to his house where we lacked "NOTHING". Doug was a great host and while we took showers he put together an amazing dinner of seasoned grilled chicken, grilled red potatoes, a toss salad and a fruit salad to die for. To top it all off, we had Ben and Jerry's ice cream followed by Bailey's and coffee! Thanks Terri for letting Doug know how much I liked Bailey's. All evening long the conversation was great with Oconee and Doug hitting it off. While I packed I in around 10 they stayed up until after 11. What a great day and I'm so lucky to have great friends like Doug an Terri to open up their home to us.