Date: 2013-08-17
From: West Hartford

To: Hanover
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day One Hundred and Sixty Two - West Hartford to HanoverI hardly slept last night there were so many hikers camped so close to me and the security lights at the back of the house kept going on and off every few minutes and Melkie couldn't relax. When we did get up this morning we packed up quickly knowing that the deli would be opening momentarily. At the deli we had a big breakfast and still managed to start hiking around 8am. We started with a road walk and I was expecting a big climb but it really wasn't that bad! It was a really nice hike today up and down rolling hills covered in pines, the trail didn't seem as rocky or full of roots as it had been and was covered in soft, cushiony pine needles. We met more SOBO's and saw Nomad again today. I think we were all just happy knowing that we were heading to our thirteenth state. We reached the trailhead around noon and started the road walk into town. Along the way someone had left trail magic at the end of their driveway for us and dog treats for Melkie. It turned out that it was the home of Betsy and Bill trail angels who have put together a network of people who all help hikers. Their son had thru hiked in 2007 and ran into some medical difficulties, a family took their son in for a whole week while he healed and the only thing they said was "Pay it forward." So began the trail angel network in Hanover and Norwich. Last year they took in 141 people at their home and 581 within the network. Amazing the difference one couple can make in the world and how many people they have helped over the years. We ended up back at this house at the end of the day to spend the night. Thanks for all that you do for the hiking community! We continued on down the road, each step taking us closer to the New Hampshire border and when we finally reached the border halfway across a bridge over the Connecticut River we stopped to take pictures. The last half of our road walk wasn't as much fun as it was uphill and by the time we arrived in Hanover we were tired and hungry. First stop food, we had lunch at Molly's a place serving two dollar margaritas. The food was great and it gave us a chance to relax a little before the chores began. Next stop the post office, all of us had packages awaiting us. Melkie had his pack replaced and I got a few warmer items of clothing. Next we backtracked a little to go to the Dartmouth Outdoor Club building where we could leave our packs and received a list of trail angels who were willing to shuttle hikers and let them stay in their homes. Wow! This place is amazing! We called Betsy the very first name on the list and discovered that we had already received trail magic from her earlier, we made plans to go back to her house later. Then we called Warren And he offered to shuttle us to the outfitter and to the grocery store. When he picked us up he took care of Melkie while we shopped and offered to let us shower and do laundry and his house. Thank you so much for your help! By the time all of the chores were done it was after 8pm, we felt bad showing up at Betsy's house so late but she was really good about it and even drove us down to the general store to try to find the hats and mitts that we couldn't find earlier in the day. At the store they gave us a bag of free bagels! Several businesses in Norwich and Hanover give away free items to thru hikers, other than the General Store we didn't stop at any of them but several other hikers told of free donuts, free slices of pizza and free day old sandwiches. It's been a long day, sometimes I think town days and chores take more energy than hiking mountains. Good night world!Trouble