Date: 2008-06-08
From: wintturi shelter

To: velvet rocks shelter
Miles today: 27.7
Weather: few clouds

Got up slightly earlier today to try to beat the heat. Hit the trail at 6:30.I got to a trail register and noticed that Waterbear and Stormenorm had passed already today. Odd, couldn't figure that one out.Up the next hill I caught them. They had decided to stop a shelter short last night and get up at midnight to hit the trail and beat the heat. Sorta worked, but they got lost once on a poorly marked turn I almost missed in the daylight. Chatted a bit and said goodbye once again. Don't know if I'll see them again.It was getting hot fast. I had my shirt off before 8. I knew it was going to be one of those days. I was dragging less than five miles into the day. All I could do was keep pushing and drink tons of fluids to keep up with the deluge of sweat I was losing.Hit the first shelter a bit early for lunch, but decided to take it anyways to be sure I would be really hungry by the time I hit Hanover. Went to the shelter and Indian Summer was there eating too. We're shooting pretty much the same today, so we ended up playing tag a bit. Took a picture of the gazebo privy and hit the trail after a short break.You know its bad when you are sweating going downhill. Up, down, up, down and I came to Cloudland Farm with homemade ice cream. They were closed. Words cannot express my disappointment.Hit some roads to cross the White River and an interstate. There was a general store on the trail and Indian Summer was there so I stopped in. Great deal on two powerades so I chugged two of them.The trail headed back into the woods from Podunk road. Got a picture of the sign, its actually called that.Another climb pouring sweat. Was only steep in a couple places, but seemed like Roan Mountain. Got to the top and I hears some distant thunder. So much for no chance of rain today. I'll take it.The storm was approaching quickly, and there was thunder every thirty seconds. It finally arrived, and it didn't even rain and was just one small cloud.Got to the beginning of the Hanover roadwalk. Shortly after it began, I saw a cooler with a sign saying trail magic for thru-hikers. First time I've seen one of those since mid-Virginia. Fresh fruit and chocolate and some other stuff. Great snack, but only ate a little since I was heading to town.Couple miles and I hit one of those magical signs: VT/NH. Just got a picture of the sign since it was right next to a highway. It really hit me how far I've come to this point, over 1700 miles, and 12 states. That's pretty significant.Got to town and wandered around till I found the best pizza place there. Ordered a large pepperoni pizza. It was cooked in a brick oven, and it was absolutely amazing. One of the best pizzas I've ever had. Of course I ate the whole thing and had five beverages.Resupplied at the grocery store, and was disappointed both the outfitters are closed as I'm running on fumes in my canister. May have to revert to the old fashion way soon if I can't find one.Headed up the hill and out of town. Really hot and humid still. Dripping wet and its 8pm, and I'm in NH. That is ridiculous.Shelter was buggy and I was the only one here so I set up my tent in the shelter, actually mid journaling. Indian Summer later showed up. Good to have good company.Hot weather sucks for hiking. Surprised I made it 28 miles with a town stop today considering. Proud of that. Tired too. Hot again tomorrow...