Date: 2017-08-16
From: VT 140/Wallingford, VT

To: VT 140/Wallingford, VT (Burlington, VT)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

8/16VT 140/Wallingford, VT (Burlington, VT)0.0 milesTotal miles:  1676.8Everyone slept in today, and I got some extra rest. Today is Battle of Bennington Day, a state holiday in Vermont.  Julia was off work for the holiday, so we could share the day with her. A quick reality check informed us that a hike up Mount Mansfield would consume the entire day, so we decided to explore Burlington instead. We walked past blocks of old homes on our way to Church Street, which is closed to vehicular traffic and is home to many trendy shops.  We decided to eat lunch at the Burlington Pub and Brewery, the oldest craft beer pub in the state. The food was delicious, as was the Irish Red beer. We also ordered a Vermont Cheese Plate, which consisted of six different cheeses, ranging from a soft goat cheese to several types of cheddar to a strong blue cheese. They were all excellent.  After lunch, we decided to walk down to the shore of Lake Champlain. We strolled along the shore admiring the large number of boats of all shapes and sizes and the views of the Adirondack Mountains in the distance. There is a very busy walking/biking trail along the shoreline.  It was a nice feeling knowing that, after showering and doing my laundry, I fit right in with all of the Laundry Comets. It's funny, I didn't notice the "clean effect" today like I do on the trail. We arrived at a beach and enjoyed watching the antics of several dogs, whose humans were throwing balls and sticks into the lake for them to retrieve.  I settled against a large boulder and took a nap while Becky and Julia continued their exploration of the waterfront. After their return, we walked back toward the main part of town.  We passed an ice cream stand selling Maple Creemees, which are soft-serve maple flavored ice cream cones that are quite yummy. We then worked our way back up Church Street. I resupplied at a CVS store and was able to find most of what I needed.  We spent time in an outfitters shop that not only has a very large selection of outdoor equipment, but also contains a huge consignment shop of used equipment in the basement. It was like the Goodwill of camping stores.  I didn't need anything, and we soon covered the road back to Julia's house. I sorted my resupply and had a relaxing few hours with Becky and Julia before it was time to leave for the Vermont Lake Monsters game.  The Lake Monsters are an A level minor league affiliate of the Oakland As, and they were playing the Lowell Spinners this evening at beautiful, downtown Centennial Field on the University of Vermont campus.  We leisurely strolled for the thirty minute walk to the  stadium, enjoying the cool evening weather, which was perfect for baseball. We paid $7.00 apiece for tickets and sat above the third base line.  We ate baseball food (peanuts, soft pretzels, and Cracker Jack) and drank baseball beer. I had my picture taken by a statue of Champ, their mascot. I bought two Lake Monsters ball caps, and Becky purchased some souvenirs for the folks back home.  The game was wonderful. I am a lifelong baseball fan and especially love minor league games.  It was great fun to watch Champ's antics, and there were silly diversions between every inning.  It was a good game, with the Monsters coming away with a 7-4 victory. I purchased a score card for fifty cents and kept score, teaching Becky a few scoring tips along the way. There was a humorous sign in the restroom at the ballpark, admonishing employees to wash their hands before returning to work. The sign also adds this bit of advice: "Also, check your shoes for TP . . . That would just be embarrassing." Perhaps similar signs should be in privies, reminding hikers to use hand sanitizer and to check their shoes for that embarrasing bit of TP. The game ended a bit before 10:00, and we walked back to Julia's. Becky and I packed everything for tomorrow. I'll catch a 7:30 bus back to Wallingford and should be back on the trail by 11:00.  I have a four day push into Hanover, New Hampshire, where I will meet up with my friend, Dustin, who will then hike with me for three days. He is flying in from Denver to share a part of my adventure. It has been trully wonderful hiking with Becky and then sharing this very special zero day in Burlington with her and Julia.Becky and I will share the bus briefly until she gets off at the Burlington airport. We won't be separated for too much longer, however, as I continue to close in on Katahdin and the conclusion of this little "Walk in the Woods."  And, I'll be home for post season action.