Date: 2003-07-16
From: VT 013 N Clarendon VT (Country Squire Motel)

To: US 4 Rutland VT (Inn at Long Trail)
Miles today: 17.4

Day 125 Avg Mls/Day 13.5Weather: Bad...2 hours of steady rain in morning then cloudy and cool. Highs in upper 60's. Mountains foggy/low clouds...so no views.Today's Nature: The Trail was more like the Adirondacks today, not a lot of wildlife but a mixture of trees and plants.Falls Today 0 Total 5Today's Song: Did not listen to the radio so no sing-alongs...wasn't that kind of day. I'm in a crappy mood.Isn't it funny how quickly things change. It started with the weather and breakfast this morning. Just as I left my room it began raining. Couldn't hitch a ride 2 miles to the Whistle Stop Restaurant so I ended up walking in the rain. Ranger Rick followed me there but he caught a ride part of the way.The place was supposed to open at 6:30. It was more like 6:45 and then the waitress was busy talking to someone on her cell phone. So it took her awhile to wait on us, even longer to get our order. She was busy taking care of some locals at the bar. The bacon was not that good...tough and stringy. I think these places up north just figure that since they won't see individual hikers again it doesn't matter.Other not so great news before I forget. I did hear from Rosemary. She is picking up Charlie in Bennington VT. He is not leaving the Trail, just giving his knee a rest. I don't blame him, the Whites are coming up and he'll have to be past his sore knee before he takes them on. He still has plenty of time. I'm sure I'll hear when he's back.I also hear Mule is off the Trail again...hope it isn't too serious. He may still have some stomach problems. I'll see if I can find out what he's up to.Typhoon is off for good with a hernia. He left a note in a register a day or so back.And then there's my friend Liteshoe...9 days off for her brother's wedding. We are "Pocketmail Pen Pals" exchanging messages from time to time. When I told her she was the most popular thru-hiker in the history of the AT she said I was full of ... I have an idea...those of you following her journal should send her a guestbook entry telling her to get back to the Trail ASAP...just don't tell her I told you to do it.It didn't take long for my feet to get wet. Then, the Trail went through an overgrown timothy field. As I brushed against the wet plants, the water ran down my legs inside the gators and my feet got soggy, slushy wet.The bright spot of the day was I believe at Gould Brook. In the brook was a neatly fenced area full of cans of soda. On a tree, a note from the Hiker Gnome telling us to help ourselves and sign his register. Even on a cool rainy day, a cold soda tastes good.The rain did stop after 10 and I stopped at Governor Clement Shelter for a snack. I also took off my emergency rain parka. The next stop was Cooper Lodge, an old ski cabin. It had some built in bunks...kind of like a 4 walled shelter.I did start out at 870' and climbed to 3,900' to Cooper Lodge. So today had its share of climbs. I felt good though and did not get that tired until I stopped for the day.I passed 2 more SOBO thru-hikers today...a couple of young men that started at Katahdin. One had a Spanish trailname, something like Svwart. The other I can't remember. The Trail dropped down to 1,900' when I got off at US Route 4. There I hithed a ride in the back of Mike's pick up. Nice guy who got out and and introduced himself. He dropped me off at The Inn At Long Trail. Liteshoe said I had to stay here...it is a tradition for the first time thru-hiker. Not a bad place...just a basic clean room without phone or TV. It is $40 and includes a full breakfast. Got cleaned up; dined with Ranger Rick and had irish stew for dinner.Thinking about doing over 20 tomorrow but not sure I can get away before 8:30.Thought for the Day: It's my journal and I'll whine if I want to.