Date: 2009-06-23
From: Hampton Inn, Rutland, VT

To: Mountain Meadows Lodge, Killington, VT
Miles today: 19.7

Tue Jun 23, Day 105. Up at 0500. Breakfast in the Hampton at 0600, we were packed up, in the car, and on the trail by 0700. Ron did the first leg with us - he hikes fast. Then Ricky joined us for the trail to Killington Peak. It was straight up to the summit. After Ricky made the descent, he swapped out with Ron who made the last four miles to Kent Pond. What a day! So much fun and so clear. No rain - YEAH![Rest of this update is from Ron]Great day hiking in the Green Mountain State today. I started with Spokes and Hot Wheels, did the first 4 miles or so. I had a day pack with camera, water bottle, and a few granola bars. Spokes had his usual 25-30 pound pack. It was all I could do to keep up. He has definitely walked himself into top physical shape! Here is a video with highlights from those first four miles:and here are a few pictures from the same section Ready to start on Lottery Road - Day 105, click on picture to see full size. We are underway in typical Spokes weather Sharing His Glory on the AT God letting us know He is with us - you could almost hear Handel's Hallelujah Chorusin the background. Beautiful. Let's double check that route -crossing Lower Cold River Road Back into the woods Crossing Gould Brook Ron finishes his first leg (4 miles) When we got to the road crossing, Ricky (Temporary Trail Name Shock) was getting ready. Here he is slathering on DEET - this is bug country: Ricky applying bug lotion before his 12 mile legAs soon as Ricky, Spokes, and Hot Wheels hit the trail they came across some Trail Magic. Take a look: This way is North! Ricky starts his 12 miles - it's uphill from here! Trail Magic! Mile 1678.5Ricky drew the tough assignment for the day. He hiked 12 miles with Spokes and Hot Wheels, including the climb over Killington Peak (4,235'). The arrow should have been pointing UP View from the trail of the Gondola Station atop Killington Peak Killington Peak as seen from the approach road(Picture taken by Ron as he drove the shuttle) Gondola station on top of Killington Peak as viewed from ski resort parking lot. The hikers are just on the other side of the station.The AT goes near the summit, then there is a side trail that goes (according to the guide book, which turned out to be an understatement) "straight up" to the summit. Here is a video with clips shot by Ricky and Spokes at the top - where you can see five states! View from Killington Peak Ricky (aka Shock) atop Killington Peak Spokes and Shock Spokes shot this video as they started down the trail off the summit: Ricky begins the steep descent off Killington Peak On the trailI met them at US 4 near Killington, took Spokes to the Killington Post Office to pick up his mail and bounce box,then brought him back to the trail head and hiked with them for the last four miles. Here are the highlights: These are the GREEN mountains Kent Pond. We are almost to the Mountain Meadows Lodge. Finishing up Day 105.The trail runs across the front lawn of the Mountain Meadows Lodge. Our group of four and the Boston Boys were the only guests, the summer season starts here in a few days. We got showers and drove into Rutland where we ate at Applebee's. Hot Wheels ordered the "Two for $20" item on the menu - an appetizer and two entrees for $20. I thought he was ordering for him and Spokes, but no - it was all for him! These thru-hikers can put away some calories! Hot Wheels with the "Two for $20" offering at Applebee'sThere wasn't a crumb left!Spokes and I enjoyed a big 'ol sundae, I just had to eat one to get in the spirit of thru-hiking even though I only logged 8 miles today. Spokes enjoys a Hot Fudge Chocolate Chip SundaeFinally, a Moment of Solitude, courtesy of Spokes:Rain held off today, tomorrow may be wet. Keep checking in for updates. Click here for audio journal