Date: 2008-08-22
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Kent Pond 
Miles today: 14.6

I left nearly an hour after Sprite & Freckles, whom were packed and leaving as I just started to make my breakfast. The plan was to go 11 miles then hitch on VT 4 to the Long Trail Inn for lunch and laundry.S&F had lost the trail on the MT.Killington ski slope area before they bushwacked and got their bearings again. I had walked in the wrong direction on VT 4 never getting a ride. It wasn't until I reached a motel that I realized my mistake. Hot, hungry, thirsty and having walked useless miles, I stuck my thumb out even farther to catch a ride back in the direction in which I just came. Within a short time I was picked up by a chef heading to work at Mt. Killington. He dropped me off at the Long Trail Inn. S&F had already eaten and were just chillaxin in the sun. I went in to have a big lunch with a couple of brews. Afterward we did our laundry then laid out on the grass until it was finished.We packed up our clothes and hiked another 3 miles to Gifford Park where we could take showers for 50 cents. We drank a cold pop from the machine while we were getting change from the office. Once we were clean, we headed back out on the trail. The sun was starting to hang low in the sky, we were hiking along Kent Pond looking for a stealth site for the night. This area just didn't offer the seclusion that we were looking for?The trail crossed the property of the Mountain Meadows Inn. A rustic property overlooking the lake. Apparrently they have a hiker rate for their meals, we were hoping to pitch our tents nearby and enjoy a big breakfast tomorrow.We entered the lodge and met Dave, a recent graduate in hotel management and the only one working here tonight.Dave permitted us to tent at the edge of the property and made us homemade hamburgers, chips and of course some cold ones. Dave was called away to attend to other guests. Sprite ended up cooking the hamburgers on the outdoor grill herself. Dave was entertaining and we all had a good time. Seeing he was short handed and doing everything himself, We made a genuine offer to help him with the dishes and whatever else? He appreciated that and said dinner was free for helping. The girls looked after the kitchen duties, I raked up pony pies and pot belly pig droppings from the yard. I worked until dark and there was no more light. This far exceeded Dave's expectations. I had time and wanted to return the favor so I looked for more work. The sun had set beautifully on the Lake and it was a good call to stop here for the night. What a day it has been.I took out the trash which was a small hike to the dumpster down a dirt road.I helped carry cases of beer and wine to be restocked at the bar. We talked for a while but it was time to call it a night. For the extra help, Dave gave me 3 beers to take back to the tents. Although, I told Dave my help was for free, he insisted and I was truly grateful.I am planning to stay for breakfast in the morning. Sprite is meeting her brother tomorrow so she and Freckles will be leaving earlier. Then later Sprite has a friend coming from New York to meet up and hike with her for a couple of days. Today was Medium Rare's birthday, he was here yesterday so Sprite sent him a text message wishing him well.Just before I left the Inn earlier, I met the owners wife Ann, I have not met her husband Bill, but have only heard good things about them from Dave. Settling in for the night I think "Once again a gift from the AT, another piece of good fortune that came my way.