Date: 2015-07-06
From: Cloudland Rd. 

To: Main St., Norwich, VT
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Yet another great day, for several reasons. First and foremost, the weather was outstanding. Sunny and dry, a little hot in the afternoon but a cool breeze from time to time. The trail is in great condition, so we can move along as fast as we want (or can). There are still a few muddy spots, but even those are starting to firm up. We checked out of the Inn at along Trail this morning and once again I was sad to be leaving a place where we had become comfortable and felt at home. We got to know Murray and Oke and Owen and really like them. And after a couple of days, when we show up at 7:30 for breakfast, the wait staff have everything set up for us at our favorite table. All of which led me to think a little more about how we're interacting with the trail this year. One of the aspects of our slack-packing venture that I have really enjoyed is getting to know a small part of the large support network for the AT. Last year we stayed in the shelters (for the initial part of the trail), met the hikers, experienced the thrill of our first exposure to the challenge of the AT, and enjoyed the social aspects of the trail with other hikers. This year, our effort to slack as much of the trail as possible has treated us to a different perspective of the trail experience. We've met and interacted with the support community in the towns alongside the trail and learned how they view the trail and the hikers. The lodging managers, the shuttle drivers, the restaurant owners, outfitters and retailers, trail maintenance supervisors, and many more contributors to the supply-side of the AT. We've learned a lot and discovered perspectives on the AT that we weren't aware of the first time around. I'm hoping that I can do a good job of capturing those perspectives in the future. Meanwhile, I strongly suggest that you visit and stay with Murray and Patty McGrath at the Inn at Long Trail in Vermont. The Inn has a rich history and association with hiking in Vermont and the Green Mountain Club. Our hike today from Cloudland Rd. to Norwich is effectively the last chapter of Vermont for us. The Norwich Inn where we're staying tonight is less than a half mile from New Hampshire (Hanover, Dartmouth, etc.). We've stayed here before and enjoy it - although the Inn doesn't offer laundry services and it's virtually impossible to get laundry services anywhere in town (except the community center?). Today's hike was beautiful. All kinds of terrain. At one point I was struck by the array of wildflowers in a sunlit meadow. And the different colors of quartz along the trail. And the incredible effort involved in constructing a long rock wall (or fence) a long time ago that we passed along the AT. But, when we finally emerged from the forest onto Elm Street in Norwich, I was ready for the post-hike amenities (shower, food, drink, etc.). And we had several added treats today. Spartacus led us at a breakneck pace through the last section of the hike - he was meeting his wife Janelle in Norwich. And we learned that she baked us a batch of chocolate cookies. And the biggest treat for us was that Princess' brother Ranger joined us here in Norwich and plans to finish the AT with us. He hiked the first half and the end of the AT with us last year, and supported us and hiked through the Smokies with us this year. It's a big lift for us. So, it's been a great day all day long. After a pasta primavera dinner, Janelle & Spartacus brought me a Starbucks latte to enjoy with her chocolate chip cookies - I know it's not consistent with the wilderness theme, but I love it. The Norwich Inn has its own microbrewery and ale house, and I've enjoyed the ale this evening. So for now I bid you adieu.