Date: 2003-07-14
From: VT 11/30 Suttons Place Manchester Center VT

To: Big Branch Stream
Miles today: 16.0

Day 123 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Early fog then mostly sunny light breeze, low humidity, high around 80.Today's Nature: Now I know why they call the Long Trail portion of the AT "the green tunnel." It is thick green trees, weeds, grass and plants on each side of the Trail. Some signs of wildlife today, squirrels, snake and birds.Falls Today 0 Total 5Today's Song: Beer For My Horses (new feature...I've been listening to my radio since I get decent reception around here) I love this song,...I sing along, "we'll raise up our glasses against evil forces, whiskey for my men and beer for my horses."Okay, I'm feeling happy and a little goofy today. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's the sunshine and the hike is going well for me. I felt like I did at the start when we had the nice weather...really loving it out here.Before I forget, I didn't mention in yesterday's journal entry that I had met 2 more SOBO's on the Trail, Smokie and Cephus. Real nice young men, I believe from NC. We chatted for awhile and moved on.Heard from Rosemary, Charlie's wife, last night via email. He's taking it easy and feels pretty good. Believe he was to be in Bennington Sunday night. Sounds like he's 2 days behind me.Today I got up in time to pick up a couple of snack items at the gasmart and be at Friendlys when they opened at 7. Had their great "lumberjack" breakfast...the pancakes were awesome ...some of the best I've had so far. They also filled my Platypus with ice for me.It's too bad this town doesn't have a better hostel for hikers. It is full of outlet stores; has 2 outfitters and a movie house. The place I stayed, Suttons, is definitely overrated. He gets $30 for shared rooms which are nothing special. I believe there are some small, older motels just out of town that 2 people could split a room for less than $30 apiece. All he has is location. He doesn't let hikers use his phone and doesn't offer shuttles to or from the Trail.I got a hitch out of town within 10 minutes from a local gentleman, David, who was going to the Trail to do a day hike. We had a nice chat on the way out. Thanks again David!Like I said I was feeling pretty good. Went 2.7 miles and climbed about 1,400' to Bromley Mtn (3,260') in a little over 2 hours. There was a lookout platform next to the sky lift. Finally, a fantastic view on a clear day. Also on the platform was Boy Scout Troop 1 from Sterling MA out on short hike. Chatted with the leaders...nice people.Hiked on about 2.5 miles to Mad Tom Notch USFS Road 21 where I met Dawn from Long Island NY getting ready to do a day hike. She gave me an ice cold Snapple ice tea. Boy, did that taste good going down. We chatted for awhile and since her boyfriend is a lawyer, I had to tell her my favorite lawyer jokes. Thanks again Dawn for being a "trail angel!"I got to Peru Peak Shelter (about 10 miles) around 1 where I had a late lunch of gorp and a Snickers. Did pass a SOBO section hiker, "B.S." who is hiking to PA. We chatted for awhile. I saw his entries in the registers later.The rest of the day was easy trail with a few rocks here and there. Arrived at Big Branch Shelter around 4 to find 2 young ladies settled in. They had been there since noon as they are running ahead of their schedule. I wanted to tent and there were no sites at the shelter. Since I had passed one .2 back, I turned around and went back and set up camp.This is a great tentsite. It is on a ledge next to Big Branch Stream. First thing I did after pitching the tent was soak my feet in the cool water. The shelter is actually a popular swimming spot on the Trail.I didn't feel like hot food so I had pepporoni, cheese, tuna and crackers for supper...plus some gatorade. It's a nice level spot and should be good sleeping tonight.Tomorrow evening the Trail crosses a road with a great restaurant .3 off the Trail. B.S. said they have good food so guess which thru-hiker won't be cooking tomorrow.Thought for the Day: A hummingbird's heart beats 1,400 times a minute.