Date: 2022-07-08
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Bromley Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We made the largest batch of coffee yet this morning. Josh, Joni, Darrell, & Baxter partook. As we were rolling onto the trail at about 8:15 we spied Porky¢s fanny pack loaded with his snacks hanging in a peg. He had left about 5 minutes before. Baxter took the pack and ran it down the trail to him. Porky had turned around and was headed back and was grateful for the effort!We passed Stratton Pond and started down a 6-mile tabletop-flat stretch of trail in beautiful sun dapples and breezes. We rolled along easily to Prospect Rock for lunch. Josh revealed his last surprise: a gallon ziplock of marshmallows. We ate the crumbs out of our food bag and set out towards VT 11 to meet Mom & Dad. We made a stop at Spruce Peak Shelter for water and reconnected with Tin Man (from Dahlonega)! He¢s taking the trail very slowly now, soaking it all in. He heard about this shelters 4 walls, sliding barn-style door, and working wood stove so he decided to stop in and check it out. I hope our paths continue to cross. Joni & I arrived at VT 11 several minutes behind the boys. They had already crossed over with Josh & were taking with Dad. The busy road was 3 lanes on a steep downhill and we were on the inside of a sweeping turn. It was a dangerous crossing. Cars were really moving fast. After we made it to the far shoulder we tried to decide if this was worse than Bear Mountain Bridge crossing. We didn¢t decide but I¢m glad we don¢t have to do either again. The NASCAR pit stop of trail magic began here.Josh & I climbed back into the bed of the truck as everyone ease took their seats and we headed to Depot Street Burgers in Manchester Center to meet mom and Danny. Danny is a middle-school friend of Dad¢s who heard about their New England adventure and decided to join in. He¢s got reservations at the same campgrounds that they do. I last saw Danny in the early 90s. Depot Street Burgers was jammin! Burgers, Fries, Drinks, more burgers for some, and Milkshakes. We got a 2 day resupply of food and fuel and repacked packs. Dad returned Josh to Green Mountain Hiker Hostel after farewells from everyone. His visit really lifted our spirits.Dad retuned us to the trail at about 6:00 and we hiked the last 2 miles of the day to the shelter. We talked on the walk up about how we had just done in 2 hours what sometimes takes 6! We set up on a tent platform: 4 in the tent and me outside on the platform deck. No rain. Crisp evening. Joni¢s leg really does seem to be on the mend. Less weight is the biggest factor. We¢re looking at sub 2-pound tents to replace the 4-man. Joni and I would move into the new tent and the boys would move into the 3-person. We¢d leave the 4-person on the sidelines. This may happen in the coming week. Today is day 39. I¢ve often thought about how Jesus & the prophets felt coming out of the wilderness after 40 days. Were they pumped up, wearing sunglasses, staring at the camera while they swagger out from the trees? Did they sort out some stuff? Were they ravenously hungry? I know our experience differs from theirs in many ways but, unless I get some giant revelations on day 40 I anticipate being nearly as clueless after day 40 as I was on day 1! I need another 40! Thankfully, I think we might get it.