Date: 2015-07-12
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

7/12, 10.7, Manchester Center, VTWe woke the shelter as usual today at 5 am, packed and were excited to get on trail as we planned a 10 mile hike into Manchester Center, VT where we will resupply and stay in a hostel. The hike was generally downhill and very pleasant. The temperatures held steady in the low 70's and the humidity was moderate. Climbs still produce a heavy amount of sweat, but the slight breeze at he top of each rise cools one nicely.After an uneventful morning we reached the parking lot where we needed to turn down the road to Manchester Center. Since it is off trail any means of travel is allowed and our chosen method is the hitch hike. There are shuttle services but they charge like taxis, and hitching is more interesting anyway. We positioned ourselves to allow enough room for someone to see us, decide and pull over safely into the parking lot entrance. We had decided to try for fifteen minutes and then start looking for a shuttle service. After ten minutes of waving at passing cars I started trying to call listed services. Unfortunately our cell coverage was good enough to ring and connect, but would not transmit voice. Just as frustration was beginning to rear its ugly presence, a small car pulled over. It was a lovely elderly woman on her way into town to buy groceries for the older gentleman under her care. Her car was small but we stuffed our packs into the trunk, and ourselves into the car. She was pleasant and glad to help out so we thanked her as we got out at the grocery and bid her farewell.We joined other hikers at the picnic table beside the grocery and went in to get a cold drink. We needed to get all our shopping and stuff complete then a call to the hostel would bring our host to pick us up. We decided to head for the outfitter a few blocks away and maybe get a late breakfast. It was 12:15 but we figured on Sunday breakfast might be served later. As we turned to shoulder our packs to begin walking, Jeff, our hostel host at Green Mountain House, had pulled in to pick up another hiker. Otter made the great suggestion that we send our packs in the truck, and call later for ourselves. Jeff was very agreeable so we shopped and relaxed the afternoon in town unburdened. We found breakfast at a great spot called Up For Breakfast. It was a small but very popular resturant on the upper floor of the building. They had wonderful food and e maple syrup was real Vermont maple! After breakfast we checked he outfitter and the bookstore, both very popular with us, and he. Headed back to the grocery store. We shopped for dinner to make ourselves at the hostel and called for our ride. Jeff was very prompt and shortly we were settling into our room, marveling at the prefect accommodations. Here in Vermont prices are peaking and hotels and motels are very expensive. Even a four way split can be forty dollars each! Here at Green Mountain House we get a real bed with linens, AC in room, ride back to trailhead, shower, laundry, and full kitchen to use with make your own breakfast supplies including eggs, pancake mix, cold cereal and coffee. Topping the amenities though is free soda and a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream for each of us. All of this is included in the one low price of $30. This may be the best hostel value on the AT. After cleaning up we grilled our steaks and vegetable kabobs and visited with the other hikers here. Star Trek and Saffron are here as well as many new folks I have not met. As we visited with Jeff about the hostel we happened upon the idea to consider a slack pack for tomorrow. Again, with a four way split, the shuttle fees are very reasonable so we decided to sign on. We need to be ready for a pack free day hike of 18 miles by 6 am, so it is off to bed for all of us. Silverback