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What a day! I woke up at 5:30 a.m. even without 'Stayin's' alarm. Hiked over Peru Peak and then up to Bromely ski area. I was out to the road to Manchester by 10:30. The first car picked me up. It was a guy driving a diesel Mercedes running on Bio-Diesel. I went into Manchester to use the Internet, but the Internet was not there. I walked 1.5 mi up to the library. I couldn't hitch because there were cops around. I had a hotdog and a Coke on the way.
The trend continues. I typed my article and hitched back to town. While I was in the outfitter I ran into a guy named 'Uncle Tom.' I summited Katahdin with his best friend. He's been looking for me ever since. I headed back out to the road to hitch back to the trail. I stood there about 45 min. One guy shouted at me "get a car!" Why didn't I think of that? There was a restaurant across the street. I was just about to give up when a guy in a jeep finally picked me up. I was back on the trail by 3:00. I ate lunch, and walked fast with a lot of energy. I saw a nice tent spot 8 miles in and could not resist sleeping alone tonight. I ate dinner and am really liking the new choice of food; tortillas, cheese, tuna, warmed in the lid of my pot. I'm also glad that I'm taking honey along. It once again came to mind that I am hiking my dream. I am living it now. I can't believe it. I like this part of being alone. Time to reflect.
Day 44 21.1 Miles Glastenbury Mountain Fire Tower
Today I hike for Brian Butler, a friend since middle school. I can't remember him being negative about anything. He works at another mainstay of Jonson City business, East TN Foreign Car. He is a great father to his son. Brian finds excitement in everything his son does every day. I look forward to that.
Today was a great day, but hard. I slept well last night. I started with a climb up Stratton Mt. It was the mountain that inspired Benton MacKaye to create the Appalachian Trail. Great Views from the fire tower. I had pushed lunch a little late. I drank 7 liters of water, much more than normal.
I was going to stop at the previous shelter, but I heard there was a fire tower on Glastonbury Mtn. and I wanted to sleep in it. Clear skies, good temp, why not. I hiked my pack straight up to the top of the fire tower and didn't leave for the rest of the night, 70 feet off the ground. 7ft X 7ft cabin on top. Cozy. Beautiful sunset. I'll remember this night as one of those "Remember the time when........"
Day 45 14.7 Miles Congden Shelter
Today I hike for Jim Moody, a fellow AT hiker from Johnson City who completed a Northbound Journey last year. He summited Katahdin July 28th, 2006. His finish was right in time to get me going and planning. He inspired me.
I slept well in the fire tower. Windy! I woke up to a beautiful sunrise. I walked down to the next shelter and had breakfast, and got water right from the ground. The first time I didn't filter my water. I dropped to the road; I needed to get a couple of days of food in Bennington, VT. Hitching was hard, just tourists driving by. It took 45 min, but I finally got a ride.
I pushed my backpack around the PriceChopper store and got a few weird looks. A woman in the Grocery store was asking about my trip, so I asked her for a ride. She drove me part of the way, and then I got another ride with a guy in Mercedes "burning grease". It was hot back on the trail. I dipped my head in the water. It's a trade off I guess, carry the weight of the food, or hassle with going into town. I climbed up from the road hearing thunder. I quickened my step. I found a snake skin at the top of the hill and put it on my pack. The thunder clapped closer, I walked faster. Then closer, so I ran. I made it to the shelter right before the sky fell. I'm lucky this time.
Day 46 20.4 Miles Mt. Greylock warming hut.
Today I hike for Irene Crowe, my wife's grandmother. A woman of great regard and respect. At 91 she still grows vegetables, bakes bread, and lives alone. She loves everything that an East TN woman should love. I love to see how happy she is around family.
I slept OK last night. I think I had a spider crawling on me. There were a lot in the shelter. The air felt different this morning after the storm. Less humidity. I left out with a lot of energy. I stopped for a second breakfast. I've seen many retirees in these last few days. Almost all have the same story. They worked for a company for 25, 30, 40 years and they were layed off or forced into early retirement. Many were not given a leave of absence for the trip and retired early. It feels to me that life and work are always at odds.
I hiked down to the state line and into Massachusetts. I also crossed the 600 mile mark today. I hiked Vermont's 150.8 miles in 10 days. I would recommend anyone wanting to hike the AT in New England, to come to VT. I hiked down and through another town, North Adams. I didn't even stop for a hotdog. Then I hiked up to the highest point in MA. Mt Greylock. The last 3,000 ft peak until VA. I wanted to stay on top, but it was posted "no camping." The warming hut looked good to me. I slept with the fireplace between me and the parking lot. The ranger came around a few times, but couldn't see me.
