July 1 - Allentown Shelter

22.4 miles
Others here: Flash, and two others

Had breakfast with Buffalo Bobby in Port Clinton and then said goodbye possibly for the last time.  I have been greatly blessed to spend time with someone that seems to have a grasp on the "purity and simplicity of devotion to Christ."  I believe he has a deeper understanding of Jesus than many a high powered Christian.  Our Lord willing, I hope to see him sometime in the future.

Walked the 15 miles to Eckville Shelter by 3pm but the curmudgeonly caretaker did an excellent job of making me feel unwelcome so I hiked the additional 7.3 miles here.  I made the mistake of asking if his dog was a puppy.  He certainly is not and the caretaker was tired of answering that question.  In fact, he was tired of all the hiker questions.  I may have overdone it a bit getting here (lots of rocks) because my knee is bothering me a bit.  I took an  anti-inflammatory for only the 3rd time since the hike began.

July 2 - Palmerton Borough Hall

17.7 miles + 1.5 to town
Others here:  Gimp and Scrounger, Shocka & Aloha, Guana, Sonic, Fly, Smoothie, Flash, Raisin Man.

Spending the night in the Palmerton Jail tonight. At least that's what the hikers call it because we are in the basement of the borough hall.  Apparently, this used to be a jail.  The city gives each hiker a goody bag which includes a granola bar, toothpaste/brush, shampoo, postcard with stamp, 5 min phone card.

Hiked the first 11 miles in less than 3 hours because I thought I had to be at the hall by 4:30.  I learned otherwise and then hiked the last 7 more slowly.

I arrived at 4:00 and ran out of time after showering and going to eat with Gimp and Scrounger.  I will have to do my laundry and grocery shopping tomorrow morning.  Thanks to the Greyhounds who gave me a lot of their extra food, I only have to buy a few things.  Thinking I will only do 10 tomorrow since I will get a late start - we shall see.

I have an important decision to pray about that was just brought to my attention.  I am seriously in need of the Lord's guidance.

July 3 - Palmerton Borough Hall

0 miles
others here: no others

The knee was giving me a little trouble today.  In fact, ever since the long day to escape the grumpy Eckville caretaker.  To give my knee a rest and since I'm a day ahead, I decided to stay here another day and enjoy the town.  I must say there is something about being alone in the town hall that is less enjoyable than up on a mountain.  I'm actually wishing there were some others here.  Funny how the social interaction becomes such an important part of the journey.

Another hiker described Palmerton perfectly when she said that everything is circa 1950.  The people are all so friendly and all seem to know each other.  They stop when they see someone in the crosswalk, even if it is a hiker.  They seem to walk more here than in many towns.  There are always people walking up and down the sidewalks.  The IGA even gives hikers a free apple.

July 4 - Campsite north of Wind Gap

approx 22 miles
others here: I'm all alone

Left Palmerton early in the morning and was very thankful that the Lord answered my prayers and provided a ride to the trail.  I hadn't walked two blocks and someone with a pickup asked me if I wanted a ride.

Saw a rattle snake today.  It gave me about a two step notice and was just along the side of the trail with its head furthest from me.  The encounter went something like this:

SNAKE:  rattle, rattle, rattle

James the Bold:  Ah ha, a rattle snake.  (Notice here the deep manly voice.  Rumors about a girlish shriek mustn't be believed.)

SNAKE:  rattle, rattle, rattle

James the Bold:  I believe I will get a closer look since I am not afraid (spoken with a manly voice)

SNAKE:  RATTLE, RATTLE, RATTLE

jimmy:  On second thought, I can get a fine picture using the zoom feature.

SNAKE:  rattle, rattle, rattle

I was able to take a couple pictures and movies but the snake wasn't very cooperative about posing.  I hope the movies captured his rattling.  By the way if they are a little shaky that was due to excitement at capturing such a bold moment on film.  Really now, these rumors of girl like screams and trembling hands must be stopped.

July 5 - Presbeterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA

Approx 14 miles / mile 1277.8
others here: Gimp & Scrounger, Sonic & Guana, Shocka & Aloha, Tadpole, Hover, Right On & Brown Dog (her dog), a man named Jack that seems to live on the trail (an interesting fellow)

Enjoyed the walk into DWG today and arrived by 2pm.  This is the Northern boundary for PA.  After finishing PA, I'm still waiting for those killer Pennsylvania rocks that everyone talks about.  I've decided that just like everything else, it was an exaggeration.  It seems we hikers like to find the hardest part about a section and then talk about it.  In the process it gets exaggerated.  Sure there are more rocks in PA, but they aren't the rocks from hell that people lead you to believe.  There is always a break between rocky sections and they don't every go on for more than an hour or so.  Actually most of PA is along the ridgeline with only a few tough ascents or descents. 

I think my favorite two things about this state have been the people and town of Palmerton and also the Cumberland valley section with its many farms.

July 6 - Mohican Outdoor Center

10.4 miles / mile 1288.3
others here: Gimp & Scrounger (the greyhounds), Bag, Tadpole, Big Red, Hover, Right On & Brown Dog, Pastor John.

A fine lazy summer day.  Left the church hostel at 9:45 and caught up with the greyhounds at Sunfish pond by noon.  Sunfish is said to be the  southernmost glacial pond along the AT.  A sign close to the pond said the natural acidity of the pond makes it habitable only for a few species of fish such as the Pumpkinseed Sunfish, and perch. 

Walked with Gimp & Scrounger the last 4 miles to MOC, but it took us 3 hours.  We ate blueberries along the way and stopped at a viewpoint for a long break.  We enjoyed watching the people at a beach on the Delaware River 1200 feet below.  While we were there two gliders were released right above us and were still circling when we left.  Such a beautiful day, blue skies and a few cumulous clouds.

Got to the MOC and took a quick swim in the lake to cool off and "wash" our clothes.  On our first approach to the lake a lady let us know we were not welcome.  On our way out, I could hear her telling someone we smelled.  We eventually found the public beach and enjoyed a refreshing swim.  Had a four course meal afterwards from leftovers we found in our cabin.  Lipton soup, boiled potatoes, hamburgers with tomatoes and cucumbers, pasta mixed with ramen noodles, and hot tea.

Boris and Ellaina came into the cabin and we talked with them for quite some time.  They have lived in PA for the past 13 years but are originally from Moscow, Russia.  They were extremely friendly and very interested in what we are doing.  I enjoyed their company very much.

July 7 - Forest Motel at Culvers Gap

17.9 miles / mile 1306.2
Others here: Gimp & Scrounger

Well I probably should have saved the money but after getting here in the rain (first since June 20, by the way), I really didn't want to go any further.  Sharing a room with the greyhounds.

Didn't leave Mohican Center until 9am because I had to call the DWG PO and have my mail forwarded.  The girls tented outside but ate dinner and breakfast in our cabin.  They said the mosquitoes were brutal and just waited outside the tent door for their chance.

Hiked first 6 miles and ran into a teenage camp group.  Most of them were from New York.  They were great fun and were very interested in us.

Went an extra 4 miles more than planned to get to the Worthington Bakery before it closed at 6pm. Made it by 5pm.  The three of us ended up getting two pies which we will eat tonight.

July 8 - High observation tower

15.3 miles + 1.9 from the hotel to trail / Mile 1322.2
Others here:  Gimp & Scrounger, Strappy, Big Red, Hover, Tadpole

We are all cowboy camping (under the stars) on top of the tower.  We are all hoping it won't rain.  There are a couple suspicious clouds to the SW but it seems a little cool for rain and it isn't humid.  However a tiny slug was apparently carried by the wind and landed on my leg.  I hope this isn't a bad sign.

Met two memorable characters on the trail today.   The first was Desperado.  We met him at Mashipacong shelter.  He maintains that and 3 others over 70 miles of trail.  He does this on his own and doesn't belong to any trail clubs.  I was floored by his generosity and dedication.  He must spend 40 - 50 hrs each week and thousands of $ per year doing this.  He gave us some cookies and soda, but meeting him and listening to his story was much more meaningful than the food.  I had subconsciously guessed his age as 45ish, but he is 60 and has been at this for over 30 yrs.  In addition to maintaining the shelters, he takes a couple trips every year to help out hikers both north and south of NJ.

With the skill and stealth of an American Indian, I moved as a ghost through the forest.  Using noiseless steps and with constant awareness of the wind direction, I stalked the black bear.  Without his knowledge of my presence I captured candid photos of this great beast.  Ok, Ok ...  I was descending a steep rocky section and slipped down onto one hand making a lot of racket and there he was.  He  just stood there looking at me and sniffing the air and then eventually walked across the trail in front of me.

P.S.  Only the Greyhounds actually cowboy camped.  The rest of us wimped out and set up our tents (minus rainfly) on the platform to avoid the mosquitoes.

July 9 - St Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel

19 miles / mile 1341.1
Others here: Hover, Tadpole, Strappy, Big Red, Bag, Thor, Gray Jay, Shocka & Aloha, Chimpy

Walked through two wetland areas today.  The first was a wetland restoration project and wildlife sanctuary.  I think they really meant mosquito sanctuary.  For some reason they routed the trail 3/4 around the rectangular sanctuary.  It was an old sod farm.  We could have arrived at the same place by walking 1/4 the distance.  This is the first time I've felt like complaining about the trail route.

The second wetland seemed much more established.  I'd call the first a swamp and the second a marsh which had much more wildlife. This second area was very nice.  A raised boardwalk went through the cattails, milkweed, and whatever else was there for at least a mile.  Finally it ended with a suspension bridge over the creek.  There weren't any noticable mosquitoes in this section - why?

Got to the town road with Strappy, Hover, Big Red, and Tadpole.  The girls got a ride from a lady leaving Heaven Hill Farm.  The car was made for 4 but they insisted we could fit 5.  We had three in the back and me and Strappy in the passenger seat.  The lady's name was Ursula - very nice.  Must remember to get a picture from Strappy's trailjournals site.

June 10 : Wildcat shelter

17.2 miles / mile 1358.4
others here:  Thor, Bag, Juniata, Chimpy, Shocka & Aloha, and three weekend hikers.

Very nice hike today.  Started out raining but stopped by noon.  The day was cool and overcast; great walking weather.  Crossed the NY/NJ line today.  Much of the hike was over rocky overlooks.  There were some very nice vistas of Greenwood Lake.

Perhaps the best part of the day was near the end when Thor was walking to town on NY 17A to get cigarettes.  0.1 mile from the trail he happened upon an ice-cream shop that had just opened today.  I think it was called Glenvale creamery.  I was laughing at us all because we were so excited that it reminded me of children at Christmas time.  Something about discovering ice-cream so close to the trail; and we were among his first customers and his very first thru hiker customers.

July 11 - Brien Memorial Shelter

19.6 miles / mile 1378.0
others here: Bag

Long, difficult day.  The first 10 miles consisted of a lot of ups and downs.  These climbs were fun but a little difficult because they were rock scrambles and climbs.  The last section was much easier through Harriman state park.  Almost like a city park, tall trees with very little undergrowth - just grass.

I'm beat and need to get to sleep.  Have to get going tomorrow by 6 am in order to make it to Bear Mountain (8 miles) with plenty of time before PO closes.

July 12 - Bear Mountain, NY (actually Lake Tiorati)

8.1 miles / mile 1386.1
Others here:  Gimp & Scrounger, Big Red, Strappy, Tadpole, Thor, Shaka & Aloha, Juniata, Kim & Sarah, Medicine Man, Flash & his brother, a bunch of past thru hikers

Thor, Bag (who went to NY city), Shaka, Aloha, & I hiked into Bear Mountain this morning after leaving the last shelter at 6am.  We were in a hurry to make the post office and to get to the hiker feed in Bear Mountain.  It turned out that the post office was only open from 11 to 12 and the feed was actually at Lake Tiorati.  Juniata told the people putting it on that we had gone too far, so someone drove to the PO to find us.

It has been quite a feast.  Steak sandwiches, lots of sodas, fruit, a Pakastani rice dish, chicken, leg of lam, Greek salad, muffins.  Oh and we went for a swim in the lake.  A very nice day.  Everything seems to work out even when it seems like all is going wrong.  How often in life are things the same way if we would just relax?

July 13 - Campsite North of Dennytown Rd.

15.5 miles / mile 1401.6
others here: Thor, Shaka & Aloha, Lost & Found (Kim & Sarah)

This is my 100th day on the trail and I can't think of anyplace I'd rather be.

Today was a great day.  Hiked with the group I'm tenting with all day.  It was nice to have people to talk with for a change.  Lost and Found got their trail names today (Thor named them).  They just got on the trail a couple weeks ago and plan to flip-flop.

We had lunch at the Graymoor monastery and it was hard to leave.  The friars give you dinner and breakfast the next morning if you stay the night.  Also it would have been a unique experience to stay there.  But I plan to meet Larry in Kent, CT and couldn't make it there in time if I had stayed at the monastery.  Larry, you'll be happy to know I chose you over dinner and an interesting experience.  Well, also I didn't want to get separated from everyone else. 

We had a nice time eating, talking and sharing desert around the fire.  My mother's date bars were a hit.  We'll be sharing them for breakfast in the morning.

July 14 - Morgan Stewart Shelter

19.5 miles / mile 1421.1
others here: Thor, Shaka & Aloha, Lost & Found, Texas Jack

Last night was a very nice tenting spot and this morning’s breakfast was quite enjoyable.  The fig bars were passed around again.  Had a nice leisurely day for first 12 miles.  We all pretty much hiked together (except TX Jack who we met at the shelter).  At our lunch stop we found cherries and red raspberries - delish!  After 12, Thor and I hiked very fast because we wanted to make it to a deli that was 5 miles away.  We sped, at least until the 3 or 4 successive ups and downs slowed us down.  The deli turned out to be very much worth the effort.  Thor, Lost, Found, and I went down.

My experience at the deli has confirmed that New Yorkers are sincerely nice people.  We spoke with several and one nice man and his 5 yr old son gave us a ride back to the trail.  I told him that he might want to roll down the windows due to the smell and when we got in the van he said "You ain’t kidding."

Shaka & Aloha will be getting off the trail tomorrow for a few days to go visit New York City, Thor will finish his hike at Great Barrington, and Lost & Found will get off at West Cornwall for a New York visit.  Soon our merry band will be separated; how sad.  We'll make the best of it until then.

July 15 - Wiley Shelter
16.6 miles / mile 1437.7
others here: Thor, Lost & Found, Neal, and 2 south-bounders - Wheel & Bojangels

Long slow and easy day today.  We hit a hot dog stand, or actually a hot dog bus, after the first 3 miles and another at about 10 miles.  Once again, I saw that New Yorkers are very nice people.

Unless I take a zero day in Kent, I am not likely to see Shaka & Aloha again.  They invited us to their friends for dinner on Friday night, so I may try to zero in order to spend a little more time with them.  Otherwise, Thor and I will hike on alone (Lost & Found are getting off to see friends for a few days) until Thor completes his hike.  His voice and some of his mannerisms reminded me a lot of Paul; except he uses other words for emphasis than Paul's famous "demons!"

July 16 - Kent, CT
12.7 miles
others here:  Thor, Lost & Found, Euchre

We hiked about 4 miles to a deli in Bull Bridge.  Walked across a nice covered bridge to get there. While there the owner offered (without any prompting) to slack us to Kent.  She drove our packs to Kent and we walked with just water and snacks.  Actually, I carried my pack and removed most everything.  The last 7 miles was a little difficult so we were happy to be slacking.

Arrived in Kent expecting to stay at the church hostel but there was no room at the inn.  Actually, the hostel was closed, there were no rooms at one hotel and the other was too expensive.  We decided to take a bus to Cornwall Bridge, stay there and then get the bus back to Kent.  On his way to the bus stop, Thor ran into a thru hiker he had met down south.  Bandit was counselor for a camp at a nearby state park.  He drove us all to the park and we stayed there at $11 for all 5.

How many people would drive 3 hours just to see a friend (a very smelly friend) for 1 hour?  Not many; I'd venture to guess.  Well Larry is one of the few.  It takes a real friend to go through as much trouble as he did just to eat dinner with me.  He was on a business trip and brought me some things I needed as well as visiting with me over dinner. There isn't much more I can say other than THANK YOU.

Any one that as read my previous entries cannot fail to discern my unusual skill dealing with wild animals.  Take the rattle snake and bear for example.  I don't want to brag but anyone would surely come to the same conclusion ;).  My woodsman skills were shown in all their glory tonight.  My rattle snake bravery and black bear stealth combined in a contest with the Wiley Raccoon. 

We were all sitting around a picnic table after dark when my trained eyes spotted a raccoon.  We watched his beady, glowing eyes for a while and then went back to our conversation.  Suddenly, I noticed him in the vicinity of my tent.  "Now he's over by my tent," I declared.  "Maybe I should go check on my food," said I in a careless woodsman-like voice.  The raccoon was at the road when I noticed his eyes were seemed to be doing a merry dance; "wait he HAS my food bag!"  Knowing that raccoons are animals of reason I ran toward him shouting,  "HEY HEY, GIVE THAT BACK!"  He dropped it and I was able to retrieve the only slightly damaged and quite slobbery bag.  Since you have read about my other encounters with wild animals you must have guessed by now that I was simply providing an object lesson for the other hikers - always hang your food 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from a tree trunk.  For those that might think I was simply being careless, I can only assume that you
are not familiar with my other daring adventures :)

July 17 - Silver Brook campsite
10 miles
others here: Thor, Euchre, a wilderness camp group

Didn't leave Kent until 3:30pm because we did laundry, ate, ate again, resupplied, and just plain sat around.  Arrived in camp around 8pm.  We said goodbye to Lost and Found during the first eat.  They are both getting off the trail for a few days.

Nice river walk into camp.  I need to tell the story about Lost & Found meeting Lost's boyfriend but I'm too sleepy.

July 18 - North of Falls Village, CT
16 miles
others here: Thor, Euchre

Walked thru rain during the morning.  Hiked into Falls Village for dinner only to learn that the pizza place was closed. Sat in the local bar with Thor waiting for Euchre because it was the only place that served food.  (I drank Coke, Mom).  We waited there for about 3 hours and then hiked just north of town.

July 19 - south of Jug End
23 miles
others here : Thor

Today was a beautiful day; in the 70's with low humidity.  Since we hiked over Bear Mount and Mount Everett, we had some excellent views as well as plenty of good blueberries.  We spent a total of 4 hrs breaking and still managed to make it 23 miles.  Two of those hours were in Salisbury which was a quaint little town that seemed like a place where wealthy people have their summer homes.  From noon until 5:40, we only did 6.7 miles and as a result we were forced to night hike the last several miles.  It was an enjoyable experience even though I was exhausted from the rough Mount Everett climb.

July 20 - Great Barrington Court Motel
14 miles
Hiked with Thor on this, his last few miles.  He completed his thru hike at the shelter just south of Mass 23.  Actually, he has hiked about 3500 miles of the AT, but this section gave him a compete hike.  It was a privilege to share this with him.  He met his mother and I hitched to the motel.  The guy who gave me a ride dropped me off at the hotel.  He said he wanted to buy me dinner and wouldn't take no for an answer.  I told him that I should buy his dinner but he would have none of that and gave me $10.  I was literally shocked.  Whoever said New Englander's were unfriendly hasn't met the right ones.

I accomplished a feat today that very few have bested.  As with most great accomplishments, I didn't set out to do this but happened upon it.  I guess I was just destined for such greatness.  I walked through New York and Connecticut without a shower.  My last shower before today was in Vernon, NJ on July 9.

July 21 - Bob and Nancy's house in Cornwall Bridge
0 miles
others here: Shaka & Aloha

Thor & his mother came by the hotel in the morning so I was able to meet her and say goodbye to Thor.  Afterwards, I walked toward the outfitter in town.  Who do I run into but Shaka and Aloha.  They invited me to ride with them to an outlet mall to look for shoes.  (Mine were shot; they got me all the way from Bland VA).  We didn't find any shoes so came back to the outfitter in GB where Shaka and I got a new pair.

They invited me back to the friends' house and it didn't take me long to accept.  At the house I met the children, Jill and Jeff.  Their friends’ names are Bob and Nancy.  We had a nice meal and then talked for quite a while.  At about 9pm a fierce storm blew through knocking out the power.  We played Uno by candle light and then went to bed.  The power was still out in the morning.

July 22 - Shaker campsite
10 miles
others here : Nick (same Nick as at Harpers Ferry)

Bob dropped me off in Great Barrington and Shaka & Aloha off on Rt 7 so they could slack south 23 miles.  I had my pack repaired (the shoulder strap stitching came out) at a cobbler in town.  Then I hiked the short day to Shaker Campsite after leaving town at about 3pm.  I met Hungry in town; he is from Israel.

Sure was a treat to see Shaka and Aloha.  I didn't think I would have the pleasure again.  I would have to say that the time I spent hiking with them, Thor, and Lost & Found have been some of my favorite days on the trail.  Who knows, maybe I'll see them (and others like Lost & Found & Buffalo Bobby) somewhere up the trail.

July 23 - The Cookie Lady's house (Pittsfield Road)
21.1 miles
Others here: Bag, two families with 5 children

I'm tenting on the Cookie Man's property.  The Cookie Lady is out of town.  They run a U-Pick blueberry farm and have given water and cookies to the hikers for the past 20 years.  I mowed around the blueberry bushes for about an hour in an effort to say thanks (Their info sign suggested this). 

The hike today was a little difficult but mostly it was buggy.  The majority of the hike was through boggy areas or next to beaver ponds.  I did enjoy the beaver ponds, however.

July 24 - St Mary's of the Assumption church in Cheshire, MA
18.9 miles
others here:  Bag, Burn, Freemont, Tortoise who is Sobo (south bound)

Hiked 10 relatively easy miles into Dalton.  Just after entering town, it started to rain quite hard.  I stopped under a tree to get out of it when someone yelled out for me to take refuge under his porch.  I talked with Tom, who regularly allows hikers to tent on his lawn, for a few minutes when he asked me if I would like a little ice cream.  There is only one answer to that question.  He went in and brought out a large bowl full of ice-cream with whipped cream on top.  It wasn't just Tom, but people I met on the street and in the PO that made me come, once again, to the following conclusion.  There is no North/South boundary for kind people.  People are people and most genuinely want to be nice.

Hiked the remaining miles into Chesire, got some pizza, and came back to the church.  There was a magnificent view prior to town from "The Cobbles."  The Hoosic River and Mnt Greylocck were visible.  It is said that Herman Melvile got some inspiration for "Moby Dick" from Graylock.  Apparently it looks like a whale.  From The Cobbles we noticed a smaller mountain between us and Graylock that might look like a whale. 

July 25 - VT/MA Line (literally)
18.1 miles / mile 1580.9
others here : Bag

A nice hike up to Mnt Greylock.  I thought it would be difficult since it was the first 2500 ft climb since VA but it was a gradual ascent.  Enjoyed the views from the top then spent a couple hours eating and goofing off in the lodge.  Hiked down into North Adams, re-supplied, and then ate at an AYCE chinese place.  Spent another two hours here.

Just before climbing out of town, the trail goes through someone's driveway.  The owner was outside and I stopped and talked with him for about 30 minutes.  It was getting late by this time and Bag and I (he caught up with me a couple miles up) hiked the last 2.3 miles in the dark.  It was sort of fun walking without a headlamp - the goal was to make it to the state line, which we did.  There was actually lite most of the way, especially up on top.

July 26 - Little Pond Outlook
20.1 miles / mile 1600.8
no others here

I'll try to keep this short because I feel like I haven't been getting enough sleep lately.  Ever since I stayed up till 1am watching 1.5 Planet of the Apes movies in Great Barrington.

Hiked with Bag, Burn, & Freemont until the last 6 miles.  Bag went on further, Burn stayed at the last shelter as I assume did Freemont.  Relatively easy hiking today; quite a few bog bridges and muddy spots.  There was one rather tough staircase descent (where Burn fell, though she wasn't hurt) and then a smaller staircase going back up after the road.  I met Amble today and also Finch's wife.

A note about the water of late.  Since NY, many of the streams have not looked very appealing; the water looks like weak tea.  I've been told that is due to tannin from decaying organic matter which I assume is mostly leaves, bark, etc.  It took a while, but I'm use to it.  The water is fine to drink and a side benefit of using bleach for purification is that it tends to clear up the water.  I still prefer springs that come right out of the ground.  These I often don't treat in any way.

Lately, Bag and I have been talking a lot about living a simple lifestyle and the contrast between the American dream and simplicity.  I was thinking later that it is my belief that Jesus did and does advocate a lifestyle much different from what is commonly taught in churchdom.  I have a feeling that if many people could only see this, they wouldn't be quite so hostile toward Christianity.  But isn't that true in the bigger picture as well; if people saw and understood Jesus as he is rather than as he is represented, they might be more open to him.

July 27 - Stratton Pond Shelter
23.8 miles
others here: Bag, severall soutbounders

Never intended to go so far but a threatening storm lit a fire under me.  About a mile before the shelter, the fire fizzled out and so did I.  I slept all the better for it.  Glad that I did the extra miles after it was over.  I did the last 6 miles up and over Stratton mountain (3900 ft) in just a little over 2 hours cause I was racing the storm.

July 28 - Warming hut on Bromley Mountain
13.3 miles
others here: Bag, Medicine Man, Hall, Mr Ed, Splash & Cobra.  southbounders: 3 ounces, 2 others I can't remember their names

Hiked about 10 miles to Manchester Center and spent several hours in town eating, making phone calls, etc, etc...

Hiked 2.7 mile up the mountain.  This is a sky resort mountain and they allow hikers to stay in the warming hut during the summer.  There is an observation tower next door that we watched the sunset from.  I don't have the words to describe it - it was absolutely beautiful.  If only the pictures could capture it.

July 29 - Greenwall Shelter
21.1 miles / mile 1659.8
others here:  Bag, Stash (Hall)

A beautiful day today.  Clear blue skies and mild temps with low humidity.  I must have stopped to enjoy the day every hour until 1pm.  Spent quite some time on top of Baker Peak; I just couldn't pull myself away. Also spent the first part of the day hiking with Splash and Cobra (at least I saw them at every break).  Very nice people.  I can only guess that they are in their late 40's or early 50's.  As Grandma would say, Cobra is full of vim an’ vigor.  Well, I must get to sleep before I just drop off in the middle of this.

July 30 - Cooper Lodge Shelter
18.9 miles / mile 1678.3
others here: Chicken, Flanders, & their friend.  Three guys from New York out for a few days.

The highlights of the day would have to be my late morning swim in Clarendon Gorge, Lunch at The Whistle Stop, the climb up Killington Peak, and the sunset from the top.

I just couldn't pass up the clear, cool, deep pools in the gorge.  It was very refreshing.  After my swim I had lunch at The Wistle Stop.  When I was about a mile away, I realized I had forgotten to leave a tip.  Thankfully, I ran into a southbounder and he took the tip in for me.  Ran into him at a stream crossing where Hiking Gnome had left sodas in the stream. Ahh that hit the spot.  I enjoyed the climb up to Killington even though it was a 2000 ft gain because it went through a pine forest.  The sunset from the summit was beautiful.  As the sun began to set, the mountain ridges became more distinct.  I felt like I was atop one of the highest within an ocean of wave upon wave receding into the distant sunset in all directions.

July 31 - Inn at Long Trail (Killington, VT)
6.3 miles
others here that I know of:  Finch, Jan Lightfoot, several SoBos

It was an easy hike into the Inn today and I am enjoying my nero (near zero) day.

I finally was able to take a much needed shower and wash most of my clothes.  I guess I really did need the shower because I had a dream a few days ago that I took a shower and forgot to use soap.  When I went back to get it right, the shower was occupied so I was out of luck.

I think I have found a way to drop 1 to 1.5 lbs from my pack weight.  My tent can be set up with just the rainfly and poles (no tent body).  I bought some bug netting at the Army & Navy store so I could try tenting this way.  I'll carry everything for a few days just to be sure it works.  If this proves satisfactory, I will send the tent body home.

I met a guy on the trail the other day that I forgot to mention.  He is trying to beat the Long Trail speed record which is something like 4.5 days.  He will start Aug 2 (I think) and his website is www.thedogteam.com.