Danby, VT (USA)

Got started a little later than I wanted to this morning but didn't have far to drive to the trailhead on Danby-Landgrove Road. Headed NOBO at 0830 and didn't see any people for several hours. Passed Little Rock Pond and marveled at the mirror image on its surface. It is so peaceful on the trail here - I can't hear the roads or airplanes and there hasn't been much wind. Peace and quiet: can't beat it! Eventually, I encountered a trio of older guys from Tennessee who told me they had been section hiking the AT (during spare weekends and holidays) for 29 YEARS (!) and they have just now made it to this point on the trail. I am in awe at their dedication but hope I don't need that many more years to finish... I turned around at Greenwall Shelter (7.00 miles) and headed back towards my car. Many more people were now out for a stroll - it was downright crowded! I took a side trip to enjoy the views from the White Rocks Cliff (wow!). Saw two hikers who made me think "hmmmm": an older dude in a kilt and a (I presume) Mennonite lady, fully dressed and carrying a huge backpack. The hike back was good - much less humidity here than I usually experience... Arrived at my car at 1430 (after around 15 miles of hiking) and headed back to base. It was getting hot! While I waited for the temperatures to drop again, I met some neighbors, went to Mass (St. Patrick's, a tiny church) in Wallingford and ate dinner (Panera - 1700) in Rutland again. At 1815, I was at the trailhead on VT-140 (same place as yesterday) and I headed SOBO to complete the section. After 1.50 miles (all uphill), I turned around at the Greenwall Shelter (again). LOTS of mosquitos... Met a Long Trail Lady Hiker - smiling, exhibitionist and ambitious (after all, she needs to make it to her ride in three days...). All said and done, I arrived at my car at 1930 - after nearly 18 total miles. I was tired, sore and full of endorphins. In many ways, this entire day was much like my first few months trying to conquer the AT: plenty of food, water and a break in the middle. Now that I have been reminded that I need to be really careful in preparations, pacing myself and knowing when to stop, I've gone back to a strategy that works. Hoping that pays off. Overall, this was my kind of day on the trail! Back to Danby for another nice sleep... AT Today = 8.50 miles / G.T. AT = 723.08 miles