Bennington, VT (USA)

On the road by 0715 after a good night of sleep. Used US-7 to return to the Green Mountain National Forest so I could tie up a loose end south of Stratton-Arlington Road. Have been kicking myself all weekend about all of the simple things I could have done differently to avoid returning to the same trailheads - if I'd used my AT Guide the right way, I'd have more sections that were possible with limited time. Oh well... Started NOBO at 8:15 from the trailhead at USFS-71. I immediately encountered hikers but kept my distance from the ones going north so that I could "hike my own hike." All I had to do was reach the Black Brook (just over a mile) but I decided to continue after I encountered the worst mud of the trip. Saw lots of blueberries, ferns and evergreen sprigs. Temps were really nice again (low 60s). I ended up at the Stratton Mountain parking lot and walked back on the gravel roads to my car, arriving at 0930 after 3.5 miles. Headed south and stopped for a gas fillup, supplies and souvenirs in Bennington (1100).  Used NY-7, I-87, I-88 and I-81 to get back into Pennsylvania.  Eileen called me in the middle of the long stretch.  Stopped again for gas again in Harrisburg, PA (1710).  Drove home via PA-581, US-15, I-270 and I-495, arriving at 2000.  This has been a great weekend - logged almost 41 miles and nearly 20 new AT miles. Traded the heat of NoVA for a Vermont July - can't beat it.  AT Today = 1.10 miles / G.T. AT = 955.16 miles