Hanover, NH (USA)

Felt pretty sore this morning but managed to get out of bed at 0600.  I decided to take a day trip over to the Connecticut River because I wanted to explore options for a long term hiking headquarters. It took a little time to get ready but I got on the road (0730).  I filled up my gas tank at Mobil in Rutland (0750) and picked up breakfast at Burger King nearby (0755).  Used US-4 to travel east and enjoyed the low amount of traffic and pretty views. Previously, I’ve been in the area during darkness but this time I got to see Quechee Gorge by daylight for once.  Crossed the Connecticut River into New Hampshire and spent some time exploring Lebanon.  I located a JiffyLube just as they were opening (0900).  Got an oil change and some other services and was done by 0945.  It was relatively sunny, so I returned to the Vermont side of the river and got on I-91.  I headed north until I reached the exit for Norwich and Hanover.  Headed across the river a third time (on the same bridge that the AT uses).  I drove through the Dartmouth campus and saw lots of Thru hikers following the white blazes. Since I’d already hiked that section (in 2014), I continued northeast until I found myself on Trescott Road. That was lucky, since the AT crossed it just east of the Velvet Rocks. Had the parking lot all to myself and took an access trail to get to the trail, starting NOBO at around 1000.  It was already hot (low 80s) and the humidity had kicked in too. It didn’t help that the section crossed several overgrown farmers fields (no tree cover) - I was drenched with sweat within the first hour. The trail guide said the terrain was supposed to be a low grade climb but there were lots more roots, fallen trees, rocks and mud to navigate. Passed 5 day hikers, 3 NOBO Thru hikers and one LASHer. The latter told me she was completing her last section south of Maine (wish I was that close!). The lady asked to borrow bug spray and I obliged.  Turned around at Three Mile Road. It hadn’t been a long section but the backtrack was tough - I powered through more with determination than stamina. Passed 7 more NOBO Thru hikers and talked to one for a little bit just before I reached my car. Also ended up accidentally photo-bombing a couple of young ladies who had just been dropped off by a shuttle - we all had a good laugh. Done at 1315 after almost 8 miles. Pace was good but I’m wiped out! Had planned to hike a short section in Vermont on the way back to Danby but decided not to do it. Storm clouds threatening to the west made the decision anyway... My brain started thinking about a “Maple Creamie" (ice cream I'd seen at stores on US-4 in Vermont), so I decided to head back to the west.  I drove around near Norwich on US-4 and Quechee Main Street , where discovered "back way" to the town of West Hartford (VT).  I located trailheads near the White River and then took Pomfret Road back towards Woodstock, checking out the various locations where the AT crossed that road (and Stage Road).  It sprinkled off/on and I wasn't really in the mood for more hiking.  Eventually, I stopped at Long Trail Brewing Company (Bridgewater Corners, VT) to try a flight of samples.  I ended up talking to an artist named Daniel who was helping someone build a house out of hay bales nearby (through Workaway.info).  Ate dinner there too - it was good to relax.  At 1720, I got back  in my car and drove west on US-4.  It had clearly rained (steam off the hot road) while I was in the tasting room...  In Rutland, I went shopping at Walmart and got some coffee for Elizabeth's house (finished at 1830).  I kept thinking about getting the Maple Creamie but wasn't really hungry enough for one.  Instead, I drove back to Danby and ended up reading my book.  I had intended to do some "advance telework" but was too tired.  Went to bed at around 2200 - it was very hot and I knew that wouldn't help me get a lot of sleep.  Oh well...  AT Today = 3.84 miles / G.T. AT = 1426.96 miles