Stayed over in New Hampshire for another night because the weather looked good enough for another AT hike before I left town. Got up very early (0545) and finished packing. Ate breakfast (snacks) in the hotel room and loaded up the car (in case I couldn't get back in time to check out). I drove to the trailhead on Trescott Road (just outside of Hanover), arriving at 0700. Headed SOBO towards the Velvet Rocks, a place I last visited in October 2014. The weather was overcast and cool (high 40s) but I stuck with a short sleeved shirt for the whole hike. Most of this short section was very muddy - I passed several side trails and it was clear that the locals used these many access points. Even without any Thru hikers this season, the trail was a wreck! The Dartmouth Outing Club had signs posted everywhere that hinted they were the trail maintainers but I didn't see evidence that they were trying to stabilize the trail... After the first mile, the trail started uphill but it wasn't too strenuous. I passed between a series of moss covered boulders until I reached a rocky summit. Unfortunately, there weren't any really good views there. Even worse, though, the trail then descended down a dangerously steep (and slippery!) route to a valley that paralleled the ridge. By the time I made it to the bottom, I was thinking of all the ways that I could return to my car without using the AT... There were a few more climbs and descents but nothing as bad as the main hill. Eventually, I found myself at a trail junction where I could choose to climb a large hill (up to the Velvet Rocks Shelter) or continue on the AT. Since I figured out that my 2014 visit had used that trail, I continued hiking until I found the other end of the alternate route. Along the way, I passed the one person I saw all day - another trail runner. I decided to backtrack via the blue-blazed side trail to the shelter and ended up seeing some good views on the ridges back to the east. I also could see the trail junction area below me (about 300 feet of steep cliff face - yikes!). Took the blue blaze all the way to Wheelock Street and then trudged towards my car. The road curved through pretty farms and wetlands - there were plenty of access trails and other nature walk opportunities along the way. I found myself walking a good pace along the cinder shoulder and passed several bikers and a couple of joggers. Unlike all the other days I was in town, I encountered a LOT of bugs. In trying to avoid them, I picked up the pace and soon found my car again (0930). Finished my day with about six miles of trail/road and the temps had climbed into the mid 50s. As I got into my car, I noticed that sun had risen splendidly above me in a clear blue sky. Really wishing I didn't have to leave - it's been a great week of exploring... Since I had enough time, I went back to my hotel, showered and changed. I then drove to West Lebanon and got an early lunch at McDonalds (1015). From there, I took some surface streets through town until I crossed the Connecticut River into Vermont (White River Junction) - farewell (temporarily) to the Granite State! I filled up my gas tank (1030) and then got on I-91, headed south. I called my dad (poor signal) and, after getting into Connecticut (onto I-84), called Mollie (to tell her about the many National Parks that I'd passed on the way). Drove all the way into Pennsylvania before I stopped at a Rest Area for a break. Then used I-84 to get to I-81, I-83 and PA-581 to reach US-15. Didn't stop again all the way until I had passed through Thurmont (MD). Got a gas fill-up at the Mountaindale Convenience Store (1820) and continued on US-15 until I was on I-270. Took I-495 to my apartment, arriving at 1920. Spent some time unpacking and getting settled after such a great trip. After all the time I had to think during the drive, I made a decision about the condo I wanted to rent and contacted the landlord before I went to bed (2300). Really excited about my move - can't wait to get back to Grafton County! AT Today = 3.10 miles / G.T. AT 1565.96 miles
