Lyme, NH (USA)

The weather looked great today and I didn’t want to waste it!  Fortunately, my boss told me I could start the work day late so I headed over to the closest AT Trailhead (Lyme-Dorchester Road).  I noticed that there was an alternate way to reach the ridge (Smarts Ranger Trail) so I decided to use it for my outbound leg.  It was foggy and cool (low 60s) when I left my car (0845) and everything was still wet from the thunderstorms last night.  The trail was ok, in terms of terrain, but it wasn’t well marked.  For most of the climb, I wondered if I was going where I wanted...  Had a scary moment when I slipped and a small branch poked my eye!  After I fell down backwards, horrified, I realized it had snagged my eyelid - no apparent damage (and no lasting pain).  As I headed the AT junction, the dirt disappeared on the trail - almost every step was on a slippery, treacherous rock.  This was just a preview of the rest of my day...  After I joined the AT (NOBO), I still had to climb (steep, rocky) for another mile (using rebar handles in some places) before I reached the true summit of Smarts Mountain.  I was glad to see a nice Fire Tower there (near some good campsites) and I climbed to the top to enjoy the views and pleasant breezes.  I really didn’t want to go back down (but had promised my boss).  I used the AT for my backtrack and soon found myself in a real boulder scramble - I must have slipped or fallen about 20 times in two miles.  Was really worried I’d get hurt but finished the descent safely.  One funny thing happened on the way down - I was using a tree to steady myself and my hand came away with a huge yellow “splotch”.  Went back to check - I’d squished a slug!  In the valley, I met a father-daughter day hiking pair - they were wearing masks because they said they were “semi-quarantining” (at the parking lot, I learned they were from New Jersey).  Had a pleasant conversation with them and then continued.  The trail started climbing soon after this and it took a lot of energy to reach the first “roller” of Lambert Ridge.  Actually, this part of the trail was just a series of rock climbs/descents - and I slipped/fell a whole lot more times...  The trail was only marked on the rocks - I missed white blazes a couple of times and ended up bushwhacking before I realized I’d missed a turn.  The only redeeming quality was the great views back to the north.  I got to see Smarts Mountain in a whole new light!  Passed two guys (day hiking) and a trio of college kids with no gear.  Just before I reached the top of the last descent, I encountered a large group (10+) of young people on a picturesque cliffside.  They were actually right in the trail and didn’t seem inclined to move - as a result, I was treated to some serious Mary Jane.  Twenty yards past them, the air was clear and crisp (alpine smells) again.  Only saw one more hiking pair (mother and young daughter, conducting bio lesson near the trail).  Otherwise, I just kept plodding down until I reached the car (parking lot was pretty full).  Completed my hike after 7.5 miles at 1230 - felt good that I’d finished before the heat (mid 80s).  Headed home immediately to put in my hours for work.  Was glad for the break - thanks Boss!  AT Today = 3.70 miles / Grand Total AT = 1620.56 miles

Plainfield, NH (USA)

After work today (1600), I decided to go looking for kayak launch spots south of West Lebanon.  I followed NH-12A to the south and located a side road (River Road) that looked promising near the Edgewater Farmstead on the north end of Plainfield.  It was paved at first but soon turned to gravel.  After I passed the farms (there were three, all looked promising for Fall apple/berry picking) but then drove into a wooded area with almost no signs of human habitation.  Unfortunately, during this stretch I never saw anywhere that would allow me to pull off to launch a kayak.  There were plenty of places where I could easily see the (narrow) Connecticut River through the trees but I ended up turning back to the east after getting nothing out of the search except for a car covered in mud...  Thought about driving further south (to cross the river into Windsor) but decided against it.  Instead, made my way to NH-12A and used Google Maps (I was lucky to have a signal) to drive east until I found NH-120 - from there, I drove north to Lebanon.  The sun hadn't completely gone down yet, so I looked around for spots for kayak launching near the Mascoma River (didn't really have any luck).  After about two hours of exploring, I gave up and went home.  Will need to do some more research if I want to know where the locals get paddling time...

Canaan, NH (USA)

Spent the morning walking on the Northern Rail Trail east of the Village of Canaan (off US-4).  The drive wasn't too bad (although I encountered some cops on the way to/from).  Started off from a parking spot near the NH-118 split and walked towards Boston (0930).  It was a bit overgrown in places and didn’t have a really smooth surface - nevertheless, it was a nice walk.  Saw several bikers but was alone most of the walk between the village center and Height of Land Road (near Tewksbury Pond).  The segment was about three miles out and the same number back (walked for about 2.5 hours).  Got some great views of Mount Cardigan and enjoyed some solitude before the big heat arrived.  Before leaving (and backtracking towards Lebanon), I located the Advance Transit bus stop so I could use it for a future "bike shuttle" adventure.  While heading west on US-4, I decided that I'd like to try some paddling on Mascoma Lake.  Picked up lunch (great sandwich!) at a deli called Pellegrino's just after noon and then made my way to the town of Enfield.  Found a place to park near an old railroad bridge (another NRT section crossed it), just north of the bridge that connected to NH-4A.  The area was quite crowded but I was able to get my kayak in the water by way of a nice beach (1300).  For nearly two hours, I paddled all around the eastern end of the lake, including following the Mascoma River until it crossed through Enfield Village.  At one point, I passed some other kayakers and one insisted that I give him a "paddle high-five."  The western end of the lake seemed too hard to reach due to a large number of motor boats that kept coming under the bridge.  It was also a bit windy and the water was quite choppy in places.  But the weather was pleasant and not extremely hot - this made for a relaxing (at times) or exciting (when I wanted it to be) experience.  A lot more people were out for the day than I'd seen at other lakes/rivers nearby but I was glad I tried the location.  Finished another successful hike/paddle day by 1500 and headed home.  So happy to have such flexibility for outdoor time and exercise!

Danby, VT (USA)

With new AT Sections in VT in short supply, I decided to hike part of the Long Trail today.  I actually used the some of the same route I followed while searching for AT road crossings west of Woodstock (I-89, VT-107) except, this time, I added VT-100.  It was VERY foggy most the the way.  Google Maps said there was a way (Hadley Road in Pittsfield) to access the Long Trail near Rolston Rest Shelter so I tried that first.  Like the previous weekends, I struck out when I encountered “No Trespassing” and “Private Road” signs.  Fortunately, I had saved a detailed map of the area on my phone and it helped me find a parking lot (under construction) at the end of Rockwell Road in Killington (0815).  From there, I walked up a gravel/dirt road (big climb) until I found Hadley Road again.  Temps were nice (mid 60s).  The route I used didn’t have any “Posted” signs but it was clear that the people building the parking lot and access trail didn’t want cars up there.  I walked a little bit to the west until I saw signs for the Long Trail (had already walked a mile) and then headed south.  The terrain was rocky and muddy but it was also well shaded and mostly flat.  A short time later, I found the Shelter and met two overnight backpackers from Lebanon.  They were full of enthusiasm (and information) and I talked to even for a while.  Just as I was leaving (still headed south), I passed two lady backpackers.  Other than that, I only saw one other person (trail runner guy).  There really weren’t any viewpoints or other landmarks so when I reached Elbow Road (which I’d seen on the map), I decided to head towards my car on that gravel “path” (my car MIGHT have been able to make it to the trailhead that way...).  My walk back (completing a circle) took me past a lot of nice vacation homes - very pretty place to escape for a weekend (or longer).  I was back at my car by 1020, after about five miles (it was still there, fortunately, and there weren't any tickets on it).  Temps had reached the mid 70s - not too bad.  As I cleaned up and changed, I watched some people running up and down the hilly road - I guess we all have our own ideas about what “fun” is.  With the hiking phase of my day complete, I headed south to US-4 and followed it west until I reached Rutland.  From there, I drove to Danby (via US-7) and stopped to visit with my relative, Elizabeth.  Over the years since she first suggested that I base myself at her vacation home, we've never been in Danby at the same time.  So this lunch/visit was a welcome treat!  She had bought lots of sandwich items and we had a great meal with our conversation, talking for close to four hours!  At around 1530, I said goodbye and drove a short distance south of Danby to check out the Emerald Lake State Park.  I've often passed it and thought about how nice it would be to try out the paddling conditions - I finally got my chance!  The water color lived up to the name and the lake was so clear I could see it was full of fish.  A lot of other people were out on the water but I found some secluded spots.  Weather was fantastic and I stayed for over an hour and a half (did three circuits).  It was a great lake - would definitely return!  By about 1730, I reluctantly loaded my kayak onto the roof of the Subaru and left the area (bound for home).  I used US-7 to reach Wallingford and then took VT-140 and VT-103 (past Okemo and through Ludlow) to get back to I-91.  Was home by about 1930 - whew!  Long Trail Today = 1.70 miles / Long Trail Overall = 88.29 miles

Pompanoosuc, VT (USA)

I finished work a bit early and drove across the Connecticut River, searching for a landing where I could launch my kayak.  After reaching the west side of the Ledyard Bridge, I looked for US-5 and took it to the north (through Norwich).  I'd heard about a place called "Ompompanoosuc" (supposed to be good kayaking) and tried to locate a landing by following the river.  Since I never saw anywhere to park, I explored a few neighborhoods (gravel roads) - I eventually met some local people who were walking and they described how I could locate the Vermont State Boat Launch that was nearby.  Once I found it (around 1630), I was in business!  At first, I paddled east until I crossed under a railroad bridge and into the Connecticut itself.  This was the first time I'd paddled the River - it was much smoother and calmer than the Potomoc.  Spent some time paddling upriver and then back to the mouth of the Ompompanoosuc River and headed inland.  The water to the west of the Landing was even more calm and I didn't have any human company for miles.  Unless you count the I-91 overpass - I crossed under them about half a mile upstream.  After that, though, I passed through quiet, shaded areas.  There were pretty houses (a few people were out in their yards or on their decks).  Overall, a very pleasant experience!  I probably paddled about 1.5 miles upstream and back in around 1.5 hours (done just after 1800).  Felt good after such a nice evening on the water - loving my new home!

Lyme, NH (USA)

After I finally got my new Yakima Jayhook rack installed on top of the Subaru this week, I was excited to be able to transport my kayak for a few hours of paddling!  First, though, I wanted to get in a little bit of trail mileage.  The last few days have been so hot that I didn’t want to hike at all.  But I had an extremely short AT section near town that seemed doable before the heat of the sun hit.  With that easy goal in mind, I left the house at 0815 and arrived at the Dartmouth Skiway about 15 minutes later.  Headed SOBO from the blacktop with temps in the low 70s.  All I had to do was walk about a mile (uphill on the outbound leg) to the Trapper John Shelter and back.  It was that simple - saw no people, didn’t sweat or have difficulty. Was done and in my car by 0915 after around two miles.  Felt pretty good, so I decided to drive over to check out the paddling on Goose Pond.  When I arrived (0945), I got the last parking spot at the boat launch area.  A lady from the town came over to ask where my kayak had been over the previous few months (it had been sitting in a shed, so there was no issue).  After I got the kayak off the roof, I noticed that there was a summer camp group near the boat launch (maybe 30 kids!) and they were just leaving the shoreline with their kayaks and canoes.  I was a bit worried that the lake would be too busy but I got away from everyone (because I went in the opposite direction) within 10 minutes.  It was a good sized lake, shaped like an hour glass - I stayed in the northern end before crossing at the “waist.”  The weather was perfect!  The water was clear and felt terrific - would happily have spent the day swimming.  Along the pond’s edge, I passed many pretty lake houses - almost every yard/landing had people relaxing, eating or playing in the water.  I talked to a lot of them and we all agreed this was the place to be in the Upper Valley...  One end of the lake was popular with water-skiers (big wake zone) but I still checked it out before I was done.  Finished up at around 1115 - didn’t want to leave but figured I’d eventually turn into a lobster if I didn’t find shade.   After I got my kayak on the rack (it wasn't too hard!), I was certain that it would great to visit Goose Pond again.  Not a bad way to spend the morning!  AT Today = 0.90 miles / Grand Total AT = 1616.86 miles

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[got my Outback serviced at White River Junction Subaru (started at 0730) - teleworked while there - it took a long time (six hours) - because I also asked them to install a trailer hitch (they got me lunch from McDonalds as a consolation)]

Tyringham, MA (USA)

The weather looked good this morning! After picking up breakfast at McDonalds in Great Barrington (0705), I drove east (MA-23/MA-183) to the AT Trailhead (arriving at 0745), excited to have a shuttle!  Vic ended up being a bit late (he accidentally passed the parking area) but we were on our way to Main Road in Tyringham by 0820.  We talked about all the things that had happened since he drove me in 2019.  Because of COVID-19, it turned out that I was only his third rider in 2020!  He dropped me off at the same place I’d finished yesterday and I quickly headed into the woods (AT SOBO, 0845).  Temps were already in the mid 70s but it was overcast and breezy.  Much higher temps were expected - was glad to be starting early in the day.  The first miles were through muddy swampland.  The typical plank bridges were available but I soon discovered they were all VERY unstable (was relieved to be done with that area)...  I then began a climb up Cobble Hill.  During this time, the AT turned north for a long time (while I was officially headed south) - gotta love some of this Trail Designer decisions...  I helped an older lady cross one of the stiles in the area - the barbed wire made crossing the fence difficult and she very much appreciated my assistance.  After enjoying the good views of Tyringham from the top of the Cobble, I had to traverse another swampy area in a valley that has a lot of pretty farmhouses.  I was already getting hot and was dreading a big climb that started at Shaker Campsite so I didn’t really get any pictures.  And it turned out that I needed my energy - the hill at the three mile mark nearly broke me.  Just as I reached the “top”, I was treated to an immediate steep downhill before I even caught my breath - and then another climb began.  I started to meet Thru hikers in this area (I encountered four).  Eventually, I made it to the ridge line and was able to set a rather nice pace for the next five miles.  There really wasn’t much to see for a long time but I passed a gravel road (Beartown Mountain) where a met a lady who was walking her dog.  A bit later, I passed the access trails for Mount Wilcox (I guess that’s the name of the hill I climbed) North Shelter.  Nearby, there was a pretty pond.  I figured out that most of my hike was inside the Beartown State Forest - lots of roads and trails were in the area.  Before long, I reached the South Shelter and thought (from my AT Guide) that the worst climbing was over.  Wrong!  During the last four miles of my hike, I was treated to so many PUDs that I lost track - and basically surrendered.  I’ll admit that the views from The Ledges were really nice and I liked seeing Benedict Pond.  But I was so tired and hot that I had no more energy left for pictures or even thoughts.  I passed two Thru hikers swimming and really wished I could have joined them.  But I knew it was going to be 90 degrees soon (clouds leaving) and I had a few miles left.  Somehow, I finished the section - the PUDs continued to the car and I got to walk through more swamps (saw some local guys walking their dog in that area).  Was at my car by 1415 after 12 tough miles in challenging conditions.  The day was filled with all the things I love (and hate) about the AT - so, of course, I’ll keep coming back for more punishment...  Used MA-23, MA-8, some back roads, MA-66 and some more back roads to reach I-91.  Stopped for gas at Irving in Greenfield (1635) and got a free Friendly's Sundae (late for my birthday) across the street.  Used the Interstates to get back to Hanover (home by 1815).  It was a great hiking weekend and - best part - I'm finished with the AT in Massachusetts!  AT Today = 12.00 miles / G.T. AT = 1615.96 miles

Tyringham, MA (USA)

I set up a shuttle for July 12 before I realized that Tropical Storm Fay was inbound to the Hudson Valley and Berkshires the day before.  The weather reports for July 11 looked ominous all week so I didn’t even pack for a Saturday hike.  Waking up this morning, though, I figured out that I might have a small window to hike a short distance before checking into my hotel in Great Barrington so I left my condo as early as I could (0900).  To get to the closest AT Trailhead in that area, I drove two and a half hours on I-91, US-202, US-20 and MA-23.  It rained most of the way but the sun made an appearance by the time I started my hike (NOBO) from the parking lot on Main Road in Tyringham (1135).  It was muggy (temps in high 70s with high humidity), buggy and slippery (dew or raindrops on all the bushes, muddy) but I felt fortunate to actually have a chance to finish the AT in Massachusetts over this weekend.  In the first mile, I climbed up a rather steep incline to the summit of what I later learned was Mount Baldy.  I had to be cautious in my footing almost all day - there were LOTS of rocks and roots.  Even from the balds at the top of the climb, there weren’t any views all day - that was good, though, because it helped me to I just focus on trying to keep ahead of the weather.  I passed four people: a couple (Dad/Daughter?), an old guy with a cool Foreign Legion cap and a young guy who was eating his lunch on one of the balds.  Right after that, the trail went right back downhill (to a gravel road crossing).  For the rest of the section, the trail terrain was generally level (except for the pesky rocks).  I made very good time and reached my turnaround point (Goose Pond Road) earlier than I’d expected.  Started my backtrack immediately - I’d already watched the sky darken twice before and heard the wind picking up.  On the way back to Tyringham, I met 10 Thru hikers (including the young guy who I’d passed on the outbound). Almost none of them were very talkative and most didn’t seem to be hiking together or even aware of each other - weird social distancing COVID-19 “Bubble” dynamics, I guess...  I also passed the Dad/Daughter hiking pair and talked to them - they had hiked almost the exact hike I had in the opposite direction but were finishing with a swim in Upper Goose Pond (that sounded nice).  The Dad laughed at me for all the sweating I was doing but I noticed he obviously had the same issue - he had shed his shirt completely and (with his short shorts) seemed almost to be hiking au natural (*shudder*).  Started thinking the guy was really her boyfriend...  Made great time to my car and finished my hike by 1515.  The signs said the section was 4.3 miles but I had some residual steps from undercounting in MA previously so took the credit for the higher AT mileage.  Got in the car and headed west (using MA-23) - I saw some monster CB clouds towards the south and the rain started within 10 minutes of starting the engine.  Feeling pretty lucky (not too sore or tired) as I rolled into town.  Checked into the Mountain View Motel (again) in Great Barrington at 1545.  Ate dinner at Koi Chinese Restaurant (next to the hotel) at 1715 (done at 1800).  Watched "Westworld" (1973 Movie) and read before bed (2200).  Now hoping for nice weather tomorrow to wrap up the AT in the Bay State!  AT Today = 4.70 miles / Grand Total AT = 1603.96 miles

Hanover, NH (USA)

With very little to do this morning for work, I decided I'd hike one of the trails that starts near my condo - the office-break was great!  I've already noticed many intriguing trails since I moved to New Hampshire but the one that starts close to my home (Indian Ridge Trail) seemed like the best way to start figuring out the overall network of trails on the border of Hanover and Lebanon.  It was easy to reach the trailhead (just a short walk from my door) and, just few feet later, I was in the woods.  I quickly discovered that the main track was a blue and white blazed route that crossed through the forest west of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.  I took a detour that followed a connector trail to the Sachem Village neighborhood (accessible from Route 10).  I then headed up a connector trail towards the ridge - it was good climb all the way.  At times, I crossed other trails that also had the blue/white blaze combo - it was a bit confusing!  A view had been mentioned on one of the signs but I never found it.  I turned around at what I thought was the highest point on the trail and enjoyed the cool down as I made my way back home.  Only saw one person all day - a fisherman who told me about a great place to catch brook trout.  Overall, I enjoyed today’s mini-hike a lot!  Right after I got home, my neighbor gave me a map of trails in Hanover - so there should be many more "home-trail" adventures to come!

South Pomfret, VT (USA)

After failing to access the AT on Chateauguay Road from the north, I decided to try again from the south.  This time, I drove west on US-4 until I reached the western edge of the town of Bridgewater (near Long Trail Brewing Company).  From there, I drove on a nice gravel road to the north, hoping to find the trailhead.  Along the way, I passed pretty farms and saw lots of people out in their yards (barbecuing) - everyone waved to me.  Unfortunately, the road turned into mud before I located it...  Strike 2...  Backtracked to the blacktop and drove east again.  In Woodstock, I switched over to VT-12 and made my way to Pomfret Road.  Left the AT Trailhead (NOBO) at 1015 - the weather was pleasant (it was partly sunny and the temps were in the low 70s).  There was a steep climb to the ridge but, once I reached it, the trail smoothed out nicely.  A tall stone wall paralleled the path - it looked like something out of a Robert Frost poem.  I was also treated to some amazing views from the tops of the balds I crossed along the way.  Butterflies were everywhere...  I passed an older couple, out for a stroll, and later met up with two younger ladies and their dogs.  At the end of the section, I had to climb down from the ridge to reach the crossing at Cloudland Road.  The parking lot there was full (glad I hiked in from the other side).  I started my backtrack immediately and enjoyed the trip back to my car.  Despite the shorter length of the section, I spent almost the same amount of time hiking today (finished my four miles at 1200).  Like yesterday, I didn’t feel tired or sore - only a bit disappointed that I’d been unable to get more miles over the long weekend (due to lack of trail access).  I’m going to have to hire some shuttle drivers soon!  AT Today = 1.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1599.26 miles

South Pomfret, VT (USA)

I’ve had my eye on a long section in Vermont that didn’t appear to have any road access.  This morning, I did some research on possible access points and I left the house with a hope that I could hike a 5+ mile section in the Green Mountains.  I drove north on I-89 until I reached Royalton - from there, I used VT-12 until I located Chateauguay Road (north of Barnard).  This road had an AT Trailhead somewhere in the mountains but the question was whether the road was gravel or mud by that point...  After driving about five miles, I was disappointed to discover that the nice gravel ended short of the trail crossing.  Defeated, I backtracked to VT-12 and drove south to the outskirts of Woodstock.  Eventually, I located another gravel route, Cloudland Road, that did take me to an AT Trailhead.  I parked there at around 1015 and quickly headed NOBO.  I’d initially intended to hike over four miles in the area but the parking spot was in the middle of the hilly section.  The lateness and temperature (high 70s) took away some of my determination to hike the whole thing...  Regardless, it felt good that I didn’t have to hike the whole section.  After the climb began with a walk on the edge of a beautiful field, the trail was full of little ups and downs.  Most took me over rocks and down into empty creek beds.  It was mostly shady and pleasant in the woods and I made really good time.  There was a dramatic descent to the Thistle Hill Shelter but, after turning around, I made a quick climb to the main ridge.  Didn’t see any animals all day - and the only people I saw were an extended family (they appeared to be two fathers-in-law, a mother-in-law and a young couple).  Finished my hike (after almost five miles) at 1200.  Didn’t even feel sore or winded, only sweaty.  Checked out the Cloudland Market (closed indefinitely) and then headed back to civilization.  On the way home, it was nice to see all the people out, enjoying the day, in Woodstock and Quechee - other than a few masks, there was no evidence of COVID-19.  Hoping for more images like that!  AT Today = 2.30 miles / G.T. AT = 1597.46 miles]

Lyme, NH (USA)

Weather wasn’t supposed to be good enough for a hike, so I wasn’t ready to go anywhere when I woke up.  When I realized that the arrival of the rain was delayed, I quickly assembled my gear and drove to the closest AT trailhead (Goose Pond Road in Lyme).  With overcast skies, high humidity and temps on the mid 70s, I was NOBO by 0830.  The first mile started with some easy grades but finished with the crossing of a treacherous morass. Like other swampy sections of the AT, this area had plank “bridges” - unfortunately, all the wood in them had broken or rotted.  This made passage difficult and increased my exposure to many hungry mosquitos and biting flies.  Once I got through, the trail climbed dramatically (1500 feet in just over a mile).  During this ascent, I found myself questioning whether to continue - it took a lot of mental toughness to reach the ridge.  My strength and resolve was spent by the top of the climb and I started looking for a landmark to use for my backtrack.  Just then, a trio of lady trail runners and their two chocolate labs caught up to me from behind.  I let them pass and noticed that the older dog (who was bringing up the rear), despite obvious signs of fatigue, still had a spring in his step.  He kept looking back at me, seemingly inviting me to follow.  As soon as I did, though, he looked off with his ladies and I found myself on a decidedly downhill track.  Moments later, I reached the first of Holt’s Ledges - from there, I was treated to spectacular views of virgin forest and hills to the East.  There were two more views to the North, each one better than the last.  As I walked between them, it was quite unsettling to see how close the AT followed the cliff edge - one false move in the dark and aaaaaahhhhh...  I took my time, enjoying the many different panoramas.  Standing up on each ledge, I felt like the only person in the world - what a great feeling!  I did spot an isolated homestead in the valley - would like to meet the person who lives there...  Reluctantly, I continued my descent to the Trapper John Shelter...  This side of the hill was just as steep as the other (upside down V shape) but I didn’t think I’d have nearly as far to walk down (or back up).  Fortunately, I was correct.  I turned around at the shelter sign (didn’t see the building, though).  As I climbed back up the hill, I passed two solo backpackers (one man, one woman).  Once I passed the Holt’s Ledges again, it was all downhill towards my car.  I made great time and only stopped once to talk to a young backpacking couple (with their dog).  Made it to the road by 1100, after just over 5.5 miles.  Was tired and sore but the views and memories were worth all that.  Will be seeking more miles over the holiday weekend!  AT Today = 2.80 miles / Grand Total AT = 1595.16 miles