Day 117, miles today -16.9, total - 1,681.2

July 12, 2013

Big Branch Shelter to Clarendon Shelter.

B-Rocket and I started hiking this morning at 8:00. It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day.

We passed Little Rock Pond. It looked more like a lake to me. It was very pretty. We had several nice overlooks throughout the day. 

 

We passed an area where there were a lot of rock art. People stack rocks of various sizes and shapes. I'm not sure why, other than it's interesting to look at and fun to build. We stayed there for several minutes adding our own displays.

                                  B-Rocket's rock display                                        My display

 A lot of the trail in Vermont has passed through pine forest. Often there are lush green ferns and small pine trees. It's been very pretty. 

There were a couple pretty big ups today. One was Bear Mountain. When we got to the top we joked about how easily we went up it. I think the comment was "we owned that mountain". After hiking over 1,600 miles, some of the mountains are noticeably easier to reach the top of.

Around mid day we came to the VT 140 road crossing. Wallingford was three  miles to the east. We decided to try hitching for fifteen minutes or so. If we got a ride we would eat lunch in the small town. After ten minutes a guy named Patrick stopped to give us a ride. He was going to the Solar Festival not far from here. He said he had two extra tickets and that we could join him if we'd like. We decided to stay with our original plan, so he dropped us off at Sal's Restaurant. It was the only place open to eat in this small town. Besides us, there was a man and lady at another table. The guy asked us several questions about our hike. After eating we walked a few blocks to the Family Dollar Store. When we walked back towards Sal's, where we would try to hitch back to the trail, we saw the couple from the restaurant getting into their car. We started talking to them again. The guy, Vern, offered to give us a ride. It all worked out great.

Patrick                                                         Vern

We had about seven miles to reach the Clarendon Shelter where we planned to stay. We crossed the Clarendon Gorge suspension bridge.

There are ten thru hikers here. There's Frost, Maniac, Z, Amos, Yard Sale, Mud Mouth, Rainbow Braids, Gonzo, B-Rocket and myself. There is also Bo the dog. He belongs to Yard Sale and Mud Mouth. He's a very friendly dog.  We have seen many of this group over the last few days.

                                                                           Rainbow Braid

                                                                                     Bo

                                                                                Yard Sale

I sent a text to Raider a few days ago, asking where he was. I hiked with him for almost two weeks during my first month on trail. He is a retired US Marine. He's a very strong hiker. He was at least two weeks ahead of me here lately. He sent a text to me today saying he had got off trail because of a stress fracture. I had hoped I'd see him again.  He's a great guy.