In Hanover and the entire region heat advisories were in the weather forecast. Despite feeling very worn down from the numerous errands in town I directed what energy I had towards walking down Main Street Hanover to the exact busy, Dartmouth Ivy League street corner where I ended my hike the previous day. Turning left I proceeded the roughly half mile to the bridge over the Connecticut River and the engraved letters on the ornamental monument “VT.| N.H.” In a moment of accomplishment I looked at those letters, raised my right fist and felt the confidence I earned in New Hampshire running through my hike-strong body. “New Hampshire AT,” I thought, “you gave me the best and worst I expected, and I walked to this place a better AT thru-hiker. Vermont, here I come!”
I celebrated 20 minutes later at a small grocery & variety store by drinking chocolate milk produced by a Vermont dairy. Later, on trail tread in the woods, a young buck greeted me from a comfort distance. The deer was the first large animal I have encountered since I started this adventure 50 days ago. Moreover, I consider the presence of wildlife a sign of good luck. I love the Vermont AT already.
Ever better, walking today was pure pleasure despite the 90 degrees of muggy heat!
