After hiking a few miles I looked at Guthook and another AT guide to set a goal for the day. I learned there is a place on VT Road 14, On The Edge Farm, that sells pies, ice cream, cold beverages and other treats AT hikers enjoy or need. Getting to the farm before it closed at 5pm would be a challenge. It meant hiking in 85 to 90 degree heat with over 4,000-plus feet of ascent and another 4,000-plus feet of descent. Only on easy terrain in Maine did I previously hike 15 miles, and in cooler weather. I was determined to eat pie or ice cream later in the day! So, I pushed myself pretty hard.
The sweat beaded up on my forehead and absorbed by the bandana I hung from the shoulder strap on my backpack. Now and then I stopped to drink water, refill and treat the water containers, and ate snacks to sustain energy. Constantly I checked the remaining miles to the farm on Guthook and the remaining minutes before closing time at the farm, which I assumed was 5pm. It may seem strange to some non-hikers that I obsessed on arriving at a place just to eat ice cream. I am now experiencing “hiker hunger”, which happens to most long distance hiker. After some weeks (six in my case) my metabolism kicks in high gear, I start to lose weight and lose energy if I do not consume enough calories. At my last resupply in Hanover the foods I purchased were intended for quick energy such as fig bars, dried fruit, pasta, high carb energy bars, chocolate, etc. I have nuts and trail mix for protein, but I was eating too much protein and not enough carbs for quick energy. In Hanover a few days ago I felt listless. Now, I feel better and have more energy.
I did make it to the farm with just 20 minute to spare! I ate a pint of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and a banana. I purchased home-made cookies to take to camp.
At the farm I learned about the homeowner next door who invites hikers to tent on his creekside property. It was a pleasure to stay at the home of this generous man who asks only to help out with some light work or make a donation. I met a very interesting couple hiking NOBO. The woman a Philippino, cooked a chicken dish from her homeland. At the table we ate together and enjoyed the random camaraderie that happens on a long distance trail. I slept very well after a challenging and fulfilling day.
15.7 miles to reach milepost 465.3.
