August 13 was another hot day in Vermont with 85 degrees in the shady forest. To cope I paced myself to prevent overheating, stopping frequently to rest, drink water and refuel. I set a modest goal of 13.1 miles to a creekside campsite and did not push myself as I did yesterday so I could pleasurably eat ice cream. Today I was grateful for feeling good mentally and physically. Nothing hurts, no blisters, chafing, no bleeding wounds (unlike the injuries sustained in Maine and New Hampshire). I am eating more calories to help offset the low energy I experienced in recent days. The AT is very hilly but not sketchy. I am certain the pint of ice cream yesterday induced good feelings and energy today. The weather forecast calls for cooler temperatures but a chance of rain. I will take it!
I camped next to a creek where several other AT hikers had already set up their tents. The hikers included Voyager, Checkpoint and Pearly, all SOBO thru-hikers. Another SOBO arrived late, and we had gear-intense conversation over our respective evening meals. I cooked “Pasta Larry,” which included garlic, nuts, sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil served with spaghetti. I did not want the delightful aroma of my meal to attract black bear, which are known to visit the campsite. To reduce the chance a bear could get to my food while I slept, with the attractive aroma of garlic inside, I hung my food sack from a high tree branch using the “PCT method.” It is challenging, but if done correctly a bear cannot grab a food sack by simply clawing the rope until it breaks. When I woke the next morning I was relieved my food was intact.
On August 14 I hiked to Vermont Highway 100 near Killington, a ski resort area. I rode a free bus to Rutland where I had dinner at Chipotle with seven other SOBO hikers after doing laundry and food shopping. I previously planned to take a zero day, but decided to postpone a day off the trail until I arrive in Manchester Center four days away. If I feel good I will hike tomorrow!
August 13: 13.1 miles to milepost 478.4.
August 14: 7.3 miles to milepost 485.7.
The pictures you are taking are priceless! Glad there is ample water supply for you, so a filter is not needed to cleanse/sanitize the water?
I use Aquamira for all water I get on the trail including spring water. You never know the true source of the spring, although the risk of getting sick from a spring is very remote. Aquamira treats water in 20 minutes after 7 seven drops per liter of water of two solutions from tiny bottles. The active ingredient is chroline and another neutralizes the chroline taste.
Greg from Wild,
Can I call you GFW? I’m Mango, a friend of Alan Artman’s (Tiny). We met on the PCT in 2010 and have stayed in touch thru the years. He angeled me a couple of times in OR in subsequent years. He told me about your hike and even signed me up on your blog.
I live in NE Tennessee, near the AT in several places. When you get down here, contact me and we’ll try to work out an overnight angeling. We have a cabin near Roan Mtn, where we have hosted numerous famous and not-yet-famous thru hikers.
I look forward to following your progress. Jim Moody / Mango
Some of your photos are magazine worthy — and ready to enlarge and frame for your walls! Love especially the cows and the mist! ❣️
Making great progress Bro!
Thank you Roger for another delightful number of days on your At adventure. Very enjoyable.
Bill, I appreciate you reading the posts and writing your comments. I will call you in a few days from Manchester Center.