September 22, 2007 | Miles: 13.9 (plus 1 mile road walk and 0.6 up and back to Killington Peak)
Start: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
End: Cooper Lodge
Danielle:
This might be our earliest start yet! I really feel like a thru-hiker today, spurred on by thoughts of “real food.” The four of us hit the trail at 6:30am and must have all been hungry as we were sitting down to breakfast at the Whistlestop before 8am (luckily the roadwalk was flat!). Chocolate chip pancakes, scrambled eggs and coffee for me. Yum! Fueled up by our big breakfasts, we were back on the trail by 9:30, off to conquer Killington! I kicked it into gear on the way up, and we made good time on the climb. Moxie caught us as we reached the height of land, and we wandered along the ridge together. Moxie decided, in true thru-hiker fashion, to continue on into town, as did Happy, Badmoon and Phantom. But enough was enough for us :) After setting up the tent, up the ridiculously steep 0.2 mile spur trail to Killington peak and lodge beyond. Snowman lamented the fact that we didn’t have any money, not counting on the fact that I am smart (Or paranoid about leaving my wallet in the tent in a crowded area!) and had my wallet in my pocket. So, to the lodge we went, and indulged in fries and beer, looking at the nice views from the top. Ah, what a day.
Ryan:
On the trail at 6:30am and a large breakfast in front of me by 8:30. We got up early and walked a half mile on the road to get to the Whistlestop Café. Moxie and Sawmill came with us, and it was a great way to start the day. I mean how can 2 eggs, lots of French toast, sausage, and homefries…with gravy!!! not be a good start to the day?
We also climbed Killington today. We rocked it. It was a pretty solid climb and we ran right up it. It felt really good to be hiking hard. Best of all, we got the choice tent platform at Cooper Lodge and were able to get to the Killington ski area restaurant before they closed. French fires and beer! Oh yeah. Right before we headed up, we said goodbye to Happy, Bad Moon and Phantom as they were headed to the Inn at Long Trail and then back home. Good time hiking with those guys.
I also finished off the last of the hot n’ zesty salami today. It was pretty darn good for the last couple days.
BTW, this was now 7 days without a shower. We’re tasty.
September 23, 2007 | Miles: 6.2
Start: Cooper Lodge
End: Rt. 4, Inn at Long Trail
Danielle:
Clouds rolled in after dinner, but no rain. We awoke to a dry tent and cool temps. Crisp and clear again. We were on the trail by 8am, meandering through the woods. We decided to continue on our “purist” pursuit of the trail, and didn’t take the “historic” AT which leads straight to the Inn, instead continuing on the AT. Luckily, after a few impatient minutes of hitching at the road, we were picked up by a nice guy in a bright red sports car and dropped off at the Inn’s front door. Even better, our room was ready and we got to shower before we headed to the pub to eat lunch. Moxie and Sawmill joined us, and we spent the afternoon helping them resupply in Rutland. Sawmill was determined to hit the trail and head to the next shelter, so we dropped him off and headed back to the Inn and the pub, where we enjoyed a few beers courtesy of Larry (thanks again!) and dinner with Moxie, while listening to an Irish band play Irish pub songs. A great end to a great hike! This section of VT was beautiful. Plus, we lucked out with great weather and company on this leg of our journey too. We couldn’t have asked for more (although we did wish we could continue hiking north to Canada with Moxie and Sawmill!)… A great trip, and one more state down. Only 290+ miles to go…
Ryan:
Our last day out, and not a single drop of rain the whole trip. The only time I wore my rain gear is while we were doing laundry. That’s not so bad.
It was cool again this morning, and that helped us get moving. Then again, I didn’t need much more motivation than all the goodness that was waiting at the Inn at Long Trail. It was an uneventful hike to the road, and we even got a hitch the 1-mile up the hill to the Inn.
Moxie and Sawmill joined us for lunch and then we helped them resupply in the afternoon. You can do those things when you have a car. It’s fun being a hiker and then being able to turn around and help out your hiking buddies.
Sawmill moved on up the line, but Moxie stayed on to enjoy the pub scene at the Inn at Long Trail. We had a great time hiking with those guys, and it was rally hard to not keep going with them up to Canada. They’re both hiking quite strongly and should have no issues on their way north. Of course, I spent most the evening trying to convince Moxie to hike the AT next year…I think I’m pretty close.
All in all, we had a super trip. Obviously, the weather helped, but Vermont really is great. It’s definitely a section of the AT, we’ll be returning to…maybe to walk to Canada!
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