August 13 - The View Point (Day 147 – milepoint 1678.6)

Didn’t leave the Inn until after noon. It is not easy to leave a warm, dry, comfortable place surrounded by good folks and atmosphere to go out alone into the cold, pouring rain. But, “The secret to a long (hike) is knowing when it’s time to go.”

It rained all day so I hiked naked for most of it because, why not?

Only passed a couple of other hikers and they didn’t seem too awfully offended. I used my bandana as a loin cloth when I felt it was necessary. Redressed for the last couple of miles and was very tired when I arrived here at “The View Point,” a private cabin we were told was ok to stay in. I opened the door to the cabin to see Cosmo sprawled out on a king-sized lawn chair eating his dinner. Classic.

Very comfy cabin with a fireplace and a deck on top of the roof offering supposedly excellent views. Hopefully the fog will lift in the morning.

Aquaholic

August 12 - Sherburne Pass – Killington, VT (Day 146 – milepoint 1673.5)

Maggie Mae offered to take our packs to Sherburne Pass. I hadn’t slack-packed in a while and I realized today that I’m in really good shape. At the first road crossing, Silence and I walked a half mile down the road to a quaint little restaurant for breakfast.

We averaged about 3 miles per hour for the rest of the day, which included a big 7-mile climb up Killington Peak at over 4000 feet of elevation. Outstanding panoramic views from the summit. Vermont has been truly amazing. The terrain grows more intense but the rewards are complimenting the effort.

Finished the day at The Inn at Long Trail at Sherburne Pass feeling fantastic after 20 miles. Walked into the Inn, an Irish Pub/restaurant/lodge and found Achilles at the bar, relaxing after his “rough” 5 mile day. I joined him for some Guinness Stout and Long Trail Ale.

Apple Jack, Water Girl, and I decided to share a room together. We’re also joined at the Inn by some Long Trail thru-hikers. Not surprisingly, good folks.

Aquaholic

August 11 – Minerva Hinchey Shelter (Day 145 – milepoint 1653.9)

Little Rock Pond: beautiful glacial pond with 30-foot rock cliffs on the far side. Cosmo and I were the first to arrive and we peer-pressured each other into taking the plunge from the cliffs. Exhilarating!

Huff, Puff, and Water Girl showed up and swam across to join us on the rocks. You think you’re in good shape until you have to swim a few hundred yards. Man-0-Man…

Walked the rest of the day with WaterGirl. The presence and company of a woman is a rare pleasure and welcome therapy. We arrived at the shelter with intent to move a few more miles but were easily convinced to stay and avoid the coming rain.

Also here are Cosmo, Huff and Puff , Baltimore Jack, Apple Jack, Wayward Traveller, Silence, and Ridge Runner, Maggie Mae. Maggie Mae mentioned a small stone cabin that was nearby and open to thru- hikers. Cosmo and I grabbed our packs and walked over to check it out. We stayed. Very cool little “shack.” Three stone walls, one glass, and a wooden roof. A beautiful view of a nearby pond and the soft mountains surrounding us. Dry, comfy, and out of the rain.

Aquaholic