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Day 128 – Slow Burn
I woke up perfectly cocooned in bed with fluffy sheets that enveloped me in their warm embrace. I didn’t want to get up, I felt at home. On my phone, I scrolled mindlessly for 30 minutes. I eventually got up and made some coffee that Ms Jennifer had set out the night prior.
I got a chance that morning to get more “chores” done. Cut both my nails and my hair. Got my laundry from the drier. Edited photos and posted that days blog. I had an awesome quiche baked fresh that morning. We talked about our top 3 female vocalist of all time (a favorite question of mine to ask). Mine if you’re curious (you’re not, I just want to tell you) are:
- Whitney Houston
- Lauryn Hill
- a) Christina Aguilera b) Mariah Carey
She gave me a ride back and I was on trail by 12. Later than I had preferred to start but not mad about the productivity of my morning.
I got to a pond 2 miles in and ran into Groundhog. He got a peach for trail magic and it looked amazing. He graciously offered me a bite; it was very indeed very good. At a nearby shelter some section hikers had set up their tents inside the shelter. It wasn’t going to affect me as I was moving on but it’s generally not great etiquette to do (unless maybe you’re 100% sure nobody else is staying there).
I hiked with better energy today and the mud was relatively kept at bay. There were a few good sections with excellent water drainage management in place that I took notice of.
I passed through some neat pine forests and even saw a pretty spectacular waterfall. Unsure where to stay for the night, I stopped in at Minerva Hinchey Shelter to debate my plans.
I had hiked 12 and wanted to do more. There was a gorge in few miles and worth a visit but the sun was fading fast. I found Highlight and Parker at the shelter shortly after arriving. I decided to stay as I was snacking which evolved into dinner.
Groundhog showed up as well and I made a fire for us. The first fire in at least a few weeks. We had a great time talking and laughing around the fire and went to bed right around 10.
Tomorrow I have plans for the gorge, a farm stand just off trail, and to summit Mt Killington, the second tallest peak in VT.
At present, I am 76.8% percent complete with the Appalachian Trail. In my prior rowing analogy, I have reached the 1500 meter mark of a 2K race. A mark that symbolizes a final sprint to the finish. While partly true, I am anxious to finish this journey, I want to temper my aggression and zeal to finish expediently, and at the same time appreciate each and every day I have left.
It seems like an eternity ago that I started in Georgia and even looking at a map it’s hard to comprehend the distances I’ve traveled. Ultimately I know the lessons learned and the memories made (and those yet to be made) from this experience will last a lifetime, so there’s no need to rush to the end.
Stow away in my pack for day 129 on the Appalachian Trail
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Comments 7
I truly enjoy your daily posts. Thank you.
Thanks for following Steve!
WHERE IS DOLLY PARTON ON YOUR LIST, YOU PHILISTINE!!!
I’ll still read your posts, regardless. Keep up the good work!
Hahaha! Agreed.
Haha Philistine I may be. Not taking anything away from the LEGEND that Dolly Parton is, she’s just not in my top 3. Probably equally unpopular opinion but I think Miley might be the better vocalist compared to her Godmother
Don’t you mean 1500 of a 2K? These Vermont pics are some of your best methinks. Amazing!
Yes, good catch. Thank you! Vermont is very easy on the eyes