Miles today: 16.5
Total miles: 538.1
Today was one of my favorite hiking days so far. It was overcast but didn’t rain and there was a slight chill in the air but it wasn’t cold. Leaves that have turned early were scattered all over the trail and the day just felt like fall. The terrain was nice and easy, with some rolling hills but nothing too difficult. The day went by quickly and I was so happy just enjoying the fall weather and looking forward to town.
Originally I had doubted I’d make it to town early enough in the day to make it worth it, but due to the easy terrain, we got to the road crossing before 4. We got a ride into Manchester Center and went to the post office and found a great restaurant where we sat outside and enjoyed their Tuesday special: $1 tacos and $3.50 margaritas. I had 9 tacos. The boys each had 11. I think that’s the first time they’ve ever eaten more than I have. It was an early birthday celebration for Wolf bird who is turning 32 tomorrow, old man that he is.
We stayed the night at Green mountain house, which is heaven on earth. It is the cleanest and nicest hostel we’ve come across. The hikers basically have free reign over the entire house. Each hiker also gets a free pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and a free soda. I enjoyed a hot shower, then watched Zero Dark Thirty with some other hikers while eating my Phish Food ice cream. I was so happy. To top it off, the bed was the softest I may have ever felt. Tomorrow we are spending most of the day in town lazing around and enjoying Wolf Birds birthday and the heading out in the late afternoon to the shelter 2.8 miles from here. Only 54 miles to MA!