Hello! Currently sitting in the public library here in downtown Hanover.
Since Manchester Center, I’ve stayed at the Yellow Deli in Rutland VT, as well as the back yard of trail angel Miss Linda. First the Yellow Deli.
The Yellow Deli is a restaurant and hiker hostel run by the Twelve Tribes. They get a bad rap for being a cult, but it wasn’t even that bad. I was never asked to participate in anything I didn’t want to, so it was pretty much just like any other hostel. When I was in town we decided to go out for some beers and see a movie. There wasn’t much that looked good, so we ended up seeing The Shallows. It was basically a modern Jaws, nothing really special. The next morning I took a bus back to the trail head. This made it really easy getting back tothe trail, and I was impressed. Rutland really takes care of their hikers.
Miss Linda’s house is in West Hartford, a tiny village with only a few houses. At this point the AT is just a road walk over the White River. You cross the bridge and are immediately called over to say hello. When I got there there were already a dozen or so hikers hanging out. There were hot dogs, cold sodas, and I was invited to camp out in the back yard with the chickens. I took Miss Linda up on the offer and also had time to jump off the bridge. Jumping from high places isn’t my forte, so I didn’t allow myself to take time on the ledge. I basically climbed over the railing and went for it. No time to think about it and make second guesses. It was a blast and I ended up going again, this time having a friend take a slow motion video of me.
After Miss Linda’s it was just an easy 8ish miles into Norwich. There was a good bit of rain, and a good climb as well. Luckily there wasn’t any thunder at that point, so that was nice. I got an early start to allow myself as much time on my nero, and it paid off. I got to Norwich at about eleven, took a shower and was invited to a Sunday brunch with the family I’m staying with. I was so gracious and didn’t expect it at all. A real treat. The people I’ve met on the trail is really what it’s all about. They had made two huge stacks of waffles, a large french press of coffee, and sausage and bacon. It was so delicious, and it was also fun to meet Lily’s family. She’s married to Omer, a dedicated husband who often travels to SF for work, and three children. A 9 year old, 5, and 3. Oh, and there’s also a very playful dog. It’s a pretty high energy household to say the least. After brunch I spent time catching up with the world, their wifi is amazing. Then we headed to the general store to pick up supplies for dinner. Spaghetti with Italian sausage, garlic bread, a large salad, and plenty of wine. I think it turned out quite nice. After dinner we joined Lily and her kids at the backyard fire pit and made some smores. It was great fun, and eventually turned into a game of throwing rocks into tires. Honey Badger (the nine year old) got 53 points! We all agreed he should play baseball now. After the kids were put down, Bumble Bee and I played a few hands of Gin Rummy and killed the wine. All in all, a very successful evening.
Today was a lazy morning. Golly made a pot of coffee and I did a bit of planning for the next few days. After she walked the dog we all headed down to a local diner and grabbed some breakfast. Hanover is an extremely hiker friendly town. At breakfast we were treated to a free doughnut. There’s even a pizzeria that gives a free slice to thru-hikers. I think I’ll have to hit that up on the way back. For the remainder of my zero I’ll browse the bookstore (pointless because I have an e-book, but still fun), pick up my mail from the post office, and dodge the rain. I think we’re expecting thunder storms in an hour or two.
In about two days I’ll be getting to the white mountains. I’m both really excited, and a bit worried. For the entire trail I’ve heard that this will be the most difficult terrain. I should be fine though, walking 1750 miles means my legs are in pretty good physical condition. I suppose that’s to be expected though. Service will be spotty at best, and I’m not sure when the next hostel or town stop will be, so it could be a while before I post again. But when I do, expect amazing photos of the whites!
Until then,
-Orion
I liked the slow motion video. Very lacking in flail.