Hello, all. We are currently in Hanover, NH, home of Dartmouth College. We crossed the VT-NH border yesterday evening and are very excited to be in the state! Thus far, we have traveled 1,737 miles and have 441 miles to go. Last we updated, we were nearing the end of a wonderful vacation with Moonshine's mom and step-dad. It is always very difficult to return to the trail after living the "good life" for a few days. Upon returning to the trail, we did a rather short day to Killington Peak (4,235 feet), which is the 2nd tallest peak in the state. We caught an amazing sunset with panoramic views of the Green mountains and beyond from the summit; perhaps one of the best sunsets we have seen on the trail to date. Vermont continued to be muddy and a little rainy. It rained almost every day as we traveled through the state, although fortunately most of the rain fell at night. As we are getting further north hand into higher elevations, the weather has become noticably cooler and more unpredictable with sometimes sudden changes. In preparation for the cooler weather, we will be getting back some of our "winter gear" that we started the trail with...unfortunately, this will increase the weight of our packs, but it is necessary. The terrain in Vermont also became much more challenging in the past few days, as we have experienced a lot more elevation gain and loss, and the trail has very rarely been flat. Our bodies are feeling much like they did when we started the trail, as we are no longer accustomed to these big ascents and descents. I think that I got an ulcer from taking too much ibuprofen, so I have not been taking any for a couple of weeks...doesn't help matters! Since we returned to the trail, there has been a lot of temptation that we have not been able to resist. We have taken advantage of the opportunity to buy sodas, deli sandwiches, ice cream, etc, for the past few days as the trail has crossed by markets and farmstands.
New Hampshire is one of the most challenging states on the trail, as well as one of the most scenic. In just a few days, we will be entering the White Mountains, where much of the trail is above treeline. We have gone on 2 backpacking trips in the Whites and are very excited to get back there. The Appalachian Mountain Club offers huts along the trail in the White Mountains, and for about $90, one can have a bunk in a lodge and a homecooked family style dinner and breakfast. The huts offer "work-for-stay" opportunities for thru-hikers, in which 1-2 hours of light work are done in exchange for a place to sleep and dinner and breakfast. We are really looking forward to these opportunities, and are hoping to take advantage of them as many times as possible, though we hear that the work-for-stay opportunities are limited and at the discretion of the hutmaster.
Here in Hanover, we have enjoyed a very warm welcome into NH. The trail actually goes right through the town and by the college campus. The town is a little upscale and we definitely don't fit in, but some locals have made us feel at home. We got a free slice of pizza at a local pizzeria, as well as a couple of beers a piece bought for us. We are taking a "nearo" today (near zero mileage day) so that we can stick around, enjoy the town, and take care of all our usual chores. Our next planned stop is in Lincoln, NH as we head into the Whites. Hope all is well with all of you and we will update the next time that we have a chance!
New Hampshire is one of the most challenging states on the trail, as well as one of the most scenic. In just a few days, we will be entering the White Mountains, where much of the trail is above treeline. We have gone on 2 backpacking trips in the Whites and are very excited to get back there. The Appalachian Mountain Club offers huts along the trail in the White Mountains, and for about $90, one can have a bunk in a lodge and a homecooked family style dinner and breakfast. The huts offer "work-for-stay" opportunities for thru-hikers, in which 1-2 hours of light work are done in exchange for a place to sleep and dinner and breakfast. We are really looking forward to these opportunities, and are hoping to take advantage of them as many times as possible, though we hear that the work-for-stay opportunities are limited and at the discretion of the hutmaster.
Here in Hanover, we have enjoyed a very warm welcome into NH. The trail actually goes right through the town and by the college campus. The town is a little upscale and we definitely don't fit in, but some locals have made us feel at home. We got a free slice of pizza at a local pizzeria, as well as a couple of beers a piece bought for us. We are taking a "nearo" today (near zero mileage day) so that we can stick around, enjoy the town, and take care of all our usual chores. Our next planned stop is in Lincoln, NH as we head into the Whites. Hope all is well with all of you and we will update the next time that we have a chance!
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