BACK IN VERMONT

AT Day 129: Monday,  August 14, 2023

SOBO Mile 1756 – 1742

Hanover – Campsite

Distance Hiked – 14 miles/ 22.5 km

Total Distance Hiked: 2091 miles/ 3364 m

A:3643 ft/1111 m D:2450 ft/747m

We camped in the woods behind the Dartmouth College sport fields.  Another four tents were within sight of our spot. Felt strange to be camped so close to town,  although it felt safe. Hanover is a prosperous college town that welcomes hiker trash. We had a free slice of pizza with a beer yesterday,  thanks to Ramunto’s Pizza.  

We broke camp at our usual time and went to Starbucks which is right on trail. I’ve been dreaming of reaching this Starbucks, not because I like their coffee but because it means passing through a town without having to hitch or pay for a shuttle. And also it meant we were at the end of New Hampshire.  We had to wait for the Post Office to open and in the meantime we charged our devices. 

We have also planned to meet with our Sydney friends Dave and Julie who were on their northbound hike. They arrived in town right on schedule at 10 and we had brunch while swapping stories of our time on the AT.  Breakfast went by way too quickly and it was time to get back on trail. I so wished we were both done and could just relax without the ever present pressure of ‘there are miles to make today’. 

We said goodbye outside the cafe and picked up our complimentary hiker donuts.  We also met up with Howard who was having breakfast outside. We had hoped to see him again. He was staying in Hanover to meet up with some friends. 

We were back on trail by 11:30. It was a couple of miles walking the streets of Hanover and Norwich before we were back in the woods. It took me quite a while to get over just wishing it was over and just relaxing and engaging with whatever the trail offered today.   The trail was in amazing great condition underfoot. A  couple of muddy patches but nothing compared to what we’ve had so far. The woods were beautiful with sun streaming through the bright green foliage up above. It was just wonderful.

We just settled into enjoying the landscape we were hiking through rather than a deep desire just to be at the end of it all even though it’s still days away. It was a beautiful afternoon of hiking through the green tunnel. The sound of crickets singing in the distance it felt kind of summery today. The trail undulated but nothing too taxing.  Passing through the small town of West Hartford was a treat. Beautiful heritage buildings and one of the nicest barn buildings  I’ve ever seen. I do wish the trail passed through more of these small communities. 

It was around 6.30pm when we stopped for the day. We found a campsite high on a hill and set up camp knowing that rain will arrive through the night. As I’m finishing this post a couple of crows were having a conversation in the trees above our tent.