Aug 18: Tabard Fraternity - Hanover,NH   Miles Today : 22.9 Miles to Katahdin : 440.1

Today I ate the mountain. Actually, today seems so long that it could have almost been 2 days. First, I woke up at Dan’s barn early, around 6, and was on the trail before 7, amazing. The beginning part of the hike was very difficult with relentless ups and downs. After surviving the first 6 miles of the day, though, it turned out to be a great hike.

Many times the trail would rise up to a grassy knob that provided great views. Their views were surpassed only by the many old growth forests that the trail went past. One such old growth of pine almost made me dizzy from looking at it.

I hiked well all day today, and my knee held up well under the pressure of a 23 mile day. A support brace I bought in woodstock seems to be doing the trick.

Just before 4pm, I crossed into my home state of New Hampshire. Across the Connecticut River I walked into the town of Hanover. There are Dartmouth fraternities that host the hikers for free, and we picked Tabard based on Southbounders suggestions.

Again, as happens with most trail towns, I meet many, many new hikers, some good, some dead beats. I was prepared to rant about a few, but what good would that do? There are quite a few deadbeats hanging around here and to me this is not what hiking is all about. I have tented out on the lawn to avoid some of the commotion going on inside. Tomorrow, I am going to try to get out of town by 10am and hike on, but I have a few things to take care of first.

I played a little pool with Miles and Griswaldo tonight, but now I am tired and ready for bed.

-Chomp

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