Oct 06: Awesome View Hiker Hostel - Johnson, VT
 
Miles Today : 15.6
Total Miles : 118.0

Same story, different day I am afraid to report. Once again, I awoke to cloudy skies, cold temperatures and rain. As I headed out, the LT drops quickly off of the ridge for Mount Mansfield and down to VT Route 108. From there, it is about a two-mile road walk on 108, up to Smugglers Notch, where the trail turns back into the woods. It was really wet today, and I was chilled to the bone.

My first stop of the day was on the top of Madonna Peak, the top of the Smugglers Notch Ski Area. There was an open warming hut on top, and I gladly used that facility to have a snack and to try to get the chill out of my system. I had limited success and actually contemplated staying the night up here. However, it was still very early in the day, and I really wanted to make it to Johnson and the Long Trail Tavern.

So on I pushed, over four more peaks and pas two more shelter, stopped at each one for a quick snack, but not lingering too long. The weather was really sapping all of my energy, and just to keep moving took all of my energy. When I got to the Bear Hollow Shelter, I immediately changed into my dry clothing and made some pine needle tea. I was chilled straight through, and I needed to get warm. As I was sitting there, reading the shelter journal, I noticed several notes about the Awesome View Hiker Hostel. Basically, it is just a retired couple who are members of the Green Mountain Club, and invite hikers to stay in their basement for a small fee. Whatever they don't spend on the place goes back to the GMC. Well, beer, pizza and a warm place to stay were all sounding real good right about now, so I changed back to my hiking clothing and moved on.

The hike from the shelter down to Johnson was very pleasant, and the sun even made a guest appearance for a couple of hours. The foliage shimmered brightly as I walked down the old cart path, and I was sad knowing that this would be my last day on this great trail for some time.

Upon arriving at Route 15, my first stop was the Long Trail Tavern, located right on the Long Trail, for a celebratory beer. There, I met two other LT thru-hikers, Doc Miles and Red. They had just finished in Canada two days ago, and they got a ride down here to visit with some friends. I shared a few beers with them, and then headed on my way. In Johnson, I picked up my traditional Guinness and a large pizza, and then it was on to the hostel.

Now, after a long day of hiking, I was dry, well feed and happy. Tomorrow my task is to hitch the 100+ miles down VT Route 100 and back to my car. Hopefully, the weather will be in my favor, as people are generally not inclined to pick up wet hikers or wet dogs.

-Chomp

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