Day 132 – Stratton VT to Pinnacle Inn (VT Rt 30)

“I’d lay my head on the railroad tracks

And wait for the Double “E”

The railroad don’t want no more

Poor, poor pitiful me” – Warren Zevon

Up at 7:00. Had coffee and a little to eat. Shuttling to Stratton Ski Resort at 8:40 for breakfast and to catch the Gondola at 10:00.

Sunny, low 70s, low humidity. First time I’ve seen a sunny day in at least 6 days. Great day for the Gondola and the Fire Tower. 

Legend has decided to join me today. Good to have company.  We have 14.4 miles plus a .5 mile road walk to the lodge at the end of the day. Gondola opens at 10:00, so it’s gonna be a later day than I like. Probably 6:30pm at earliest.

Great breakfast at the base of Stratton Mountain followed by a beautiful gondola ride up.

YouTube video on Stratton Gondola.

Hiked to and climbed the Stratton Mountain Fire Tower. Amazing views on a clear day!

YouTube video on Stratton Fire Tower.

The extended tramily caught up at the Fire Tower and we chatted for a while. Great to see everyone again!

Got on the AT trail at 11:30. We have 14.4 miles to go. Late start and late arrival at camp tonight.

Stopped near Stratton Pond at 1:00 for a snack break. Roughly 10 more miles to go to the road then .5 to the lodge. Still looking like 6:30-7:00.

Crossed the 3/4 way point this afternoon. As of the end of day today I have 1658 miles done and 539 miles to go. 

Got to Pinnacle Lodge at 6:20. Self-service check-in is interesting, but it works. Legend and I ordered a large pizza for dinner.

This place is a bit of a dump. We should have shuttled into Manchester Center instead. Live and learn.

Had a good morning but a bad/annoying afternoon and evening. I don’t know why, but hiking through these large wilderness areas that are very remote has been spiking my anxiety issues the past few days. And I have a very large one (multiple days to cross through) starting tomorrow. I have not had this problem since back in April. Spent ALL evening working on plans B, C, and D for how to deal with this. Stupid-ass anxiety crap. I had a long call with Dana about this. Thanks, sweetheart!

It’s midnight, and I have a game plan. I will see how good the plan looks in the light of day tomorrow morning. 

Technical Notes:

• Mini donuts: 250
• Breakfast skillet: 900
• Oreos: 160
• Oreos: 160
• Gatorade: 140
• Pizza: 700
• Gatorade: 140
• Water: .7
• Miles: 14.4 + 1.25
• Time: 7
• Elevation gain: 1389
• Calories consumed: 3000
• Calories burned: 6000