Day 135 – VT 140 to Cold River Road

“So I’m just sittin’ out here watching airplanes

Take off and fly

Tryin’ to figure out which one you might be on

And why you don’t love me anymore” – Gary Allan

Up at 7:15. No rush today, short miles. Chatted with Flipakey and reconfirmed shuttle for 9:00 with Cooper. Had breakfast and got my slack pack ready for today. Using my full-size pack, just without much in it! Left hostel at 9:00 and got on trail at 9:30. Flipakey is picking me up at a farm market at 3:30 and 10.3 miles. Short but vertical day.

Low 70s going up to 81, overcast and 30% chance of rain all afternoon. Very humid!

Took a break at the airport overlook at noon. Small regional airport. Sat and watched planes takeoff and land for a bit. Back on trail at 12:15.

Crossed Clarendon Gorge at 12:45.

That was some climb up out of the gorge! Can’t tell from photo, but this is VERY steep. There is a white blaze on a tree waaaaay up there.

Stopped at Stone’s Throw Farmstead at 3:15. Nice self-service farm store. Not a lot of selection today being a Monday, but nice. They provide power, water, seating, and a well-needed break for hikers. Flipakey is picking me up here at 3:45.

Stopped at market on way home to get stuff for breakfast, cash, and snacks for tonight. Will do laundry this evening then get things packed up in my pack liner so it can be dropped off at my hotel by Flipakey while I slackpack.

I ordered my final pair of Hoka Speedgoats for this adventure. I will arrive at home on Tuesday, September 3.

I did laundry, made dinner, packed for slack tomorrow, uploaded photos and videos, talked to my mom, and generally planned for tomorrow. I leave at 8:00 tomorrow morning.

Technical Notes:

• Banana nut muffin: 450
• Pop-Tarts: 370
• Skittles: 175
• Beverage: 100
• Ice cream sandwich: 350
• Root beer: 270
• Doritos: 1300
• Root beer: 270
• Seltzer: 700
• Ramen: 370
• Tuna: 360
• Pizza: 350
• Water: 1.7
• Miles: 10.2
• Time: 6
• Elevation gain: 2915
• Calories consumed: 5100
• Calories burned: 5000