Day 140 – West Hartford VT to Norwich VT

“Now he lives in the islands, fishes the pilin’s

And drinks his green label each day

Writing his memoirs, losing his hearing

But he don’t care what most people say

Through 86 years of perpetual motion

If he likes you he’ll smile, then he’ll say

“some of it’s magic, some of it’s tragic

But I had a good life all the way” “ – Jimmy Buffett

Up at 7:00. Got all my gear packed and headed to the common building for coffee and breakfast.

Overcast, windy, 60 going up to 72 with rain this afternoon.  Humid though.

Looks like it won’t rain till noon. I should get most of my short 8-mile day into Norwich done before the worst of the rain gets here. 

Jon Luning is meeting me for dinner at the Norwich Inn at 5:30. Really looking forward to that. 

Cooper Cab picked me up at 8:40 and shuttled me to West Hartford. On trail at   9:15.

Crossed under I-89.

I’ve been walking through pine trees and maples the past few days. Very up and down as we cross lots of little roads. Trail had been quite nice.

Arrived in Norwich, VT at 1:00. Made good time. Chatted with Dana as I walked the last mile into town. Started to rain as I got to Main Street. Perfect timing. Walked 2 blocks to the hotel and I was able to get an early check-in at The Norwich Inn instead of 4:00 check-in. Got unpacked and made 5:30 dinner reservations for Jon and me at their pub.

Uploaded blogs and researched how to tackle The Whites. My goal is to slackpack Mount Moosilauke southbound from Hikers Welcome hostel, then slack the Kinsmans northbound from The Notch hostel. I texted Hikers Welcome hostel with a question about slacking and how to get to The Notch hostel in the evening. Hopefully, they get back to me. If not, I’ll call them in the morning.

Got a text from Polar. The Rascals are hanging out in Hanover, NH, next door and asked if I wanted to join them. Told them I had plans but should see them in a few days. 

Went next door to Dan & Whits store for snacks and a small resupply.

My very good friend Jon Luning drove 3.5 hours each way from CT to have dinner with me. Awesome. Just fricking awesome. Thanks, brother!

We had a nice dinner at the pub in the hotel. Jon left for home after dinner, and I worked on route planning. I think my best bet is to slack Moosilauke southbound from Hikers Welcome hostel on Thursday, then get a private shuttle north to The Notch hostel that evening. I’ll make some calls tomorrow to shuttle drivers.

Technical Notes:

• Potatoes: 250
• Zucchini bread: 175
• Healthy burrito: 125
• 600
• Oreo: 160
• Sugar cookie: 400
• Tea: 90
• Potato chips: 420
• Lots more…town night
• Water: .5
• Miles: 8.2 
• Time: 4
• Elevation gain: 1791
• Calories consumed: 5500
• Calories burned: 3250