Trail magic
Woodstock, VT - Mile 1725 - Jul 26th, 2015
Trail magic
So, the last few days have been rough, although, Vermont is the best state yet. The elevation changes are starting to take their toll. Miles are about to be reduced drastically.
I started with 25 miles out of Manchester Center, VT. I got rained on the last mile, which cost me an early start the next day, as I had to dry my shoes by the fire. I followed with a day of 15 miles. Nothing exciting, nothing special.
I pushed myself yesterday to get 16 miles. I arrived where I wanted to get around 7:30 pm. Unfortunately, the hostel was closed, with a wedding. However, some of the guests had gone down to the lake for a smoke and beers. They saw me coming and invited me over. I got a free beer, a glass of wine and a good conversation. They were former hikers.
I slept a short way up the trail, under a large rock overhang.
I was awoken at 430am by raindrops. I gathered my things and got on the trail by 6am, after sitting under a tarp for an hour.
I felt like garbage all day. Nothing was right. I took numerous 1 hour breaks. I think it took 5 hours to do the first 5 miles.
I continued to push. I have to get North.
What the hell is wrong with me? I can't stop. I should just lie down and rest... I can't lie down! I am so committed to finishing this thing.
I pushed all day. Made 21 miles and decided to hitch to Woodstock, VT.
About twenty cars passed before a nice guy stopped to give me a ride.
As I rolled into town, the gentleman said Bentley's was the cheapest place in town. As I got out, I saw a menu posted outside. I was looking at a 15$ burger. As I was looking at the menu, a gentleman asked if I was on the trail. After confirming, he told me to order anything I wanted, that he would take care of it.
I said, "thanks for the offer, but I'm OK."
He immediately refused my denial. He said it wasn't a gesture and that it was, in fact, happening. I looked at him quizzically, but he simply said "I like you hikers."
I got a burger, coleslaw, fries and two beers. He had to leave before I finished, but told me to finish strong. That I am doing something that everyone wishes they could do. He told me to get there, and to enjoy it.
I told him I would pay it forward.
He shook my hand and said "thanks."
The man basically gave me 30-35$ and said thanks!
Unreal.
I'll say it again, best people on the planet.
I promise one thing, if I ever run into a thru-hiker, wherever I am, I'm buying that fool anything he wants. I can't wait to complete the circle. To pay it back.
Below are some recent photos.
Living the dream
Jason
Woodstock, VT - Mile 1725 - Jul 26th, 2015