Ice Cream in Vermont

I awoke in semi-warmth at 5:45AM this morning. After completing the usual array of camp chores and waiting for Cookie to complete his, I was on trail at 6:50AM. The trail decided to cut up and down the side of a ridge for no logical reason, which seems to be a Green Mountain thing. Actually, that seems to be an Appalachian Trail thing. Eventually the trail did collide with Vermont 11/30. It took Cookie and me about 45 seconds to get a ride into town. The lady who gave us a ride works for the United States Forest Service, and she drove part her work to drop us right in the middle of town. Over the course of the morning and early afternoon I resupplied, replaced a pole tip, had some food at Bagel Works, and witnessed Cookie spend five dollars on a Ben and Jerry's milkshake he was clearly not enjoying. Apparently Ben and Jerry's is pretty big in Vermont. I think it's safe to say that the citizens of this fine state are a tad bit obsessed. At 1:20PM Cookie and I hitched out of town. This hitch took about 10 seconds. The locals around here are quite friendly. We were walking north at 1:35PM. Upon reaching the summit of Bromley Mountain we climbed the observation tower for a 360 view. It feels great to be back in the mountains and so close to home at the exact same time. We rolled into Peru Peak shelter around 6:00PM after traversing a ridge that was rich in the smell of pine. As always, I'm extremely heavy coming out of town. I'm of the opinion that it's better to roll into town with some extra food instead of finding yourself rationing your food closer to town. Onward tomorrow. Good night and good luck. Kirby

Ga>ME 2008