Farmstead Fun and Mount Killington (Day 126)

Only a number of miles into the day, I made a brief detour to the Stone’s Throw Farmstead simply off the path. It is a small natural farm in Shrewsbury, VT, with a small market the place they promote fruit, veggies, and different merchandise.

Farmstead Fun

I purchased a canned chilly brew espresso and a few snacks, having fun with the views. This is the primary heat and sunny day we’ve had since coming into Vermont, and I used to be soaking it in. Beautiful flowers have been being grown on the farmland,  and I needed to push myself to depart and proceed climbing.

1700 Miles and Climbing Killington 

I wanted to get going, as a result of at the moment we’d climb Mount Killington, Vermont’s second-highest peak and a 4000-footer. I used to be psyching myself up a bit, however really didn’t discover the ascent all that dangerous. It was lengthy (about 7 miles complete with 4 miles spent actually climbing), but additionally felt gradual and easy. 

At some level on the climb, I will need to have handed the 1700 mile marker, though I didn’t see it. Usually somebody will etch out the quantity within the filth utilizing sticks or leaves. When the AT reached the highest of the mountain, there was an non-compulsory quarter-mile blue blaze path that you would comply with to the tippity high. I selected to forgo it, largely making an attempt to keep away from aggravating my knee with a steep and rocky descent. I figured that I’d get sufficient of that after I’m within the White Mountains!

The remainder of the day was largely downhill, however nonetheless very moist and muddy. I ponder how lengthy it should take the path to dry out utterly. At one level, I slipped whereas checking FarOut and by accident threw my cellphone. I watched it land (absolutely submerged) in a stream, however once I went to retrieve it, it was nonetheless working completely. What a reduction. 

Gifford Woods State Park

With a simple afternoon, I spotted that I may in all probability make it to Gifford Woods State Park for the night, an nearly 20-mile day. It was solely $10 to camp as a thru-hiker, plus a further $1 to take a 10-minute scorching bathe. Staying at actual campsites appears like a five-star resort in comparison with some AT shelters. I assume even some black bears agree, as a result of one was roaming round not removed from the place I pitched my tent.

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