Packman Goes 21.5!

Post date: Aug 09, 2016 12:39:35 PM

On 8/8 we woke up early at Stony Brook Shelter, packed up (Packman thought he was an expert in this area), ate, and were on the trail by 6:30. Good thing, because it was a long day. Sometimes the trail dictates how many miles are hiked and that was the case for the day. The options were to go just under 10 miles or 21.5 with no good options in between. We decided to hike to the first place then choose between the two. When we arrived at Wintturi Shelter we felt good, and young buck Packman was ready to plunge on. On we went, stopping at a lovely country store called On The Edge Farm where we ate a tremendous amount of food in a charming setting. On we went up and down the hills to our destination at 21.5 miles. And although Packman got a little pain around his knees which is common for beginning hikers he did great. On the way, we saw an array of hose-like tubes running between trees which happened to be maple trees and were obviously there for maple syrup. Some, like Sponge Bob, being from Hawaii, wasn't aware of tubing for collecting sap. It was cool to see a real Vermont operation. On we went with Packman's knees begging for a rest and the miles creeping by slowly until the last 1-2 when we were "smelling the oats" and losing the light and picked up the pace substantially. Finally, Thistle Hill Shelter was in sight and we set up camp quickly and bedded down for the night. Packman gets the award for the longest hike in a day for visitors at 21.5!

Today will be a short hike to Happy Hill Shelter less than 10 miles away, then on to Hanover where Packman will likely end his hike.

Now at mile 1732.