Sprout Day 94 (Wednesday, June 30th, 2016) (NEED PICTURES)

We woke up and got on the trail early. We were hiking by 6:30 but had to walk a couple miles for water first thing. We stealth camped at the top of the mountain last night after hiking a total of 15 miles. We are doing the same thing today and camping in another stealth spot.

The trail has been beautiful in Vermont and I'm so happy to have experienced this state first by hiking through it. The Flying Dutchman did a lot better today. He was faster today than yesterday. I think we found his secret, he needs to eat more throughout the day!!

Day: 94
Miles hiked: 13.3
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 846.
Bears: 0
Bluegill: 2
Butterflies: 8
Chipmunks: 3
Cows: 24
Crawfish: 1
Deer: 20
Donkeys: 2
Horses: 12
Hummingbird: 1
Inchworm: 1
Really Big Dog: 1
Mice: 2
Nest of bugs: 2
Newts: 2
Owl: 1
Rabbit: 1
Skunk: 1
Snail: 1
Snake: 2
Squirrels: 11
Toads: 3
Trout: 2
Turkeys: 4
Turtles: 107
Vultures: 6
Woodpecker: 1

Flying Dutchman Day 5 (Thursday, June 30th, 2016)

Today we walked from mile 1708 to 1723.2 on the trail.  We are camping at a beautiful field at the Ascutney Mountain.

We had lunch at the Lookout, owned by a family who lets hikers stay at their home.  They had a ladder on the side of their building that led to a platform on a roof.  There was a beautiful view there where we could see the top of Killington Mountain, which we had already summited a few days ago, a lot of Vermont, and we could even see the Whites ahead of us in New Hampshire!

I am tired but enjoying my adventure on the Appalachian Trail!

Check out my trail beard so far!!

Ladder going up to the platform

Platform

Beautiful view on the platform!

Another ladder but this one is is part of the trail!

View from the trail today

Day: 5

Miles hiked: 15.4
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 61.6

Smudgy Cheeks Day 95 (Thursday, June 30th, 2016)

We hiked 15.4 today and hit 3 big hills.  It was intense.   We all did great!  We had breakfast for hours at the first shelter and hiked the rest of day.  I am tired because my legs are starting to get heavy on me.  I wonder if it's new muscle development or if I'm just tired.  Now that I'm at camp I'm going to bed soon!!

View on the hills today!

Trail Today!

Day: 95
Miles hiked: 15.4
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  790.8
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Flying Dutchman Day 4 (Wednesday, June 29th, 2016)

Today we passed Gifford Woods State Park in Vermont today.   At the registration office we could buy ice cream and ice cold Coke in bottles!  We even could charge our phones.  Sprout and Whisker's were offered a lift by two AT Slack packers that take one month every year and try to hike as many miles as possible.  They didn't accept but it was really cool to see them because they were at Poppa Lip's trail magic!!!  At the end of our day we climbed a very big hill and camped on the top of the hill.

489 miles to Katahdin.  I hope we can make it before August 5th!!

Bubbles and Sprout by a lake

Side note from Mb, Flying Dutchman's wife:  Even though Fred is super excited to be hiking with my sister, brother, and brother-in-law we knew he would be slower than them at first.  Not only because he hasn't already hiked 800 miles but also because he is generally just a slow moving person (which suits me great because I am too!!)  Bubbles and I were texting each other and I told her to just go ahead of him, he is resilient, has the AWOL book, and Guthooks app on his phone so he will be able to find his way.  She said, hold on, let me take a quick video...  This is what she sent me!!

I'm not going to lie, I laughed so hard!!  This is Fred in a nut shell!!

Day: 4

Miles hiked: 13.3
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 46.2

Smudgy Cheeks Day 94 (Wednesday, June 29th, 2016)

I hiked 13.3 miles today.  It was beautiful and mostly down hill.  We did hit a big hill at the end of day.  Freddy did great!  

Vermont Mountains

The gang on the trail!

Day: 94
Miles hiked: 13.3
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  775.4
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Sprout Day 93 (Tuesday, June 28th, 2016) (NEED PICTURES)

Today was a great day.  Bubbles and I celebrated our three year wedding anniversary. I couldn't imagine spending it any other way.  I love that I'm spending my time on the trail with my best friend.  I have the best hiking partner!  We hiked up Killington mountain today and went up to the peak for some food and drinks.  It was a hard hike from the shelter to the top of the resort, but it was a great view.  It started raining a little after we got up there and we had a nice place to stay dry while the storm passed.

Day: 93
Miles hiked:  4.3
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 833.2
Bears: 0
Bluegill: 2
Butterflies: 8
Chipmunks: 3
Cows: 24
Crawfish: 1
Deer: 20
Donkeys: 2
Horses: 12
Hummingbird: 1
Inchworm: 1
Really Big Dog: 1
Mice: 2
Nest of bugs: 2
Newts: 2
Owl: 1
Rabbit: 1
Skunk: 1
Snail: 1
Snake: 2
Squirrels: 11
Toads: 3
Trout: 2
Turkeys: 4
Turtles: 107
Vultures: 6
Woodpecker: 1

Flying Dutchman Day 3 (Tuesday, June 28th, 2016)

Today we climbed to Killington Peak and went to a ski lodge.  There was running water, toilets, and several spots where we could plug in our phones.  While relaxing in the ski resort it began to rain heavily and we had a great view being on the second highest peak in Vermont. 

During the hike today the climb was rocky and I had to pay attention closely.  I fell one time when I tired to go on top of one rock.  I learned never to go on top of a rock but to look for a seem in which I can put my foot in order to prevent slipping. 

We also met some cool hikers.  One couple was from Southern Florida.  After being in the ski resort we hung around in the Cooper Lodge Shelter and I played a couple of songs.  

Me climbing up rocks

Selfie on top of Killington Peak

Whiskers, Sprout, and Bubbles at the Ski Resort

Playing songs in the shelter after our hike today

Day: 3
Miles hiked: 4.3
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 32.9

Smudgy Cheeks Day 93 (Tuesday, June 28th, 2016)

We hiked only 4.3 miles today because of rain.  We were at the highest point in Vermont on the trail called Killington Peak.  It has a huge ski resort on it with a bunch of different ski paths.  We went to the resort on top of it so we could check out the surrounding area and have a drink.  After spending some time charging our phones we went down to the shelter for the rest of the night.

View from the top of Killington Peak

Selfie on top of Killington Peak

Me being silly at the shelter

Day: 93
Miles hiked: 4.3
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  762.1
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Sprout Day 92 (Monday, June 27th, 2016) (NEED PICTURES)

We woke up around 5:00 am and started getting ready for the day. It's Freddy's second day and we have a big mile day planned. We have to stay in shape and keep training for the Whites. We packed all of our gear and helped Freddy get his stuff packed too, he has a lot of work to do in this department!

We heard it might rain later in the afternoon so we put our rain gear close to the top of our bags. Five miles in we all met for a break at the first shelter. I had tuna, Cheetos, and some fresh spring water. The water was really cold here. After we were eating I looked over at Flying Dutchman and could tell he was tired. He said he was ready to push on and we all started to get our things together. I'm glad he wanted to push on because we still have about ten miles to do.

We got to the shelter later than normal. I got in around 7:00-7:15 and Bubbles came rolling in about an hour after me. Flying Dutchman was a little behind her. It was a difficult day with all kinds of different obstacle in our path. It rained throughout the day which made everything wet and slippery. The terrain was steep in some spots and a section was even hand over hand climbing. We all did great and ended up at the same spot at the end of the day. We're going to have to work with Freddy and help him get his backpack organized and to be comfortable with the pack but I think we will be fine once we get that all worked out.

Day: 92
Miles hiked:  14.9
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 828.9
Bears: 0
Bluegill: 2
Butterflies: 8
Chipmunks: 3
Cows: 24
Crawfish: 1
Deer: 20
Donkeys: 2
Horses: 12
Hummingbird: 1
Inchworm: 1
Really Big Dog: 1
Mice: 2
Nest of bugs: 2
Newts: 2
Owl: 1
Rabbit: 1
Skunk: 1
Snail: 1
Snake: 2
Squirrels: 11
Toads: 3
Trout: 2
Turkeys: 4
Turtles: 107
Vultures: 6
Woodpecker: 1

Flying Dutchman Day 2 (Monday, June 27th, 2016)

Today we hiked over 15 miles.  The trail had a mixture of different types of climbs:  Huge rocks ascending over a couple hundred feet, small hill on the trails, mini streams, and road crossings.

I arrived late at the shelter and it was a full house. I shared a tent with Smudgy Cheeks and forgot to check my water bag lock.  I woke up to a very wet air mattress!!  Luckily it didn't get Smudgy Cheeks wet too! 

Day: 2
Miles hiked: 14.9
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 28.6

Smudgy Cheeks Day 92 (Monday, June 27th, 2016)

Today we hiked 14.9 miles.  It was up and down for the first nine miles and it rained as we hit the second shelter today.  My clothes are wet for now and I need to dry them out ASAP even though it is going to rain tomorrow too.  We got in late and now I'm getting ready for bed.

View from the trail today

Rutland, Vermont airport in the distance

Day: 92
Miles hiked: 14.9
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  757.8
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Sprout Day 91 (Sunday, June 26th, 2016) (NEED PICTURES)

We got back on the trail today after having a zero yesterday with Poppa Lip and Mb. The hotel stay and family time were amazing and much needed. Freddy, aka Flying Dutchman, came out to hike the trail with us. He's planning on staying until we summit Katahdin. We're excited to have him on our team!

We're at the same spot as Smudgy Cheeks so we're hoping all of us can stick together until we finish Maine and Katahdin. Flying Dutchman brought a backpacking guitar and he said he would try to teach me some songs. I'm excited to learn a few tunes, I've always loved the guitar.

We took it easy today to let Flying Dutchman adjust to the trail and to kind of get an idea of what a whole day consists of. There's a lot involved in backpacking. We did around 7 miles today. We plan on waking up early and getting on the trail to bust out some miles early in the day. We're going to try to do something around 15 miles tomorrow.

We woke up today and finished packing our backpacks at the hotel and all met for the breakfast buffet. I ate so much since I knew this would be the last meal I didn't have to cook for myself on a small stove and because who knows when I'll be at a buffet again, haha. I filled my pockets with to-go peanut butter and packets of honey too! We made our way to the trail and had to say our goodbyes to Poppa Lip and Mb.

Poppa Lip surprised us by showing up on Friday. He told us he had a golf outing he had to go to and wouldn't be able to make it! It was hard leaving them but also a little easier since Freddy was going to be with us now! We're so excited he's on the trail!! Whiskers took a zero with us and got to meet some of the family. It's always nice to introduce our trail family to our family. We're happy Whiskers is with us too because he's a great person to hike with and fun to be around. It makes it great hiking the trail with other people that are trying to accomplish the same goals.

We had an awesome weekend with everyone and ate so much, watched tv, swam, and soaked in the hot tub. Everything was perfect!

We're happy to be back on the AT and can't wait to get to New Hampshire.  The Whites are going to be tough but I know we can do this.  Especially if we stick together and help each other along the way.

Day: 91
Miles hiked: 7
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 814
Bears: 0
Bluegill: 2
Butterflies: 8
Chipmunks: 3
Cows: 24
Crawfish: 1
Deer: 20
Donkeys: 2
Horses: 12
Hummingbird: 1
Inchworm: 1
Really Big Dog: 1
Mice: 2
Nest of bugs: 2
Newts: 2
Owl: 1
Rabbit: 1
Skunk: 1
Snail: 1
Snake: 2
Squirrels: 11
Toads: 3
Trout: 2
Turkeys: 4
Turtles: 107
Vultures: 6
Woodpecker: 1

Flying Dutchman Day 1 (Sunday, June 26th, 2016)

Today we hiked from Forest Road (Route 10) to Greenwall Shelter.  It was not a bad hike and we ran into a few South Bounders.  They were helpful because they were able to offer advice about the Whites up in New Hampshire.  Everyone in our group is worried about hiking through the Whites!

On the hike we saw different stone gardens and also spruce trees.  Bubbles taught me how to filter my water and how to cook on my stove.  I made Roman Noodles and mashed potatoes for dinner.

I'm looking forward to day 2.

Flying Dutchman on the trail

Day: 1
Miles hiked: 7
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 13.7

Smudgy Cheeks Day 91 (Sunday, June 26th, 2016)

Today we got back on the trail and hiked 6.9 miles.   The Flying Dutchman joined us, one of my other brother-in-laws, Freddy. 

We stopped two miles into our hike at a shelter to take a break.  I went swimming in the Little Rock pond.  It was nice and cold.  I swam across the pond and then went back to where I jumped in.  The rest of the day was easy.  When I got into camp I relaxed for the rest of the night.

Today could not have been more beautiful for a hike!

View from the trail today

Flying Dutchman with his guitar

Bubbles being a hippy

Bubbles teaching the Flying Dutchman how to filter water

Day: 91
Miles hiked: 6.9
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  742.9
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Smudgy Cheeks Day 89 & 90 (Friday, June 24th through Saturday, June 25th)

Today I only hiked 1.1 miles to get to the road where my sister and brother-in-law were picking me up.  There are not as many roads here so I wanted to make sure that they could find me.  I met Sprout and Bubbles there too.  We are together again.

I was surprised to see my dad drive up!  He came to surprise us with trail magic.  He brought coney sauce from home and made hot dogs, potato salad, fruit, and cookies.  It was really nice to see that and I know the other hikers who stopped appreciated the food!

Tomorrow I plan on resting during my zero and spending time swimming at the hotel!  Then we will be back on the trail with Freddy!

Days: 89 & 90
Miles hiked: 1.1
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  735.9
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Smudgy Cheeks Day 88 (Thursday, June 23rd)

Today I hiked 14.6 miles to get to the Big Branch Shelter.  I'm less than two miles away from where my sister is going to pick me up tomorrow.  She's going to bring a resupply and also another brother-in-law, Freddy, to hike with me.  He has to start work on August 8th so he'll be with me for at least a month.

View from the trail today

View from a ski slope

Crazy looking tree!

Footbridge over a stream

Day:  88
Miles hiked: 14.5
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  734.8
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Smudgy Cheeks Day 87 (Wednesday, June 22nd)

Today I hiked 12.6 miles to the Bromley Shelter.  I was the last hiker to leave the Stratton Pond Shelter this moring.  I decided to sleep in and it felt great!

It started to rain today just as I was hitting my third mile.  The next shelter was a half a mile away so I went there to take a break and dry out my clothes.  It was also nice to stop and rest my legs.  Before I went to bed I filtered water to use in the morning.  It's always good to get chores finished early.

Rainy and overcast today at Stratton Pond

The sun came out in the afternoon

Day:  87

Miles hiked: 15
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  720.3
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Smudgy Cheeks Day 86 (Tuesday, June 21st)

I hiked 15 miles up the biggest southern mountain in Vermont (Stratton)  I hit 700 miles today.  It was a great day!!

700 mile selfie!!

Black Brook Footbridge

View from Stratton Mountain Lookout Tower

Another view from the lookout tower

Day:  86

Miles hiked: 15
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  707.6
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Smudgy Cheeks Day 85 (Monday, June 20th)

Today I hiked 12.8 miles to Kid Gore Shelter.  I am happy that I stopped yesterday to get food so that I can stay on the trail.  My legs are tired but I am happy that I am doing so good after an injury.

I am going to rest up tonight because I have a HUGE hill in front of me that I'll be climbing tomorrow.  

View from the trial

Day:  85

Miles hiked: 12.8
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  692.6
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Smudgy Cheeks Day 84 (Sunday, June 19th)

Today I hiked 13.5 miles.  I'm trying to put in some miles because my sister and her husband are picking me up on Friday.  I'm going to take a zero and then Freddy is going to join me on the trail for a month.

I stopped in Bennington, Vermont, to resupply so that I have enough food to get me through to Friday.  I was lucky because I got a ride there and back.  Bennington is about five miles off the trail.

Now that I'm at the shelter I'm going to relax for the rest of the day.

View from the trail today.  Vermont is GREEN!  

Green Mountain State

Day:  84

Miles hiked: 13.1
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  679.8
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Sprout Day 83 (Saturday, June 18th, 2016) (NEED PICTURES)

Today we hiked from Melville Shelter to Kid Gore which was 12.8 miles. It was a humid day and there was a lot of incline in some parts but Vermont is beautiful and it makes it all worth it. We got to climb a fire tower today. The view from the top was amazing, mountains in every direction.

One thing that we noticed today was the amount of black flies. It was ridiculous how many black flies were out. There is nothing you can do about them because they swarm and bite you no matter what. They go into your ears and dive bomb right into your eyes, it's a little crazy. The only thing I've found that helps is walking faster, the faster I walked the less I was being bothered.

When I made it to Kid Gore Shelter I found a spot for the tent and immediately started a fire. The fire seemed to keep some of the bugs away. Rain, Disco, Chicken Foot, Whiskers and two Long Trail hikers were at the same shelter as us tonight. We all had a great evening and ate by the picnic table.

The plan for tomorrow is to get up early to catch the sunrise. We've heard the sunrise is beautiful from this shelter. I'm excited to get up early and catch a nice sunrise and begin the day right.

We heard Ox summited Katahdin today! What an awesome achievement. We are so happy he made it and finished his hike. Ox is a great guy and I know he has to feel so good right now. I wish we could've been there to see his face when he made it to the top! Congrats brother, you deserve it!

Day: 83
Miles hiked: 12.8
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 763.7
Bears: 0
Bluegill: 2
Butterflies: 8
Chipmunks: 3
Cows: 24
Crawfish: 1
Deer: 20
Donkeys: 2
Horses: 12
Hummingbird: 1
Inchworm: 1
Really Big Dog: 1
Mice: 2
Nest of bugs: 2
Newts: 2
Owl: 1
Rabbit: 1
Skunk: 1
Snail: 1
Snake: 2
Squirrels: 11
Toads: 3
Trout: 2
Turkeys: 4
Turtles: 107
Vultures: 6
Woodpecker: 1

Smudgy Cheeks Day 83 (Saturday, June 18th)

I hiked 9.9 miles today to the next shelter.  I had to stop in town and mail some extra things home.  I've been carrying around the garter that I caught at the wedding last month!  That needed to go home along with an extra ankle brace and my air brace for my ankle.  I still have a brace for my bad ankle.  I had to hike into and out of town 2.9 miles both ways!!

When I got back on the trail I wasn't far from the Vermont border and now I'm in Vermont!  I can't wait for the big mountains and hills that are coming up!  I'm getting closer and closer to the Whites in New Hampshire! 

Hiking on the Vermont Long Trail/ Appalachian Trail!!

Huge boulders!

Day:  83

Miles hiked: 9.9 (15.7 total including in and out of town)
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  666.7
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Sprout Day 82 (Friday, June 17th, 2016) (NEED PICTURES)

We went 13.1 miles today and ended our day at Melville shelter. It was a good hike with a lot of inclines. We also passed a few beaver ponds.

We woke up today and had cowboy coffee and Captain Crunch. The trail has been a little more crowded since we hit the Long Trail. Last night and tonight there were more people than usual at the shelters. We still found a good a spot for camping. We were debating on grabbing water and heading down the trail until we found a flat spot to camp but we made it work and found a little hidden spot.

We met a thru hiker by the name of Rain earlier on the trail. He said once we got to Route 9 to look for a Windstream pull-along camper and his wife would be there with cold drinks. I made it there and found the camper! His wife Sprinkles was there and so was Rain with a few other hikers. Sprinkles had cold drinks and a few snacks, it was perfect. We were all sitting there for awhile and they asked if we wanted to go get something to eat, we decided on Chinese food because there was a restaurant a few miles down the road. It was nice to sit down and eat, just having a chair to rest on with a back support was amazing! Last year Rain and Sprinkles set off to complete the Appalachian Trail, however, Sprinkles got hurt. They still managed to finish half of the trail. This year Rain wanted to come back and finish it but Sprinkles didn't feel up to it. They came up with the idea of Sprinkles driving down the trail and Rain meeting up with her at different parking spots along the trail. They offer trail magic along the way. They were the sweetest couple and definitely made our day! She stopped at a gas station on the way back so we could grab some snacks and anything else we needed. Thank you so much Sprinkles and Rain! We had a great time getting to know you guys and the Chinese food was exactly what we needed.

We got back on the trail and had 1.3 miles to the next shelter, which wasn’t bad. The problem was that we just ate a bunch of food and the incline was pretty steep. I was so happy to make it to camp but realized it was kind of filled up. Whiskers went down the trail to scope out a spot for a couple of tents but we decided we were good where we were. Everyone found a good place to set up for the night and we hung our bags and got ready for bed. We were sitting at the picnic table and I started to hear a drum off in the distance. As soon as we laid down a concert started down over the mountain somewhere. It’s still going on and it sounds like they’re having a great time. I don't think the music will keep me up because I’m tired after today but what are the chances that a concert would be going on so close to where we're trying to sleep?

Today was great and I'm thankful for each and every day on the trail. We are lucky and truly blessed to be out hiking and experiencing all the different sceneries and emotions that come along with the hike. I can't wait to wake up tomorrow and begin a new day! A guy staying at the shelter saw a Momma bear and her two cubs earlier so I'll be keeping an eye out for some wildlife tomorrow.

Day: 82
Miles hiked: 13.1
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 737.8
Bears: 0
Bluegill: 2
Butterflies: 8
Chipmunks: 3
Cows: 24
Crawfish: 1
Deer: 20
Donkeys: 2
Horses: 12
Hummingbird: 1
Inchworm: 1

Really Big Dog: 1
Mice: 2
Nest of bugs: 2
Newts: 2
Owl: 1
Rabbit: 1
Skunk: 1
Snail: 1
Snake: 2
Squirrels: 11
Toads: 3
Trout: 2
Turkeys: 4
Turtles: 107
Vultures: 6
Woodpecker: 1

Smudgy Cheeks Day 82 (Friday, June 17th)

After resting for four days I hiked 11.5 miles today.  It felt good to rest and recover from my sprained ankle and cellulitis.  My sister sent me a new ankle brace which I think is going to help a lot.

I basically climbed a mountain all day today and got to the highest point in Massachusetts which is called Mt. Greylock and is 3491 feet above sea level.  It wasn't too bad of a walk today.  Now I'm at the shelter and I am going to relax and get ready for bed.

View today

View from Mt. Greylock

Days:  82

Miles hiked: 11.7
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  656.8
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears

Sprout Day 81 (Thursday, June 16th, 2016) (NEED PICTURES)

We had a successful day.  It was a beautiful day as far the weather goes and we made it to Vermont! We ended our day with 736 miles, and we are now on the Long Trail. The Appalachian Trail runs along the Long Trail for 100 miles in Vermont. When we got close to the Long Trail we started to see some hikers starting. It was cool to be a part of the beginning of their adventure. It made me think of when we first started our hike and how I felt in the Shenandoah Park back in March. It's crazy to think of how far we've hiked and how much we have learned along the way. It's not easy waking up everyday and hiking along with doing everything that's involved in a backpacking trip but it's been the best experience. I remember the first time I had to hang a food bag and set up my tent in the elements. It was an overwhelming feeling.

I'm glad we got to camp at a reasonable hour because the place started to fill up fast.  There's some thru hikers from Georgia, some flip flippers, and now some people who are starting the Long Trail. As soon as I got to camp I found a good spot for the tent set up and hung the food bags right after that. I got a good fire going for cooking because we are still running low on fuel. The water wasn't too far away and it had good flow.

Right before we got to the Vermont border there was a small town a little over a mile from the AT. There's a guy who lives right down a side road from the town who lets hikers borrow bikes to run into town for resupplies. It was really convenient so I went to the store and bought some Captain Crunch! We received powdered milk in our last food drop and it mixes a lot better than the last dry milk we had so we were excited.

Right before the state border there was a rock garden with an incline.   It was a good way to say goodbye the Massachusetts.  I am excited to get into higher elevation and for the Whites.  Everyday is going to be a battle but I know we will make it through.

Earlier today I went to Money Brook Falls. It was a .7 side trail right by the shelter we stayed at last night.  It was a great way to start the day because it was beautiful. The falls came right off a high cliff and the trail led right to the bottom of the falls. I'm trying to make an effort to take any side trail that I can along the way. This one was definitely worth the extra 1.4 mile round trip.

Day: 81
Miles hiked: 9.9
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 737.8
Bears: 0
Bluegill: 2
Butterflies: 8
Chipmunks: 3
Cows: 24
Crawfish: 1
Deer: 20
Donkeys: 2
Horses: 12
Hummingbird: 1
Inchworm: 1

Really Big Dog: 1
Mice: 2
Nest of bugs: 2
Newts: 2
Owl: 1
Rabbit: 1
Skunk: 1
Snail: 1
Snake: 2
Squirrels: 11
Toads: 3
Trout: 2
Turkeys: 4
Turtles: 107
Vultures: 6
Woodpecker: 1

Smudgy Cheeks Days 78-81 (Monday, June 13th through Thursday, June 16th)

I woke up this morning pretty tired.  I was only able to sleep about five hours last night because I was pretty worried about what was going to happen today.  I had a long journey ahead of me to get to the clinic and then I was also worried about what the result of my ankle would be.

The clinic was really great.  They took an X-Ray of my ankle and made sure that there were not any broken bones.  I have a sprained ankle and I also have cellulitis.  I was given an antibiotic that I need to take for ten days and also a pain reliever that will help with the swelling.  The doctor also told me that I needed to take a 5 to 7 day break from hiking and allow my ankle to heal.  The problem with this is that I had no where to stay.  The church does not allow hikers to stay more than one night.  I began to consider going back to Tom Levardi's house to recover there.

After leaving the clinic I found a CVS and was on my way there to pick up my prescriptions.  This is when karma was good to me.  On the way to the CVS I stopped at a mechanic shop to get directions.  The mechanic there told me that he always wanted to set up shop near the trail where he could host hikers and allow them to get off of their feet for a bit.  I showed him my ankle and told him my situation and he immediately asked me what I was going to do.  I told him that I didn't know what I was going to do, that I had to pick up my prescriptions and get back to the next town over (10 miles away) to pick up my food drop, and then find a way to lay low and heel.  He gave me his number and told me to call him after I went to CVS.  He told me that I could stay at his place until I recovered!!  I looked at him like I had seen a ghost and almost started to cry!  I asked him if he was sure and he said it would be no problem, to just call him when I was done and he would take me to get my food drop and then I could help him with something.

I called him after CVS and he did drive me to the next town to get my food drop and also told me about Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the town where the clinic was.  He also shared a bit about his life and he is such a good man.  He was part of the Peace Corps in Honduras and is still going down there to help people today.

He took me to where he is a mechanic and is working on a car.  I helped him to pay for my stay.  I helped to remove a drive shaft and am going to finish this by the time I leave on Friday.

Mechanic Shop

Working on cars!

Looking for parts

This bus has seen better days!

Having a lot of fun

My ankle

Gathering in Pittsfield

I was on the front page of the Pittsfield paper.  I'm standing to the left of the flag in black.

On Wednesday we took a wrong turn and had to turn around.  Walking across the street we saw Bubbles and Sprout!!!  Crazy!!!!  We stopped for a picture.

My guardian angle!  This is real trail magic!!

Days:  78-81
Miles hiked: 0
Total Miles hiked on the trail:  645.1
Bear: 1
Chipmunk: 1
Deer: 1
Lizard: 1
Snakes: 4
Toads: 2
Vulture: 1
Zoo Animals:   2 foxes, 1 porcupine, 1 bobcat, 1 turtle, 2 bears