Stowe,VT

I came off the trail yesterday to buy some groceries, and to wash clothes, and I was going to hike back to the next shelter after that, but the rains came and the forecast is for 3-4 days of steady wet stuff. I chickened out; no desire to get everything wet after I just washed it, and I searched the Internet for hostels near the trail. Found one in Stowe for $15 a night! I stepped out on the road and the first car picked me up and brought me to Stowe. The driver moved here from Towson, MD, a town I know well from my Lab Rescue days, and he is a boater too, so we had some things to talk about. "Besides," he said, "this gets me out of my Honey Do chores."

So, I'm in Stowe at the nicest library I have ever seen; feels like a high-class funeral home. Very plush, exquisitely furnished, and hush-hush quiet.

I'll stay here another night and see what the weather does. It's nice to walk around without 35 lbs. on my back.

Book store next. I was reading "The Devil Wears Prada" by Lauren Weisberger, but I gave it up about half-way, because it was too much of the same thing, and it was heavy, meaning that to send it back, lightened my load, and so, it is in the postal system. It was a NY Times bestseller, but I don't know why. However, if you know anyone who thinks they have a bad boss, tell them about this book; it will lift their spirits.

The Green Mountains are getting higher and steeper. Day before yesterday was my hardest day yet; a lot of climbing. I didn't get to the shelter until 7 PM, and I slept in yesterday morning and didn't hit the trail again until 10:30 AM. Starting late is a bad habit, because it reduces your options later in the day.

Comments

[Annice]

Received your latest package, including the book The Devil Wears Prada. I can think of a couple of people with "boss" problems who will be curious about your comment. I'll pass along the book. You've sent so much stuff back, I'm beginning to wonder what you have left to sleep on, eat with, or wear!