8/15/12 – 1700 miles
Yesterday was a slow 9 miles to the Mountain Meadows Lodge. I say slow because my ankle has been sore the last few days and I walked carefully to the place where I would take a rest day. When I arrived here nobody was in the office so I sat and waited. There was a sign saying the owner was out on the grounds and would be back soon.
I received a text from Kleenex saying that she forgot to pick up her trekking pole where she got a ride to friends earlier that day. She asked if I would pick it up when I came through. I had already passed the spot where she left it but I went back anyway. It was only about a quarter mile, easy walking without a pack, over level ground around a lake. I wanted to find it before anyone took it – I know she would do the same for me. When I texted her that I had it, I know she was relieved. I put it in a safe place where she could pick it up the next day.
This place is nice. They give hikers a special rate that includes breakfast, hot tub, kayak use, and free laundry. Last night I bought the dinner, cordon blue chicken with salad and desert, at a very reasonable price.
Today I rode the bus into Rutland to see a movie and get some supplies. The rest of the time I have been resting. Tomorrow I will walk to a shelter about 4 miles from where I will meet Daryl for the start of our hike. It will be a short couple of days into Hanover where we will pick up more food for the start of the New Hampshire mountains. Sounds neat.
Are you sure that your ankle is going to hold out for 450 more miles? Be careful. Do you have an ankle brace?
You & Daryl have a great time together. We look forward to both your posts.