Today I found a trail
Barb and Kurt brought doughnuts this morning as we had our coffee and headed out for the day. Had pretty limited cell service so Alex and I leap frogged from intersection to intersection so he could try and get the days route loaded.
More climbing was the first thing up for the day. In total we would climb about as much as we did yesterday though none of the inclines were quite so steep. A 10 mile long possible to decent climb was only a couple miles after the start. Up and up we went following a rapidly moving winding mountain stream. I felt good. I felt strong. The higher up we got the smaller the stream became till it was only a small drainage pipe passing under the road. The last mile or so I was ready to be done with that climb but I powered through. Stopped at the top and had a little dance party to celebrate. In in the middle of the mountains and no one is there to judge me.
Just after the summit we all met up again. Thank goodness because it wasn't soon after that my route said to turn and everyone else's said go straight. I had the wrong variation for the day! Well I changed it over and was welcomed with a beautiful flowing paved 5 mile descent rather than climbing a super sketchy forest service road. Up and down up and down we went. I noticed Alex kept looking to the sides for something and then he found it. We were at one of the trailheads for the Appalachian Trail (AT)!
The AT is a pretty well known hiking trail that runs from Maine to Georgia though the Appalachian Mountains. On average it can take hikers upwards of 6 months to complete. I've met a few people who have done it and am in awe of that accomplishment.
We had heard on the news a couple weeks ago Vermont had received massive amounts of rain. Upwards of 9" in places and that many roads and bridges simply didn't exist anymore. Our guard was up when we saw the 1st road closed sign for the day. It took a moment and then we saw why. Yep the road was washed out. Thankfully still possible on foot or bike but with gullys upwards of 3 feet deep, there's no way you're getting a car though. As we got over the ridge and headed down the other side you could see some hastily made patches so that people weren't still stranded. It's going to take some time to put all this back together if they decide to at all. New Class 6 roads anyone?
Lunch was in Brattleboro on the shore of the Connecticut River. We stopped at a place called the River Garden Marketplace. A fun open concept restaurant/bar and Artisan Market. I had a fantastic chicken sandwich with beer cheese soup. We waited there for a bit because rain was on the way. The chef must have liked us because we were brought a couple sample boards just because. So good.
The rain never really solidified so we decided to try and race it. Over the river and through the woods along a busy highway to New Hampshire we go! (That's how the lyrics go yes?)
The Connecticut River serves as the border between Vermont and New Hampshire. Crossing that river has brought us to our final state.
Hello New Hampshire!
Thankfully we weren't on that highway very long and began meandering our way back through the woods. We were looking for a rail trail that was supposed to be back here. We found it and one glance down the way said this trail wasn't going to be like some other rail trails we've followed. Rocky at times, muddy at times, skinny, mowed mostly, fallen trees more than occasionally. This trail was a slog. Oh and then the rain started. I was trying to keep my spirits up but this trail was very trying. At one point I saw Josh and Art pass perpendicular to the trail on a local pavement and I said SCREW IT! I was done fighting. The pavement was much more pleasant even in the rain. Even though it was probably a little more mileage and a little more climbing the roads generally followed the trail so any guilt I had washed away with the rain.
West Swanzey was the destination and a very nice campground awaited. Barb and Kurt brought us KFC for supper. Manvel gets very excited for mashed potatoes. We munched quickly and had Heady Topper and Ginger Ale. Had to get the tents up as more rain was possible.
At this point we're only 100ish miles from the end! We could do it it one really big sucky day but we're going to split it into two.
'til next time
-Matt
Miles Ridden Today: 73.93
Feet Climbed Today: 4,688
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