The rain started around 2 a.m. and never let up. With only five miles into town, we decided to sleep in and let the rain pass. It never did.
B checked the Doppler on the smartphone to discover that we were a small pin in a sea of green.
Yep. Not only were we going to be hiking in the rain, but also tearing down and loading up in the rain.
We tore down the tent under the rainfly only to find out our camp spot was a huge puddle. Even though the inside portion was dry, it was only a matter of time before it would be wet in the bag. It was at that moment we decided to stay in town.
The five miles of trail were a series of streams, roots and mud puddles. Our feet were soaked in the first five minutes which actually made hiking in these conditions easier. The stream crossings became waterfall crossings. 1,000 miles ago I would have been miserable. Today I was having fun (it also helped that I knew I would be in town).
At the highway we hitched a ride with a lady and her children into town. One brand new SUV. Two smelly, wet hikers. Equals awesome trail magic--thank you!
According to a local, the main industry in Manchester Center, Vermont is tourism--golf, skiing, outlet malls. We stripped down to our ponchos and washed our clothes, then showered and had lunch with Morning Kid, her parents, Bamboo and Shaman.
Tonight we are staying at the Chalet courtesy of Morning Kid's parents. They also treated us to a special dinner. Thank you so much for your generosity!
It's amazing how one's day can change--starting it in a wet tent, ending it in a dry bed.
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