8/11/21 Shuttle driver dropped me off at the trail at about 915. It was fairly hot and humid and overcast but had a slight breeze so it wasn’t too bad. Fortunately my chafing didn’t bother me. Didn’t see many people on the trail today. Amazingly there wasn’t much mud for much of the trail which was great compared to what he did been previously. Climbed Bear Mountain which had minimal views and then climbed steeply down to Clarendon gorge and over the Mills River on the suspension bridge which was nice. I believe I was swimming in this with Hannah and piper a little bit down stream two days ago. Then climbed steeply up beacon hill which was difficult as the rocks were slippery. I fell several times one was pretty bad but I was able to dust myself off unfortunately after every fall I’ve taken I’ve had new major injuries. Usually I fall when I’m not concentrating on the trail. Since that for my left ring finger has been painful around the PIP joint but not too swollen and I can make a fist although it does hurt in that area so I don’t think I broke it or dislocated it. I saw a lot of great stealth spots to camp at. I always want to finish my day is hike early because the last 2 miles are always long and difficult but I try not to do that because then the next days hike it is even that much longer. I really do need to increase my mileage. I saw a sign that says Mount Katahdin 500 miles ahead and I’m getting worried that I’m gonna run out of time to finish without jumping ahead. I got to the governor Clement Shelter at about 7:30 PM and no one was there. Rather than stay in the shelter I decided to set my tent up and as soon as I did that it drizzled a little bit. Then stopped. Cooked dinner and by that I mean I boiled water for my freeze dried meal and then put everything that smelled that a bear would like except for myself into the Ursack and tied it to a tree. After it got dark I did here a couple of people at the shelter but I’m not sure if they stay there or not. I had hung my wet clothes out from sweat during the day and then a thunderstorm hit and I had to get out of the tent and bring everything inside. Overall slept pretty good and now I have to plan goals on where to hike to and how far for the next several days. I believe I’ll climb Killington Peak and break away from the long trail and start heading east towards New Hampshire today. There was some trail magic after road crossing with a cooler full of ice cold soda and it was the end of the day so I partake in two of them one root beer and one a Dr Pepper and they were great. Trail angels are amazing people and I hope to give back my self once all of this is done.

8/12/21 Hiked up the AT for 4.3 miles to the Cooper Lodge than the 0.2 mile side trail to Killington Peak (4,235 feet). I had never Climbed this peak before so I wanted to Climb it as part of the NE 67. The gondola was running as people were taking it to view the sites from Killington Peak or to bring a mountain bike up and bike down from the peak. There was a kiosk selling drinks and sandwiches which I took advantage of. So two other NOBO hikers there. I think I’m in the last group heading for Katahdin. Then started down from the peak where are you previously laid out my clothes and tent to dry outside the lodge. The weather was quite hot and it was hazy but had excellent views from the summit. I then hiked down the mountain crossing Vermont route 4 bye the Inn at Long Trail. It was getting to be the end of the day and I decided to camp at Gifford Woods State Park where are they allowed through hikers to camp for four dollars. I noticed again I had a lot of chafing due to the very hot weather and my sweating. Of note passed the 1700 mile marker.