October 4th, 2022: Hazen’s Notch Camp to VT-242 (5.6 miles)
With a short day ahead, I slept in a little later than I normally would. Thankfully the mice left me and my gear alone.
I had three modest climbs today Buchanan Mountain, (900 feet), Domey’s Dome (400 feet), and Gilpin Mountain (600 feet). These were all that stood in my way from getting to vehicle.
I made quick work of these peaks, and before I knew it I was standing on VT-242. Ahead stood the final formidable climb, Jay Peak. That was tomorrow Matthew’s problem. Today Matthew was excited to get to their vehicle and find a place to stay for the night.
The road walk to my vehicle was easy, it was pretty remote up here, and there was a wide shoulder so there was no real concern for the vehicles driving by. In addition, I got some incredible views of Autumn in Northern Vermont. The green tunnel had been replaced by a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. This is why I waited until this time of year to hike. It was magnificent.
A short time later, I made it to Rolf’s and saw my vehicle was still in one piece. I sat on the hood soaking up the rays. Surprisingly, I had cell service so I called the shuttle and was able to schedule my ride for tomorrow morning. With that important step being done. I dove 5 miles west to Montgomery Center.
Google research showed me a few very expensive hotels in the area, and one strangely named place titled Grandpa Grunt’s Lodge. When I clicked on the link I saw 50 dollar room prices and I was immediately intrigued. I went there, and was greeted by the owner. He asked if I was the Long Trail hiker who was checking in. Confused, I said I was indeed hiking the Long Trail, but how did he know? He said he got a call from someone on the trail who booked a room. I informed him, I was not that hiker, but I was interested in snagging a room if any were available. A few minutes later, I had been checked-in. Like so many shelters on the Long Trail, I had the entire lodge to myself.
After walking around the place and doing some research, I realized it was like a hostel. There were 16 rooms, and each one was different. One had a waterbed, one had tall ladder leading up to the bed, where mine was pretty tame with just a normal bed and bunk bed. It was comfortable though, and that is all that matters There was a sauna, and in the basement, there was a pool table, kitchen, TVs, dartboards, refrigerators and the owner let me use their laundry facilities for free. it reminded me of my fraternity house back at Purdue (shouts to Delta Upsilon).
Apparently GG’s is a pretty popular ski lodge in the winter months, and is usually bursting with college students having a good-time. The carpet was weird and eclectic, the floors were a bit uneven, and it was strange, but it had a ton of character. When it is not ski season, there aren’t a lot of people that stay at places like Grandpa Grunt’s, which is why it was empty during my stay.
After showering, and prepping my gear for tomorrow, I looked up some local places I could get a bite to eat and cold beer at. I was about to leave, when the other hiker the owner mentioned showed up…and wouldn’t you know it was Mickey!!! He said he got off trail at Hazen’s Notch road and was able to hitch a ride into town. I told him I was about to head to the pub across the street, and asked if he wanted to join, he said he would, but that he wanted to rest for a bit. That was fine with me, I didn’t mind waiting, so I did some laundry in the meantime.
After he was ready, we walked to the nearby Snow Shoe Lodge & Pub. We sat at the bar and ordered some beer. I ordered some onion rings and wings. I learned more about Mickey. He was from Massachusetts and had been coming to complete different sections of the Long Trail over years. He said he was going to try and finish it this time since he was so close, only a day or two behind me.
A few beers and some delicious food later, it was time to get some rest. As we were leaving I took out my credit card, but Mickey would not let me pay, he payed for the food and drinks and we went back to the lodge. Once again, I was humbled by the kindness of strangers on the trail. I told him my plan for tomorrow and said if he was willing to wake up before dawn, I could take him back the trailhead. He respectfully declined, he needed some extra rest after those last few grueling days. We said our goodbyes, I thanked him again for dinner, wished him luck on the rest of his hike, and went to my room.
Before bed, I thought about the 2+ years of planning and hiking the Long Trail, and how after tomorrow it was coming to an end. I called my wife to say goodnight and let her know how excited I was to be coming home!!! I missed her and the dogs a great deal.
Previously: Vermont Gets Vermuddy Again
Tomorrow: All good things…