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September 10th, 2021: Clarendon Shelter to U.S. Route 4 (15.9 miles, 3,950 ft elevation gain)
I woke up again to darkness. There was a big climb coming up today, and I wanted to make it to the Inn at the Long Trail early enough to get a room. As I hiked through the pitch-black, I could hear the hoot of a nearby owl. It felt like a horror movie.
When the sun rose, it was the first time in over a day since I felt its warm rays. It was still cloudy, but after hiking in gloom all yesterday, it was most welcome.
The trail crossed some roads and streams, and shortly after, I reached an interesting blaze. Below the white markings was a small sign that indicated 500 miles to Katahdin. If you were hiking the AT from Georgia and you passed this sign, you would have already walked 1,690 miles!!! As for me, my goal is much less ambitious, as I only have 188 miles to go.
Now back to our regularly scheduled programming…
Eventually, I reached the Governor Clement Shelter, which was the last shelter before the big climb up Killington. This shelter was pretty unique. It had stone walls, a chimney, and a fireplace inside the shelter.
I stopped for a short break, ate a small lunch, and continued. The ascent up Killington wasn’t too bad; I think knowing that I would be sleeping in a warm bed gave me additional energy and motivation. Unfortunately, the fog had settled in when I got to the top. It was a shame because the views are supposed to be excellent.
After taking another short rest, I began the descent. I was making great time, and I really wanted to be off the trail. Once I made it to the road, I walked to the Inn at the Long Trail, where I would be able to pick up my resupply. I would check into a room and rest up for the next part of my journey.
Dear readers, this is where I tell you to ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN! In all my preparation, I did not book any rooms in advance because the Inn at the Long Trail accepts walk-in hikers at a discounted rate. Like an idiot, I assumed I would be able to get a room as so many others before me. As luck would have it, there was a huge marathon happening in the area, and all the rooms were booked. The receptionist pointed to a grassy area across the street and said it was available to hikers to camp there for free. On a normal day, I wouldn’t be opposed to that; however, I wanted a shower and bed, and dammit, I was determined!!!
I grabbed my resupply and went inside to McGrath’s Irish Pub (which is inside the inn), ordered a beer and some food, and planned my strategy. I sat next to another hiker named Ryan, who was out doing a section hike up to Waterbury. He was in a similar predicament to mine. He did not book a room either and needed to make other plans.
We talked about possibly catching the bus into town and staying in the Yellow Deli in Rutland. The Yellow Deli is a hostel run by the controversial Twelve Tribes. They are well-known by the hiking community, and I won’t go into detail on them here because this post is going to be long enough. But if you want more information on them, I would encourage you to look it up.
I called around and was able to find a room at the Killington Motel, just 1.5 miles down the road. On my way there, I decided I would take a zero-day tomorrow and booked two nights. That was not originally part of the plan, but my body was aching, and I felt like I needed the rest.
Ryan had also made plans to stay somewhere else, so after saying goodbye, I gathered my gear and walked the short distance to the motel, checked in, took a shower, and passed out. I didn’t even set an alarm.
Previously: Long Trail: Day 6 (Big Branch Shelter to Clarendon Shelter)