When I last left you all, I was headed into Manchester VT for a resupply. I had to hitch a ride into town from the trailhead. About a five mile ride. I was quickly picked up by a local carpenter who was excited to hear I was from Cooperstown. He was an ex pro baseball player, farm league single A and had actually played in Oneonta thirty years ago.
Bought groceries and then went to local outdoor hiking store where I had to buy new poles. One of mine snapped in two hiking down slippery rocks a few days ago.
Last several days have been hiking with Chip and Jan from Parkersburg WV. He’s an engineer with specialty in solar power and she is a violin teacher so we’ve had interesting talks about all sorts of things. Although I’m hiking “alone”  it’s amazing that usually within a day or so I meet and hook up with compatible hikers. We generally walk as a group during the day and tent next to each other at night. Very easy to meet nice new friends
After our resupply, we all stayed at hiker hostel in Manchester :the Green Mountain Inn. A clean bed, laundry, one free soda, a pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and full breakfast for only $40!
Started hiking next morning up to summit of Bromley mountain.
This was the “perfect hike” : Started out on a full stomach, beautiful sunny weather, NO aches all morning while hiking!  Feet didn’t hurt, knees OK, crotch and butt didn’t itch, no shoulder pain and generally had lots of energy :

Black Diamond Run on top of Bromley

Later that afternoon we reached the bottom of the mountain and camped in front on a small Vermont Lake. I took a dip and then went fishing in my underwear. That’s my definition of a perfect hiking day

Today was another story. Lots of ups and downs hiking in the rain. More aches and itches. Pitched our tents in the rain and ate a rather wet dinner outside. Fortunately, right now I’m composing this blog lying in my nice warm dry tent. Here are some views of the day

Tomorrow my son Bob is meeting me to join the hike for the next several days. More updates soon.