I’m writing to you from Hanover, NH. It’s a very nice little town on the NH/VT border and the home of Dartmouth College. Today marks five months on the trail. Five months!!
I’m going to keep this update short as I still have a lot I need to do(and a lot of beer to drink) before I hike out this afternoon.
Hanover has a community of trail angels much like Waynesboro, VA. I was able to find a place with Greg Cook in his home last night. Greg is a retired social worker(41 years!) and has hosted hundreds of hikers in his Norwich home. I was hiker number 111 to pass through this year.
Greg and I. Not sure why it flipped but I can’t get it to rotate.
Greg let me have free run of his kitchen and I made a massive dinner of fried potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and peppers. He made us a breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toasted English muffins.
Greg’s hospitality has been one of the highlights of New England for me. It was an important reminder of how many people come together to make a thru hike possible.
When I started I had visions of a man vs wild situation – relying on my wits. Developing self reliance. Fighting the occasional bear. The trail definitely has taught me about self reliance but even more it’s taught me how interconnected we all are. It’s taught me to accept help from others. That no one can make it through this life alone.
Mount Moosilauke socked in by clouds.
So five months on I’m still going strong. I feel good. My body’s holding up. Sure my knees and feet are sore but it’s nothing that can’t be overcome. I’m happy and grateful for all of the experiences that this journey has brought thus far.
Sitting atop Mt. Lafayette.
Happy trails. I’m hiking on through Vermont. It should be easy hiking and I plan to push 20 mile days from here out.
Jack Jones
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