7/09/06 Sunday: Stony Brook Shelter to Thistle Hill Shelter (21.5mi)

PICTURES:
1. 0625: Unique ladders along this section of trail helped...
2. 0935: Private cabin offered views of Lakota Lake
3. 0944: A precarious perch atop the cabin...
4. 1201: Approaching VT12 from the south. Spent almost 2hours relaxing and eating at On the Edge Farm stand... Newer brown building.
5&6. 1502: Tough climb to Cloudland Rd
7. 1729: Views from Thistle Hill at the end of the day...

I feel a bit guilty these days when I dont complete 20miles in a day... I'm sure I'll get over it...;)... We rose early, 0615, expecting a warm day and wanting to complete as many miles before noon as possible... We took some time, around 0930, to catch a vista at the Lakota Lake Lookout. After a rather precarious climb up, Dan and I were both rewarded handsomly for our efforts... Fantastic 360 degree views of Vermont and New Hampshire... How lucky for us to catch a glimpse on such a clear day... After checking out the premises, we continued on our trek north... By 1230, we had covered 13mi, and had arrived at VT12 and a dining option we both were looking forward to today... Just .2mi west of the trail was the On the Edge Farm Stand which had sodas, ice cream, baked goods, and other light fare... We made some tuna salad and spread it on some lovely homemade bread with locally grown tomatoes and lettuce right out of the garden... Some homemade pie, fudge, and ice cream rounded out the menu with plenty of coke to wash it all down...:)... We lounged on their adirondak chairs for a spell, reluctant to hike in the midday heat. But at about 1500 we decided to head out again to finish the last 8 miles of the day... Unfortunately, as in most days, we saved the worst for last and had a 1300" climb up Thistle Hill to finish the day. We arrived at the shelter about 1930 to find it full once again, this time with Southbound Thru-hikers... Dan again squeezed into the shelter while I again found a nice camp spot for my tent... We again both had dinner by the fire, avoiding much of the mosquito blight, and chatted with the other hikers about their Maine and NH experiences... We retired about 2100 under mild temps and clear skies again...:)...