Woke up to some coldish rain. I thankfully was in a cabin, but some of the windows in the cabin, particularly the one I slept next to were not sealed correctly. Normally I am one to take my time leaving in the morning when it is raining and I did, but not as late as I would have normally. Last night I made the goal to get to Hanover, NH by the end of the day so I got on moving.
Stopped at this store, “On The Edge Farm” off the road a bit. 
The homemade cookies were amazing! I highly recommend people to stop here! I did not stay long though for reasons no fault of the store. I just had to hike. I could not stop hiking if I tried today. I had to keep moving. So much so, I packed out the cookie dough ice cream I also bought here. I wish I allowed myself more time enjoy this place.
There is something about raining days I enjoy, besides the fact I do not need to retrieve, carry, and drink water as much. Everything is more vivid and still. On a rainy day back home, I am not to much the type that wants to curl up on a couch, book in hand, sipping some tea (although that does sounds nice). I want to get out and explore! See the world in a different light, quite literally. Yes, raining days are a pain when you have to go to work and sit in traffic, but when you are free they are peaceful.
First fording experience! 
There was a huge bucket of trail magic on the other side! Thank you!
It had been raining non stop all day, so I didn’t even bother taking off my hiking shoes for the crossing to put on my sandals. Boots were a little heavier, but already wet. With the non-stop mentality I had all day, it was better this way. Plus, if I make it to Hanover tonight, I do not need to worry about the cold for later.
I am very happy my camera picked up the fog I had been trying to capture. Way better in person, but check out these photos anyway:
There was a woman I didn’t catch the name of across this bridge…
…that did some trail magic from her porch. She had quite a lot of food and log book, eager to talk so I took the time to chat. Apparently, the river at one point had flooded her house. She brought this up because when I said where I was from she mentioned that the organization that helped rebuild her house was an organization from Maryland that I do not remember the name of at the moment. I don’t really remember what else we talked about, but here are her roosters:
Entering Hanover, or rather the town on the south side of the river I ran into Oakley going south bound. He was doing a flip flop thru-hike from somewhere near McAfee Knob. He had felt he was not going to make the October 15 cut off date for Katahdin. I may have mentioned him earlier, but we met each other in the Smokies and then again at Trail Days. He has a very unique quirky personality and very much enjoyed talking to him.
Managed to pull a 30 mile day in 8.5 hours. I am very proud of myself. Plus, I get more time to talk to David and Suzi! They were both surprised I managed that kind of mileage. It certainly has been a while since I have achieved that kind of mileage, though it was an easy 30 since that entire stretch contained just rolling hills. I don’t even think there were rocks on the trail. Perfect day for some rain.
David picked me up in his old truck, took a photo of me for my Mom, and took me back to his home, which was significantly closer to the trail than my Mom had described.
Side Notes:
– Listened to the Steve Jobs book pretty much non-stop all day, not because I particularly enjoy it, but to get through it.
– I am leaving out a major detail of this day for my privacy, but would also like to remember for myself what that detail is by typing this sentence.
– Fell in the shower that night. I didn’t injure anything too important. 😉
– Hanover, NH had a very rich vibe to it. Found out later, it was home to Dartmouth College, one of the Ivy League schools.
