We set the alarm for 6 am so we could get an early start on the trail. We listened to the trail stories of a section hiker from Alabama while enjoying our granola and coffee for breakfast. The sun was shining and a light breeze made the heat bearable as we began hiking a little before 8.
Today's hike was mostly easy. The trail climbed gradually over a couple of minor peaks before beginning the big push up Mt. Glastenbury. Several lookouts provided great views of the surrounding mountains for our breaks.
The climb up to the Goddard Shelter was hard, and coming at the end of the 8.5 mile stretch, was kind of a kick in the face. The trail climbed over big rock steps at a somewhat steep angle. Eventually we broke through the trees and reached the shelter.
Goddard Shelter is the nicest one we have been in so far. It was built in 2005 and has been very well maintained. In addition to a covered area for preparing food, it has a great view of the mountains in the distance. We decided to take advantage of the nice shelter and call it a day at 8.5 miles.
We've spent the afternoon relaxing in the shelter and chatting with an AT through hiker who used to work on Wall Street. So far, all of the people we've met out here have been really nice and really interesting.
Out hike is going slowly, but we should be in Manchester Center on Tuesday. 24.4 miles down and 248.3 to go!
