September 28th (morning)

Hello My Trusted Peeps,

I'm at the Hyde Away Inn in Waitsfield and am using a computer for the first time in 2 weeks.  Typing on the phone has proven to be very frustrating so a special thanks to John from the Bronx for making sense of it all and posting for me.  It's been a wet 3 or 4 days and the temps have dipped into the mid 30's at night.  Whenever I start to feel sorry for myself or feel like whining I remember where I am, how lucky I am, and that I'm not just walking for me.  One of the high points of the trip was ending a long and rocky day at the top of Mount Abraham somewhere above Waitsfield.  It was a mile and a half out of my way but worth every minute of the rock scramble.  The pictures I'll show everyone when I get back won't be able to capture what it felt like while I was up there, but they should spark a memory so that I can at least try to tell you what it was like.

MOUNT ABRAHAM AT SUNSET

Today is my first full day off in 2 weeks, meaning NO miles.  I need to hitch into town and buy some supplies and then lie in bed and relax while the rain pours.  The people I've met on the trail and in the towns have been remarkable; kind, generous, and able to look past how smelly and dirty we are.  I've hitched 6 times and never waited more than 5 minutes.  There's so much more to say, some of which should be posted on the site soon, but it's time for me to head to town. 

MT. ABE LOOKING SOUTH?

Bronx John ended one of his emails with the phrase "Keep Hammer To Rock", a quote by a coach of the St. Johns basketball team.  It's been my mantra.

Keeping Hammer To Rock,

Todd aka Tilt-A Whirl

In one of my next posts I'll explain how people have trail names and how mine ended up being Tilt-A-Whirl.  Here's a hint... a tilt-a-whirl is an amusement park ride that can be lots of fun, can scare the shit out of you, and spins around barely in control.  Sound familiar?