An early start - we are psyched up to climb Mt Killington, the highest peak in Vermont. We have seen it on the horizon when we get mountain views for over a week and now the time has come to climb to the summit, at 4,000 ft. We start at 1190', so it is a long climb. We get into a rhythm and pound up the hill. The traverse on the contour is hard, for about a mile, with tree roots, rocks and steep steps to slow us down. We make good time and are sitting on the summit by 1pm along with 'the gang' - about 10 other hikers who we have been walking with including Scatters and Stucco. Everyone takes the opportunity to use their mobile phone on the summit, as reception is so good. We call Inn at Long Trail and book a room for the night - we get the last 'hikers' rooom'.
It is a long descent, and it seems like it is going on for ever. The Inn at Long Trail is actually a mile off the trail so we have to take a detour which is also full of tree roots. The Inn used to be on the trail, and then the powers that be decided to reroute the AT away from the Inn. Sad story? The owners tell us that it has actually worked for them - they dont get the hiker dregs anymore - the ones who want to dry their tents and gear all over their front lawn etc.
We settle into the bar - and what a surprise - it is an 'Irish' bar and they have cider - we are quite excited. Digby has Guinness on tap, this is the first pub in the US which has sold cider . We spend an enjoyable evening. On the TV Rugby League - Rabbitohs playing the Bulldogs - an Australian sense of deja vue.
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