When I finished my hike, I spent two nights at Wicked Waystation before returning home. My first night, Shaman, a LASH (Long A$$ Section Hiker), and his wife were there. Shaman is a retired medical doctor who is documenting his hike on YouTube. We discussed Gray Beard and his record attempt for the oldest thru hiker. Shaman asked for a copy of my photo with Gray Beard. His wife took a video of my hostel breakfast in the morning. Shaman included these clips in his latest YouTube update. Someone else thought Vermont is made of mud and rocks!

Vermont’s Mud, Mountains, and the People You Meet

Dr. Shaman Hikes the Appalachian Trail – Dr. Shaman’s YouTube Channel

I’ve also created a small summary of my hike. I use a Garmin Instinct (Semi) Smartwatch to track my activities. I’m not sure where Garmin gets the temperature. The battery in the little thermometer I carry died on the first morning. I know the weather was cool but was a little surprised to see these temperatures. The climbs are the hardest part and ascent averaged almost 2,000 feet per day with half the days over 2,000 feet. I climbed two 4,000 foot peaks, Killington Peak and Stratton Mountain. Mileage is a little higher here because it includes side trails to the shelters and my short off trail adventures (missing the blazes and getting a little lost).

Day	Date	Distance	Temp	Ascent	Max Elev
1	27-May	4.7	73	1,365	2,661
2	28-May	8.8	52	1,765	4,014
3	29-May	10.4	52	2,290	1,960
4	30-May	10.3	43	2,467	2,598
5	31-May	9.9	45	1,847	2,869
6	1-Jun	8.4	43	2,113	3,444
7	2-Jun	8.6	43	1,198	2,585
8	3-Jun	12.1	50	2,316	3,948
	Total	73.2		15,361
	Avg	9.2	50	1,920	3,010

I have decided to make a real effort to rehab my Achilles. No running or hiking until I feel it is completely recovered. Swimming and the rowing machine for now. Maybe even some cycling. Not quite ready to turn in my backpack…