Crossing into Vermont

We talked to Trand yesterday in Hanover, NH. This is where Dartmouth College is. He told me he had slept on the streets that night before because he had gotten kicked out of where he was sleeping. Always sounds like a great story to hear, right? I guess in this town there's no hostel for hikers, only hotels or people who offer their homes. Well, he wasn't paying for a hotel, and by the time he got there Thursday afternoon all of the houses were taken. There's a basement at Dartmouth where they let the hikers store their stuff, but they can't sleep there. Well, guess who tried? Around 1:30 am a security guard came and kicked him out. So the next morning he found a family really fast to stay with the next night. This couple had a son who had hiked the trail when he was 18 too so they just loved having hikers come through and stay. I think he really enjoyed that. 

Hanover is right on the NH/Vermont line so he actually stayed in Vermont last night. He called this morning to say he was heading out and expected to be able to call again in about two days. His last couple of days have been 30 mile days so I expect he'll keep up that pace especially now that the terrain is much easier. Although, he's heard Vermont is really muddy. So that could slow him down some. He's still got the Green Mountains to go through, but he says those are hills compared to the ones he's done so he's not too concerned about those. After that it's flat for a really long time. 

He's still doing well. Still a little lonely, even with meeting people along the way. I think it's a little hard because he's got a faster pace than most people he meets. So he doesn't end up in the same spots as the people he already knows very often. He's figuring out better what to eat on the trail to give himself enough calories and energy. 

Thankful for the couple who welcomed him into their home last night. He enjoyed that and enjoyed a nice bed after 10 days through the Whites and a night on the streets!! 

I love the perspective he's gaining and the growing up he's having to do. I love that he's taking initiative and living this adventure right now. He's growing into a man right before my eyes. Well, not right before my eyes but as we speak!! 😊 Can't wait to hug his neck and sit and talk about it all in person!! Thanks for prayers!!