7/6 Dry Socks for Two Hours

19.4 hiked today, 1625.6 miles N, 548.4 miles left
Stratton Pond Shelter

Today started out as a great break from the recent rain. It was warm and sunny and not too humid. I made good time as I strolled along taking in the sight of several beaver ponds along the way.

At Kid Gore Shelter I stopped to dry off and ended up staying for about two hours enjoying an early lunch and the sun. The view from the shelter is wonderful with what almost looks like a garden forming a horizon to a great view of the valley and mountains beyond.
Finally everything was dry and packed up and I headed out. Shortly thereafter while taking a video of a particularlly noisey squirrel when I heard it, a long roll of thunder. It built up and I started to jog hoping to make it to the next shelter before rain hit but I was still too far. The rain started coming down lightly at first but quickly built up to a hail and heavy cold droplets that soaked me to the core. Fortunatly I had taken off my shirt and stashed in my pack so only my shorts and feet got wet. The jog kept me warm making the rain was refreshing rather than cold.
I got to Story Spring Shelter where McGyver, Wolverine, Earl Grey, Deb, and I all squeezed in away from the rain. After about an hour the rain let up but the thunder continued. I was the only one who risked it and I am glad I did as I got another 10 miles done in what turned out to be a rain-free rest of the day. One thing I didn't luck out on though is the Black Flies which are still active here. Usually the season ends in June but it appears a few hardy ones are left. Their bites are quick and painful but fortunatly I only saw a few. In the wrong season hear there are hundreds that swarm and bite at one.
After leaveing the others behind I made the climb up Stratton Mountain. It is a long climb that, for me, was again rewarded with a foggy view from the firetower on top. I did however get treated to the subalpine terran that is such a joy to look at. On the other side of the mountain I again stayed at the Stratton Pond Shelter. I remember this shelter fondly from my Long Trail hike and the pond is even more stunnning than I remembered. It is a pay shelter which should give a recipt to stay at the other VT pay shelters for free but the caretaker forgot to give me one before he went. I hope I don't have to pay again.
Tonight I am acommpanied by a group of boy scouts who are well behaved though carring astonishingly heavy packs.
Dinner is TVP Tacos which are normally my favorite but this time I choose bad seasoning mix and am not enjoyong them at all. :(
Tomorrow I am heading into Manchester Center to pick up my new shoes. I can not wait as these shoes really needed to be replaced almost 3000 miles ago. The soles are nearly slick and all the foam is pounded flat. I hope they fit well!