Day 125 - Governor Clement Shelter to Shelburne Pass

Up at 5:30, out by 6:30. Could tell it was going to be a hot one. Started the climb up Killington right away. Not too bad.

As we got higher up, the landscape really started to change – dense pine forest with lots of moss and roots. Is that an alpine landscape? No view from the top – had to take a side trail to the summit, but someone said it was hazy.

Murph had just left! Bumped into her on the way down. She hadn’t been planning to stay at the inn, but we convinced her otherwise. Got to the road around noon. No one would pick us up. Is that because of the Mass. guy who just murdered three people and was caught after pulling a knife on someone who had picked him up hitching?

Walked a hot mile uphill in the sun to the inn. Really nice place. Rustic and decorated with lots of dried flowers and wreaths. We got a hiker room (no frills) for $55, including breakfast. Not bad. Unpacked our box of winter gear. Do I really need my zero degree down bag? Mucho weighto. 

Strange rash of small bubbles on my face, plus very chapped lips with the sides of my mouth cracked. Dehydrated? Murph said no. Very annoying, though.

Hung out at the Irish pub with some Sobos and Long Trail hikers. Very hiker-friendly. Had a grilled cheese sandwich and a glass of wine. Yum. None of the guys got too crazy, which was good. Off to a bed with big, fluffy pillows (too big, actually). Even the fan couldn’t keep the room cool. Trouble falling asleep, but happy to be clean and dry and bug-free.