Collegiate.

I started walking into town early in the morning, arriving shortly before 10 AM. Our group was able to get settled into Jennie’s place and drop our packs in Norwich. From there, we walked across the Connecticut River into Hanover.

Hanover is home to Dartmouth University and it has historically been welcoming of thru-hikers coming in. We all have heard about the student dining hall and that was the first place we went to. For a small fee, the University allows hikers to enjoy the same dining experience as the students. We took full advantage of getting in at the breakfast to lunch transition as we all hung out and feasted ourselves on all the offerings the dining hall had to offer.

As well as eating, I was able to get more of the usual town things accomplished. I resupplied at the grocery store, and I went to the post office, where there was a package waiting for me. I swapped back to my warmer sleeping bag to prepare for heading farther north. I also was able to slip into some brand-new shoes, which I desperately needed to replace.

From there, it was back to Jennie’s place, this time via the free town bus. She was nothing but fantastic as she opened up her home to me, Fresh, Talley Joe, Woodchuck, and Gandalf. We were all able to shower and do laundry while we were there, and it really could not have been a better experience.

The next day had a planned late start. I took my time getting a big brunch and obtaining a few more resupply items before hiking out of town later in the afternoon.

I was starting in New Hampshire and making my way toward the Whites. Pretty much since my first week on the trail, I’ve heard about how difficult and slow this upcoming part of the trail was. How bad could it be? Loads of people have made it through before, so I should be able to figure it out when I get there.

Hanover marked mile 1755 on the Appalachian trail.