Miles on the mind, coffee in the belly (Day 134)
A thru-hiker pauses a strict miles-first plan for a short detour to a coffee shop, recharges mentally and physically, notices Vermont wildlife, and camps with a trail angel.
Useful takeaways from this story.
Shorter recent days left the hiker restless, but a coffee-shop break with teammates refreshed creativity and motivation.
After the break the group tackled long, steep climbs feeling rested, and camped at a trail angel’s garden in West Hartford, Vermont.
Conversations about post-trail plans—between the author and his dad—used the trail as a space to think about life after hiking.
# Miles on the mind, coffee in the belly (Day 134)
The group had been hiking shorter days recently, which made the author restless. They are still within a stretch where bigger mileage days are possible before the White Mountains make long days harder. That context framed a small decision that changed the tone of the day.
Choosing a short detour
Dreamcatcher and Small Bites wanted to go to a coffee shop a bit off trail. The author initially planned to keep hiking to stick to the mileage plan. He paused and admitted letting miles dominate the experience would be a mistake. The team agreed to go to the coffee shop.
Sitting in the shop had an unexpected effect. With no technology available, the author sketched in his book and felt creative again. The break gave mental rest as well as physical rest, which mattered before returning to long climbs.
Back on trail: climbs and readiness
After the coffee break the group returned to trail. The climbs that followed were long and steep, but the author reports feeling rested—physically and mentally—and ready for the day's challenges. The team kept the goals in view while allowing a small, morale-boosting deviation.
Vermont wildlife and landscape
Vermont's terrain shifted toward more open fields and varied woods. The hike included memorable wildlife sightings: a large owl perched above the trail and a porcupine. The author described the owl as a striking presence in the woods and called the wildlife sightings a highlight of the day.
Camp and conversations about the future
That night the group camped in Linda's garden, a trail angel's spot in West Hartford, Vermont. Around camp the author and his dad talked about what each might do after the trail, using the relative quiet of the hike as a chance to think through post-hike plans.
Takeaway
A small detour for coffee changed the day's rhythm: it restored creativity and energy, supported a better performance on difficult climbs, and created space for reflective conversation. The author left the coffee shop refreshed and ready to keep pursuing the miles ahead, while recognizing the value of occasional breaks.
More context around this story.
The 100-Mile Wilderness (Day 157)
It was my second morning in a row eating the Shaw’s hiker breakfast, and it did not disappoint. I woke up a bit earlier today, so I easily snagged a seat inside and started on my first of many cups of their bottomless coffee. The Beginning of the End After breakfast, I settled up, and Poet (the owner) shuttled the firs
Renewing our Why (Day 131)
The day started as any other, with a steep climb. After two zero days, we were tested right out of the gate. 500 to go! We only have 500 more miles to go! The energy in the group was a bit low, but luckily Small Bites’ cheered us all up, reminding us to celebrate all the milestones. The nice thing about hiking in a gro
Just Trying to Get There (Day 145)
Despite my concerns, my stomach gave me no problems overnight. I woke up feeling fine, and with no definitive plans for the day. I’d booked a bunk at the Om Dome Hostel near Andover, ME, for tomorrow night, because I needed to resupply and it’d been a week since my last shower. The hostel’s shuttle picks up each day at
Pancakes & Cookies (Day 120)
It’s a crisp cool morning, which seems to be the norm now. The temperatures during the days are fantastic though. The colder mornings are a reminder though that winter is coming. it’s time to send back our winter gear soon, which is at Ferdinand’s friends’ home now. I took a look at the lake for a nice sunrise. I could
The Only Agency Acquires The Blogger Agent
Today, The Only Agency, announced the acquisition of The Blogger Agent, one of the UK and Europe’s leading talent agencies…
Loading more related stories...
Keep reading in the app
Open the app view to save this story, compare related coverage, and continue from the same source.