Miles added: 13

Towns added: East Montpelier

Towns to date: 84

I took another nearo day, logging in only one town—East Montpelier—and lots of calories, including a large maple creamee. I did laundry and spent hours on mapping my route while I have the luxury of indoor lighting and a dry table to spread out on. Planning the route to correspond with possible places to stay—which often end up being clustered close together—is a real challenge. A shower is on my agenda after eating the lovely dinner being prepared by my hosts, Shasta and Ken. It hasn’t been exactly a vacation day, but at least I have had time to catch up on some correspondence and blogging. And my crotch and legs are happy to have a rest day! Total towns to date is at 84, and I am now over the one-third mark. I rode 13 miles today and don’t have the total added up.

Montpelier, Vermont, is such a great state capital. It is the smallest of all of the states yet hosts at least two independent bookstores. I believe it is the only capital without a McDonalds in it. There were lots of people walking and biking through town, though I realized that before global warming it would normally have been way too cold this time of year to lounge outside eating an evening meal.

When I went to the Hunger Mountain Coop to buy a loaf of my favorite bread (Red Hen Mad River Grain, made here in the Green Mountain State), I went in wearing my bike helmet and gloves. I had no idea it would net me the biker’s discount. How great is that! A reduced price just for riding my bike. I do love Vermont!

I’ve got to get back to mapping.