• Hiked Today: 8.9 miles

  • Appalachian Trail (1,747.8 – 1,756.7)

• Total Hiked: 3,689.5 miles
• Total Paddled: 99.5 miles

Weather: 65 – 82 °F, mix of sun and clouds, very humid

Elevation: 384 – 1,611 feet

Podunk Brook Site to Holiday Inn Express White River Junction 

I had about 2 miles of foggy glasses uphill to get to the Happy Hill Shelter cutoff.

After that, things brightened up some. Even though the air remained breezeless, it felt less stuffy and more open with glimpses of sunlight sneaking below the canopy.

The last bits of trail leading down to Norwich, Vermont were quite pleasant in a quiet and peaceful way, the big pines leaving a pathway full of needles. The trail popped out to a quaint road and I was thankful it was all downhill.

Once in town, I took a left off the AT route to visit Dan and Whit’s General Store. And a general store it was, offering not only a good supply of groceries, but toys and board games and local crafts too. And it had a hardware section, which was my main purpose for visiting. I even found the item I wanted, which I was surprised about, but I’ll show that when/if it ever comes to use.

The store was a bit pricey, so I didn’t get my full resupply there, but instead picked out a few select items including a Vermont maple syrup infused coffee, breakfast sandwich, and a jelly-filled twisted sugar donut haha. I sat on the bench outside to feast, but after a nice little break continued my sidewalk mosey through town. 

From Norwich it was downhill to the mighty Connecticut River. And crossing the bridge to the other side, Sumi and I said goodbye to Vermont and were welcomed into New Hampshire!

I have been hearing about how New Hampshire has the most difficult trail of the entire AT even before starting on this adventure. Well, it didn’t seem so bad starting out, nice sidewalk through the college town of Hanover.

All of a sudden I was walking through the campus of Dartmouth College. Well, sort of, maybe on the fringe of it, where it meets the town full of quirky restaurants and shops. Students milled about all fashionable and clean with backpacks of a different slightly smaller varit than my own. Or, maybe I just mistook them for students and they were all super ultra light hikers? This area, maybe just as much as when I hopped into New York City, felt so surreal to me. It was bizarre coming straight from the woods and all of a sudden being in the middle of fancy Hanover.

Maybe you’re like me and have heard of Dartmouth before, but never knew it was in Vermont or really why I knew of it. All I can think is that it’s an Ivy League school and has that reputation of being top notch, I’m guessing. As I crossed the bridge, the view of the river with a dock for crew really fit the image of the school’s high distinction in my mind haha. I could imagine a foggy morning, the squad rowing in perfect unison cutting through the smooth glass waters like a knife through soft butter.

The trail continued through Hanover where it would eventually go out and up and away from town. I stopped today’s jaunt by the Food Co-op store though, a little over a mile into New Hampshire. I went for another round of shopping, but here too thought prices were quite steep (like the mountainous trail ahead 😅). I wondered where the students shop. Piecing together some items, I left and headed to the bus stop.

The rest of the day was dedicated to resting up and prepping for the next leg of the journey. I used my “free” hotel night I get once a year through my credit card and it was amazing. There was a little snafu with not getting checked in on time (I’d hopped for early check-in, but things were quite disheveled there when I arrived), but once showered and laundered, I cared not. Plus, I just hung out in the lobby in the air conditioning while waiting.

That night, I stayed busy cleaning and organizing and writing blogs and looking ahead on FarOut, but I also had a movie on and got a pizza delivered straight to my room. All was well in my little hotel room world! So good and necessary to stop and regroup.

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Dubai, Bali and Bangkok have emerged as the most preferred international destinations for Indians who travelled between January and June 2025, according to travel tech firm OYO. The company reported a 65% year-on-year growth in bookings for destinations offering simplified visa processes, reflecting evolving travel trends shaped by accessibility and convenience.

Findings from the company’s latest ‘OYO Travelopedia 2025’ report, are based on insights drawn from 20,000 bookings made through the OYO app. The report revealed that Dubai led the list, with bookings by Indian families tripling over the same period last year.

Bali witnessed a significant uptick in interest from couples and honeymooners, highlighting its appeal as a romantic and leisure destination.
Also read | Schengen visa rules relaxed for citizens of this country: Check details here

“The report highlights 65% YoY growth in visa-easy destination bookings by Indian travellers in H1 2025, underscoring a shift in preferences driven by relaxed visa policies, enhanced air connectivity, and a growing appetite for premium experiences. Some of the most popular destinations on this list include Dubai, Bali, and Bangkok, among others,” the company said.

According to data, average travel durations varied by region. trips to Southeast Asian countries such as Bali and Bangkok typically lasted between five to seven days, while visits to Middle Eastern destinations like Dubai averaged three to five days. Long-haul travel to Europe and the United States tended to extend over 10 to 15 days, suggesting a higher spending and extended travel in those regions.

Also read | Beauty of India: 10 places to make a trip and enjoy the unique charm they offer

OYO, which is currently preparing for its initial public offering (IPO), noted that it operates a network of 50 premium hotels in popular destinations. Of these, 23 are located across Southeast Asia and 27 in the Middle East, primarily under its SUNDAY and Palette brand portfolios.

The company added that it is planning to expand its premium offerings in emerging international hotspots, with a particular focus on aspirational properties and personalised guest experiences tailored to evolving traveller expectations.

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Situated on the banks of the Tagus River and built on seven hills, it offers breathtaking views and a unique blend of old and new. 10 Antipaxos, Greece Untouched beaches with turquoise waters, secluded and enchanting island getaway. 11 Istanbul, Turkey A dazzling city where East meets West, boasting landmarks like the majestic Hagia Sophia, the stunning Blue Mosque with its six minarets, and the opulent Topkapi Palace. 12 Paris, France Its 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. 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Experience the allure of Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, an incredibly beautiful region, located between the Gulf of Trieste and the Bay of Kvarner. 16 London London dazzles visitors year-round with a mix of historic grandeur, modern marvels, and vibrant street life. Top attractions include: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and the Buckingham Palace. Unforgettable experiences include Thames River Cruises, London’s Parks, the Camden Market, Brick Lane & Shoreditch. 17 Athens Athens, the capital and one of the world’s oldest cities holds a multitude of ancient treasures and ruins ripe for exploration, such as the Acropolis and its iconic Parthenon. If offers a wonderful combination of ancient history and picturesque landscapes. 18 Porto, Portugal Explore the vibrant streets of Porto, where old-world elegance meets cutting-edge innovation. Stroll along the Douro River, admire the iconic bridges, and take in the city’s neighbourhoods. Renowned for its spectacular azulejo-tiled façades and buzzing culinary scene Porto is a must-see for travellers seeking both culture and charm year-round. 19 Prague, Czech Republic Prague enchants visitors with its blend of mediaeval history, striking architecture, and vibrant culture, offering a remarkable array of attractions: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, The Powder Tower, Vyšehrad historic fortress, and Vltava River views. 20 Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. The Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city. Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró feature modern art by their namesakes.