8/28/03 Tumble did not break stride as she came off the trail and stepped onto VT 108 with her thumb out for a ride. A car was just coming up the hill and stopped. Perfect timing. A British couple on their way to the gondola drove us all the way into Stowe and dropped us off at the Baggie Knees Shopping Center. We talked about hiking and learned a little about the hike around the Cornish Coast which is one we'd really like to do someday. From Baggies Knees we called the Brass Lantern Inn and booked a room for the night. Rough was really excited to get our favorite room, #9. Then we walked over to Lucky King and ate dinner. Fortunately we were the only customers because we really stunk. Tumble had a delicious dinner of Tofu Mock Duck on bok choy. Rough had his usual vegetables and fried tofu that was just as delicious. After dinner we walked to the Brass Lantern on Route 100. Tumble suddenly had terrible nerve pain from her sciatica shooting down her leg. She limped most of the way to the Brass Lantern and tried to do some yoga as soon as we got there to relieve the pain. Andy, our innkeeper greeted us and after showers and cookies, lemonade, and hot cocoa, we washed a load of laundry in his machine. Rough called Marty and talked to him about meeting us. We were also happy to hear he got a new job. We dropped into bed exhausted and pleased with our accomplishments -- with Mansfield right outside our window.