Since day one, we've fantasized about crossing the MA border and returning home to VT. That finally happened last week. It still blows my mind that we've walked from Georgia to Vermont. Crazy! What's even crazier is that tomorrow morning we're going to get back on the trail and start moving away from home and towards New Hampshire. What are we thinking?!
Above Clarendon, VT. Shiz's sister hiked in to meet us with her kids and their friends..
Making it especially hard to return is the good food and comfort that we've enjoyed with Chris's family for the past two days. As we approached Clarendon Gorge on the AT, Chris's sister and kids hiked in to meet us and took us home for burgers and ice cream (with the windows rolled down...apparently we weren't smelling too good...and that was coming from 14 year old boys!) . We've since spent time with Chris's parents doing some chores and errands, but mostly lazing around indulging in a constant flow of delicious treats. Our hike tomorrow includes Killington Mountain, VT's second highest peak, and I'm seriously concerned that we won't be able to drag ourselves up!
I found my place in Dalton, MA
This little taste of luxury has me looking ahead to the conclusion of our hike. Not that I'm not enjoying our adventure, but I think I'm getting ready for civilization again. I'm ready to drive to places beyond walking distance. And to get water out of a faucet. And to wear clean underwear every day. And to eat fresh foods. And to use a hairbrush again. Living outside is an amazing experience, but after four and a half months, I'll be happy to scale back to weekend trips and day hikes for a while!
Fortunately, we don't have too long to wait. We have some 506 miles left to hike, which will be punctuated by a brief trip home in two weeks for me to run an annual relay race. After that, the end should really be in sight :-)
- Sweet Pea
Google album link, new photos at the bottom: https://goo.gl/photos/yVaQgu5Xce88YoVb8
Finally Vermont :-) At the end of a long hot day., hence the tired faces.
On the top of Stratton Mountain, VT
Bascomb Lodge at the summit of Greylock Mountain, MA. We enjoyed an unexpected and delicious breakfast at their restaurant.
Shiz setting up camp on our second night in VT. Notice the head net...the black flies came out in abundance to welcome us home.