Journal Entries

Leaving the AT and staying north on the Long Trail.

Taking The Bus (literally it’s called The Bus) back to the trailhead out of Rutland. There’s a great bus service hat runs between Rutland and Killington so getting to and from the trail is easy if you have 2 bucks. At our other resupply we hitched no problem and could probably do so on Route 4 also but a bus is convenient.

My friend Amanda who graciously hosted us in her Rutland home for our 2nd resupply. Amanda’s family also hosted us on our AT thru-hike and helped our family, and me in particular, during a very critical time.

Hospitality, giving and receiving, is part of the journey (of life and traveling) and our time on Rutland relaxing at Amanda’s home reminds me of that.

When we get off trail we go to the bookstore and read books about.... the trail.

We had to check out the famous yellow deli in Rutland but they were closed for religious holidays. Rutland is both an adorable and “real-life” town, such a great mix.

Day 11 - one of the rare views on the southern part of Long Trail. View from Mendon Lookout.

Day 11 After a night of rain we packed up from Killington Peak and hiked down to route 4 where my friend Amanda met us and took us into town to host us for the night. Hiking in the fog through the green woods was magical.

Morning at Cooper Lodge, Killington peak

Whatever trail malaise had affected me yesterday (heat, leg pain, emotional memories) it did not affect today. Today’s hiking was challenging but fun. The weather was beautiful, the companions great, the terrain gorgeous, what more could you ask for? My knees were ok because we were going uphill all day.

Camping tonight at Copper Lodge on Killington peak. Listening to the wind whip through the evergreens, all snug in my sleeping bag. Looking forward to another 11 hours of rest before another day of hiking. And town day tomorrow! Maybe we’ll score a hot tub again.

Watching the sunset into western Vermont and the Adirondacks. The sunset tonight was spectacular and was the post-dinner show. This is when I miss lugging my Sony camera. I simply can’t capture the beauty with my phone. But I watched it and experienced it, so grateful to be on top of this mountain tonight.