Journal Entries

What better place than a bookstore to ‘chill out’ for a while? @hammerhead bought and dug into a book about the The Long Trail’s trees and plants and geology - all things that had piqued his interest on the hike. I think @reneetougas did her best to inhale and absorb the wonderful environment of books and words and ideas she so loves!

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.

Gear failure! This pad has been causing me nothing but problems on our trip. The last straw was last night, when while @reneetougas and I were sitting in our tent, we heard a “popping” sound (not unlike the sound of rain). We had no idea what it was. I started looking around and much to my horror discovered the internal baffles of my pad slowly delaminating as I sat on it.

Two things: considering how much I have used this pad, I am not surprised. It has survived at least 2500 trail miles, with virtually no issues - impressive for any piece of gear. Secondly, this is actually considered a manufacturing defect, and since Thermarest has a lifetime warranty, they will repair or replace it for me. Nothing like quality gear that is both light, durable, and backed by a fantastic warranty. I would not hesitate to buy this one again, it has been one of my favourite pieces of gear.

Great warranty aside, I will not be able to get a replacement in the next 24 hours, and thus I will have to purchase something cheap in Rutland (probably a Z-rest) to use for the remainder of the trip.

Day 11 - a 6-plus mile hike - with warm clear skies and anticipating another re-supply at Rutland, situated on highway 4. A friend of @reneetougas shuttled and hosted us- thank you to ‘A’ for hospitality that began with a fresh salad waiting for us - followed by access to her laundry room, etc. xo So inspiring for me - how can/do I apply this gift to ‘trekkers ‘ in my world?

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

Last time I was on this trail, the kids and I were doing a slack-pack day. It was cold, pouring rain, and in danger of hypothermia if we stopped for too long (we didn’t have most of our warm gear with us).

This time was much better. There was a little rain, but it wasn’t cold, and we had all our gear along with us to handle all conditions.

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

Hmmm... according to @Guthook, we have gained a LOT of altitude... did we take a wrong turn somewhere :-)

This photo does not do the fabulous sunset any justice.