Sunday, August 15, 2010

Reflections on Vermont

Today - 15th August - we crossed the bridge over the Connecticut River and entered New Hampshire. With some excitement I might add, as this is the last leg of our journey with less than 450 miles to walk.

So it is time to take stock - first - how are we coping? Digby's knee is a perennial problem and he has been taking 'Ibubrophen' on a daily basis which reduces the swelling and acts as a painkiller. Despite the knee issue, we have been making good time, averaging over 100 miles a week and keeping to our schedule.

What about Vermont?
It is meant to be the muddy state, but we have had virtually no rain for the nine days that we hiked thru it. It is not as 'misty' or 'looming' as Massachussetts with its huge granite gorges and moss covered ravines. But it has a lot to offer and we enjoyed our time here. It made us think of Victoria with the climate that we had - crisp temperatures for walking of about 25C - just perfect.

The highlights
  • Discovering 'moose poo' on the trail - we have yet to see a moose.
  • Staying at the Bromley Sun Lodge in the Bromley Ski Resort, and watching Americans at play.
  • Meeting four different work crews on the trail - one an all women team - improving the conditions of the trail.
  • Walking with a 'group' - Scatters and Stucco, our warrior princesses, as well as Deetz, Powerpak, Ugly Tuna, Boss, and Miles - and enjoying the interactions over a 5 day period as we got to know them.
  • My first swim in a wild river - and camping right next to the river.
  • Climbing Mt Killington, at just over 4,000' the second highest peak in Vermont. A beautiful day and great views to be had.
  • Staying at the Inn on the Long Trail - a hiker inn with an Irish pub attached. Guinness on tap so Digby was in seventh heaven.
  • Meeting the pet pig at Mountain Meadows Lodge and giving it a good scratch behind the ears.
  • Finding our first Vermont trail magic - two cold cokes left in the river for us.

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