Storms Pass – Leaving Vermont

Mud has been a serious problem for my adventures through Vermont with rainy days being plentiful and tiring. Body pains and a week-long stint in Rutland put me behind the bubble again, but not before allowing me to reconnect with some faces I hadn’t seen in weeks. Killington Peak at 4200 feet destroyed me. I dodged Harvey, but the rains were exhausting. I needed a break and had the chance to visit my aunt, cousin and her husband. I spent the four-day weekend building a fence, relaxing, and preparing for the cold with new gear and adjustments to my Herculean backpack. I would head back to Rutland, visiting the Yellow Deli, and finish Killington Peak before continuing to New Hampshire and the Whites. Even with bad storms, the sun came out and provided a spectacular day to push on to New Hampshire.

Coffee and Mate, a citrus drink provided by the Yellow Deli, kept spirits high while many hikers waited out the storms. I did stay two nights, so does that make me an initiate into the Yellow Deli family?

Here in Beavers’ Paradise

The trail through Southern Vermont was true real estate for the beavers of this upland countryside. Every ridge opened to a sprawling lakebed and with it came the colossal and unique beaver dams (of which I will still not collect water from). These guys can sure build. I loved seeing lakes even if has gotten colder.

 

A Blue Blaze to the Past

Barefoot on the left.

After snooping a bit, I was able to find baby photos I had not seen in decades. My family as a whole became as much a part of my trail experience as where I am today. I couldn’t help but notice the village of family members who brought me to adulthood.

La familia, my mother in far back with dark hair and duck face before it was hip.

I noticed a smiling child who never let anything get him down. Among the photos was the first photo of my visit to Clingman’s Dome as a wiry, hyperactive, loud kid. It was the start of this epic journey and my love for hiking.

I was a happy kid and remember that heading into adulthood were tougher times in my life. These tough times chiseled my smile away and I developed a lot of anxiety and fear over who and what I was as a person. While I am still a happy person, I didn’t smile or laugh as much as I woild have liked.

I vow to find that smile by the end of my hike. How would that work with my injuries and an impending deadline? It doesn’t matter. Find happiness in every moment. I’ve a heavy pack, a riddled mind, and a Hurricane Irma barreling down on family. With all of these reasons to worry, I only need one to be happy. I’m still free and I’m still here. My family continues to support me.

What Will the Whites Hold For Me? Only time will tell. #LastoftheNobos

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