Vermont Long Trail

Vermont Long Trail – Days 7-11

They say the Long Trail doesn’t truly start til it splits from the AT at the 100 mile mark. Well they aren’t kidding!! I thought I knew technical but this is something I don’t think you really know til you know. And that means leaving blood, sweat and tears out there. And I have left all 3!! Scrambling, crab crawling, butt sliding, swinging from trees on teetering edges, having brain switched on for every step, meanwhile carrying your life on your back. Come into camp haggard mentally and physically but go about your nightly duties. Unpacking, setting up tent etc, cleaning up the mess your body is and changing clothes, making supper, plan your destination on the map for tomorrow, brush your teeth, climb into your sleeping bag, and read a book til you drop it on your head as you have fallen asleep.  Wake up next morning, pack up and start again.

I have had moments where I long for the much more civilized rugged trails I am used to, moments where I question my life decisions that brought me out here, moments of pride because although I am cutting part of the trail I am at around 160ish miles of the toughest thing I have EVER done and alone.

Self motivation is truly a struggle out here but when you are in the middle of nowhere, you have no choice. I will never be able to articulate the nature of this trail and it’s challenges. But that’s ok. This is a journey I chose for myself and at the end of this journey I need to look back and be proud for what I was able to achieve. And I already am. 4 more days to go!!

Low point – Bolton Mountain descent – scary, never ending and in the pouring rain.

High points – Views on Madonna Peak, meeting Dustin and Jeff from Nelson, and conquering the wicked Madonna Peak/Whiteface Mountain combo before the storm!!

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