Miles left to Canada: 168.5ish
104.5 (technically 108ish) miles ago I left Williamstown, MA and headed north on the AT to connect with the Long Trail (LT) at the Vermont border. That feels a little crazy. It was just 8 days ago (I swear I did some really big mile days, it was a 2 mile day into Manchester Center that makes me look wimpy!!). It feels like ages. The trail has a way of doing that to you, making time seem like it is passing super slowly.
Yesterday I made my final climb before the Inn at the Long Trail over Mt Killington (about 2000 ft up in 4 miles) and I would have sworn it took 4 hours, but I got there to find it took less than 2 and it wasn't even late enough to stop for lunch at the top!
The trail feels like a time warp sometimes... Primitive, simple, easy, laid back. I've met lots of Southbound AT hikers this week and LOTS of northbound LT hikers (like me!). I've been hiking with 3 guys who just graduated from the U of VT (I call them the 'Brown Sugar Boys'). I've known them 4 days, it feels like ages.
Only about 12 days remain in the journey... Maybe less. My feet are tired but feeling good. I have a warm sleeping bag that helps on cold nights, but makes it hard to get up on cold mornings! The leaves have started changing and the days are perfect for hiking.
Yet, even though it's not exactly like I expected, this journey is good. Maybe I need a time warp every now and then... A chance to be quiet and peaceful in the woods... To forget the crazy rush of every day life and remember my happy place... My time warp spot... Where I can embrace and enjoy every moment without rushing to the next.
The next 169 miles are gonna be tough. The trail only gets harder from here. Our mantra has become 'if day hikers can do it we can do it.'... And we can... One moment, one step at a time.
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