Day 49: The Inn at Long Trail to Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Total miles: 504.7
We had a delicious breakfast at the Inn this morning and got a late ish start a little before 9. The boys are used to doing big miles from the Long Trail, so they wanted to do 18 today which I was nervous about, especially feeling so out of shape coming back on the trail. I was willing to try for it though.
I passed the 500 mile mark today! Almost a quarter of the way done! I still have so incredibly far to go, but its encouraging to reach small milestones like this.
We got to a shelter at 13 miles around 430 and I was pretty tired but told the boys id push myself to do the last 6 to the next shelter. When we first set out I actually went the wrong way for a bit but luckily realized it and turned around, only to find Wolf bird had come looking for me. I’m glad I have him and Cool Blue looking out for me.
The last six miles turned out to be super difficult for me. It wasn’t tough terrain, I was just super exhausted and sore and done. I forced myself to keep walking but my morale was really low. Also, it was late in the day so I had the added pressure of having to keep going so I didn’t run out of daylight. When I couldn’t walk another step further, I finally made it to the shelter. It was around 730 and getting dark and I just collapsed for a couple minutes once I got there. I slowly made my dinner and got organized and finally got to bed a little before 9.
Day 50: Clarendon shelter to Big Branch shelter
Miles today: 16.9
We’ve had a lot of rain the past couple days. It stormed overnight and the forecast was for more rain today. What a welcome back to the trail! In the end though, I only got rained on for maybe 30 minutes today so I lucked out.
Nothing too much to report from today. The terrain in Vermont is way easier than in Maine and NH. It’s not easy per se, but its just rolling hills as opposed to giant mountains and steep climbs further north. The day went by quicker and was easier than yesterday and I was so glad to get to the shelter by 5ish rather than the late arrival the previous day.