Just past the gorge was a classic stone shelter that had been home for a family of four since the weather had been warm. When we arrived they had already moved on due to the many hikers that tipped off the authorities who chased them away. Killington loomed before us. Mark and I adjusted our packs and made the climb up the highest mountain on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. The problem with this state is the ski areas.
Every peak seems to have a ski resort on it.
The magic of a mountain ascent is lost when forest is scarred up for the recreation of neon clad two plankers. There were many stunning overlooks and the summit was impressive despite the ski trails and wide eyed gomers. The end of the knee jarring descent off Killington featured a favorite beer stop among hikers. The Inn at the Long Trail was a welcome watering hole for a pair of parched travelers like ourselves. We swilled some suds and headed back to the Trail.