Date: 2014-07-26
From: Massachusetts

To: Seth Warner shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

In which I finally get back on the trail.After much deliberation, waiting, wondering and fidgeting I made the decision to hop back on the trail and resume my hike where I left off what feels like forever ago. My toe was no worse after hiking yesterday so no need to sit around any more, gotta give it a try at some point. So today was the day!My uncle drove me back to the trail where I left off. He continued to do some trail magic and I hiked on down the hill on the road, across the street, up and over the bridge above the Hoosic River and train tracks then into the woods I went. The first few miles were a lovely, gradual walk along the river. Then things changed quickly. The trail became steep with rocks to climb up. And what do you think I did next? I fall, backwards on that steep ascent in what felt like slow motion. Gravity check! So I twist my knee a bit and give myself some souvenier bruises and don't even really remember what happened. I found myself sitting on the rocks rather panicked thinking about what could have just happened. Also, I was more interested in saving face as Nubbins was hiking right behind me. What's incredible about that is that she is an amazing 69 year old women hiking the AT to fulfill her dreams. She's got some spunk I totally admire and she was scaling those rocks like it was nothing! I however decide to take a little fall. Oh well, another story to tell, gotta get my trail legs and balance back again. I knew we were nearing Vermont by the trail. It was almost on cue becoming muddy in patches. Then the magical sign appeared for The Long Trail and AT in Vermont. Glorious! Eleven states down, three to go. There is something psychologically very good about that.Once up on the ridge the walking was wasn't too bad. There was some beautiful black, thick, goey mud and plenty of roots. The bugs have also miraculously gotten better. They are still present but much less in your face, literally. I haven't even used bug spray today. I also saw a little, red maple leaf lying in the middle of the trail, beautiful against the dark mud.At one point, and I'm not sure exactly when, the skies got really dark above, the forest became really quiet and still. It was rather eerie and amazingly beautiful at the same time. There were no leaves rustling in the wind. The only sound I was hearing was that of the wood thrush. I really enjoy their song in the forest and look forward to their daily, constant presence.I got to the shelter and was set up by five, early for me. I did my chores, got water, soaked my feet and watched a steady stream of hikers come in for the night. There are three other people camping around me and five in the shelter. It's kind of odd to see so many people tonight after hiking for so long with NO one around but I'll enjoy their company. The bear box has a lock on it so I hung my food from a tree branch and was happy to do after my last experience with a bear box and a bear during the night. I've experience a range of emotions today and happily feel calm sitting here in my tent tonight. It's very nice to be back in my home in the woods. There is something so peaceful and special about that. I feel happy and content after feeling fearful and tearful earlier. It's so hard and confusing switching between worlds. I've enjoyed both lately but I'm really glad to be on the trail savoring each and every minute I have out here.