Date: 2010-07-26
To: Vermont
Miles today: 0.0

Half Left and I have been getting ready to move into our new apartment, painting and tidying up the place. I have been busy uploading photos to shutterfly website so everyone can see our first 1000 miles. It is so sad as I go over the photos reminiscing about our trip. I was watching TV this morning and watched a guy who is going to backpack around the world for free relying on the people of the earth to feed, house and give him rides for free. I can't see how it will work because it costs lots of money to hike on the AT even if you stay on the trail and have plenty of trail magic. We enjoyed every second we were on the trail and all the people in the trail towns. People are so friendly and eager to help. We were fed by churches, hostel owners, hotel owners and people who just love the AT. Thanks to all who helped us!Wild Poodle and Cahoda are in Vermont hiking. I have posted her email she sends out to friends so you can keep up with them. They called the other night and said the trail is still rocky and rooty like the trail down south. Half Left and I think of the trail daily and hope to thru hike again in the future. It will be sometime before we can attempt it again. We plan on starting back in Springer GA when we do. If we would have done the Mass to Maine section we couldn't have completed the thru hike this year because of time and money so it would have been disappointing to us later. Another sadness is I have really enjoyed depicting our venture on trail journals. I have enjoyed the response we have gotten and love that it was well liked. I plan to continue to write and also plan to start painting and drawing again. You may see me at trail days with a booth. Time will tell. Thanks again!!!This is Wild Poodle's email: Hi there, Right now, we're in Bennington, VT. We'll be in Vermont for a while. Cindy and Tom are off the trail. You got that email from Fernandina. We miss their energy and spirit of adventure. Carol and I flew into Albany, NY and a hiker friend who lives in Lenox, Mass, Jeff/Lowkey, picked us up at the airport. We stayed at his condo and he was wonderful to us...toured us around the area. Did you know that Tanglewood is here. Yes, we strolled the grounds - beautiful. There was an exhibit of Degas and Picasso at The Clarke Art Gallery which we visited. This area of Mass. is very historic and beautiful. It's Bershires County. Jeff took us to the Trail on Wednesday and we started hiking from Cheshire, MA. The second day hiking it rained like holy hell! Terrain is full of huge rocks and huge roots, extremely long descents. Lots of muck and water on the trail. In other words - hard! Have to go slowly to avoid falls. Tends to strain muscles and joints. Surprised us! Would have been easier without the rain. Stayed in a motel last night and plan on staying free at a local's barn tonight as Cahoda has a box at the P.O. and we can have cheap transportation on Monday to resupply and get to the P.O. Will hike out Monday after errands. Weather forecast for next several days is sunny. Encouraging news. We're still charged up. Around 577.8 miles to Katahdin in Maine. Next town stop is Manchester Center, VT. More next time. Love, Barbara