Date: 2014-07-14
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 10.6

Today's the day my cousin Don will pick me up at the Inn. Tomorrow I zero at his place. Meanwhile I get to climb what I believe is the second highest peak in VT, Mt Killington. It's not raining this morning, but everything is dripping. I know I'll be getting wet from the forest itself. That's just the way it is. No worries. It's a 4.3 mile grade up to the top. There's a couple work crews in the area. The trail was heavily impacted by hurricane Irene a few years ago. Work on the trail still continues. Yesterday I had a big detour. There's trail relocation. A footbridge needs building. Stone steps need to be put in. These crews of young people stay in the woods and chip away at the long list of trail needs. They are my heroes. The first mile or so up Killington is new trail. It's basically hacked through the forest, inclined up along the side of the mountain. Very rough and rooty. Raw earth in places. It's obvious when the new trail rejoins the established AT. By now I really appreciate the labor that goes into building this pathway. And it's never done. There's always more to do. Drainage. Steps. Fill mud holes. Cut back brush. Tree falls to remove. The ultimate final step I see from time to time is removing rocks from the tread way...but that is pure luxury. The 4.3 up Killington goes by quickly. I arrive near the top, surprised that I'm there already. It's not a bad climb. And scrambling over roots might have seemed very slow going but it's not as bad as one thinks. The trail legs just keep pumping away, even if mentally you're busier than normal watching foot placement. At Cooper Lodge Shelter, .2 from the peak, I run into Ramen Shaman, Cheese It, and their dog Sheila. I hadn't seen them since southern Virginia. I love these encounters. Five Star is at her tent near by. We're in the clouds. I don't bother going the .2 to the peak. There'd be nothing to see. Apparently it cleared up later, judging from posts of later hikers. From the top it's pretty much all down hill to US4, 6.3 miles away. I'm wet from the forest and damp air but the rain has held off. In fact it's clearing. I'm excited to be nearing Inn at Long Trail. At US4 I turn east and hike about a mile up the highway to the Inn. Visions of a Guinness and pub food dance in my head. My bounce box is here too. This place is known to be very hiker friendly. I ask if I can sit somewhere outside. The response is "I've smelt much worse hikers. Sit anywhere you wish. Can I pull you something to drink?" He knows just how to pour Guinness. The stout is fresh. Irish music is playing in the background. The menu is pub grub. I'm in heaven. I love this place. Talk is trail talk. I'm shown the hiker box. Were I staying here I could get a room, or pitch my tent across the road for free. When a hiker emerges from the forest to a welcome like this...well there are no words. So we just say "hiker friendly." My cousin Don picks me up and takes me to his beautiful home. It's wonderful to renew family connections. Wonderful. And shower, laundry, and food...just like always. Tomorrow I zero. Nice. I hear there will be blueberry pancakes and real maple syrup for breakfast. Pow!