Author’s Note: Some of the links on this post may be affiliate links. If you do end up making a purchase through one of them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for the support!
September 4th, 2021: Pine Cobble Rd to Congon Shelter (12.6 miles, 3,455 ft elevation gain)
The morning began with a mad scramble…
I had assumed that Bennington, being a decent-sized city, would have some Uber and Lyft drivers.
Author’s Note: They did not.
With that option out the window, I did what any normal millennial would do, and I googled Bennington taxis. As it happens, there was one listed…only one. Fingers crossed, I called that taxi service, and someone answered. I explained my predicament and was told that she could take me there for $40.
The trailhead was only 15 minutes away via car, so I knew this was a rip-off, but seeing as I had no other options, I accepted.
10 harrowing minutes later, I arrived at the trailhead. I called my wife, told her I loved her, and started my adventure. The sun was shining, and the weather was perfect.
Before actually getting to the Long Trail, you first have to go up the steep Pine Cobble Trail. After meeting up with the Appalachian Trail, I continued north until I reached the Southern Terminus.
Upon starting the trail, I immediately took note of one thing…mud. There were pools of it everywhere. This continued throughout the day. They don’t call it ‘Vermud’ for nothing, I guess. It was so bad, I actually lost my shoe. As I lifted my foot, my shoe was stuck in the mud.
Not many breathtaking views on the first day, but I saw some great beaver ponds along the way.
At around 16:00, I made it to Congnon shelter. That was my home for the night. I usually don’t sleep in shelters, but the prospect of not having to set up a tent was intriguing to me.
I met another hiker who set up a tent near the shelter. His trail name was Mr. Bobblehead, and he had gotten that name from being in the Navy. He is retired, and he was also thru-hiking the Long Trail. We ate dinner and talked for a few hours. I found out (through Mr. Bobblehead) that a large group of LT NOBO thru-hikers started the day before, which explains why I didn’t see many out on the trail. Maybe I’ll catch up to them.
Previously: Long Trail: Day 0 (The Night Before)