Howdy folks!!! You read that title correctly, I am heading back to Vermont with some unfinished business.
Approximately one year ago today, I ended my thru-hike of the Long Trail. A combination of physical pain, oncoming weather, and a fast-approaching deadline forced me off-trail. I trekked approximately 154 miles from The Massachusetts/Vermont border to Lincoln Gap. It was a difficult decision to leave, but I promised myself I would be back. Now, 1 year later, I am picking up right where I left off and hiking the remaining 100+ miles NOBO to the Canadian border. I have been thinking about finishing this hike every day since, and I cannot wait to get back out there.
The remaining 100+ miles of my hike are all in Northern Vermont, and they are regarded as the most difficult section of the LT. The 150 miles I completed last fall were apparently “easy” compared to what I’m facing, and let me tell you…they were not easy. Lucky for me, the northern section has most of the alpine zones, scenic areas, and sweeping vitas. It also includes Camel’s Hump and Mt. Mansfield which are two of the most famous mountains in Vermont. During my hike last year I definitely pushed myself pretty hard, and I did not give me myself enough time to complete the trail, this time I’m making sure to give myself extra time to compensate for the extra difficulty. I’m going to to be doing less mileage per day as well to avoid overexertion and injury.
I am starting in 9 days on September 25th, which is considerably later than my Labor Day start last year. This would put me at Journey’s End around October 7th. I decided to risk colder weather for a better chance at the beautiful New England Fall foliage.
I have arranged to park at the same location as last year, and I have arranged a shuttle ride from the same individual who graciously shuttled me last year. She will drive me from my vehicle near the northern terminus, to Lincoln gap, where the journey will begin anew.
Most of my resupply strategy and logistics are able to be carried over from last year’s plans with only minor alterations. Because I never made it to my final resupplies at Waterbury and Johnson, I am going to drop off packages at those locations again. I will be using 3 resupply drops in total, and I will be making a stop into the town of Waterbury to stay at the Old Stagecoach Inn for one night.
In terms of gear, mostly it is going to be the same. The biggest change I have made in the past year was acquiring a Durston X-Mid Pro 2. I snagged one during a pre-order last January and it finally arrived a few weeks ago. This will be my first trekking pole tent and will shave off around 12 ounces from my base weight.
I plan on continuing my daily recaps right from where I left off with Day 12 and finishing (hopefully) at Journey’s End. I welcome all of you to follow along again as I complete my first long-distance trail. If you are interested in my previous posts to get caught up, my last one is right here.
Hopefully by early October you will get to see me at the Canadian border standing next to this obelisk.
Thanks for reading, wish me luck!!!
Previously: A Premature End