The Long Trail of vermont 2018

In the summer of 2018, Bud and I successfully completed Vermont’s Long Trail, hiking the most northern, and most rugged, section with my dad, and finishing the remainder on our own. For me, it was transformative. It showed me that we could overcome great challenges, both individually and as a couple. I had a found a calling; I had fallen in love with the thrill of overcoming daily trials- hard climbs, wet feet, needing to carry food if I want to eat, locate water if I want to drink. And I had fallen in love with the joys- gorgeous vistas, celebratory fires after a very long day, the bonding that takes place with my, at the time, two favorite men. I loved the silly nicknames everyone creates on the trail, and the quick friends you make with people with names like “Eeyore” and “Wawa.” I miss backpacking, and cannot wait to return to it some day. I love looking back at our photos and videos with the kids, knowing that they, too, will one day have a love of challenge and a love of the outdoors, however it manifests itself.

Here is what I wrote upon completing the trail in 2018:

“We made it! We hiked 270 miles over 20 days from the Canadian border to Massachusetts. We saw 4 snakes, 2 porcupines, and tons of moose poop. We slept in the woods and drank from the streams. We loved hearing the red squirrel's trilling alarm call as we hiked in the mornings. We were awed by the breathtaking views after long climbs to summits, and relieved by the sight of a shelter at the end of the day. Lastly, we are grateful for all the little chats we had with the many, many awesome people we met along the way, both on the trail and in the towns. We will miss you, Vermont! Long Trail SOBO thru hike 2018! -Pugdog and North Star”