July 28, 2018 – Daily Stats- End to End on the Long Trail
- Start:
- End:
- Total: 0
Difficult Conversation
After True Friend’s injury yesterday, we knew she should not continue. With disappointment, we had a very emotionally charged conversation as I asked her how she would feel if I continued. I wouldn’t want to ruin a special place for us by proceeding solo. She immediately protested that she didn’t want to ruin my trip. I think we were both crying by the end because we assumed our decisions would hurt one another when in reality we were ready for the same thing. I would continue along the Long Trail and True Friend would be heading home.
Shuffling Cars
Clay drove me back towards Jay to pick up my car from Rolf’s place. I can not express my gratitude enough for these two great men and all the generosity they extended to us. Along the way I couldn’t help but find myself hoping our paths cross again. I find them fascinating.
I drove back to the house. On the way I stopped into a GMC welcome center and enjoyed seeing the three dimensional trail model.
Evaluating Options for Changing the Plan
By the time I got back, True Friend seemed at peace with her decision. Now it is my turn. I am to decide how I want to become an end to ender. I could hike:
- Mt. Mansfield, where True Friend and I skipped ahead to Rutland and count my 2016 AT thru hike for Rutland to Massachusetts.
- Mt. Mansfield → Appalachian Gap then skip to Lincoln gap as we already hiked it→ Massachusetts
- Mt. Mansfield → Appalachian Gap then skip to Lincoln gap as we already hiked it→ Rutland
- Mt. Mansfield → Massachusetts
I would like to go for option 4 but I would have to do a minimum of 17.5 miles/day every day to make it back to work on time. Now I am left wondering, do I think I can hike consistent 20 mile days in Vermont’s Green Mountains? My trail family from the AT all believe I can, but do I?