July 19, 2018 – Daily Stats – End to End on the Long Trail
- Hiked 8.3 miles
- Start: Journey’s End Approach Trail
- End: Laura Woodward Shelter
Traveling to the Trail
In order to hike end to end on the Long Trail we took two cars so that one would be waiting for us when we finished. True Friend and I set out early leaving her car at the Williamstown Motel. We took our time making our way North and stopped into a Vermont welcome center on our way. Upon request, the woman working there graciously took our picture with a map of the trail.
As we continued northward, we headed to a trail angel’s house up near Jay Peak. He let us park my car at his house and also offered to drive us to the northern terminus of the approach trail. I am so appreciative of his generosity and True Friend’s efforts to connect us. Our trail angel shared with us his life and many adventures. He guided rock climbing in Europe and backpacking in the Whites of New Hampshire; I felt like there was a lot I could learn from this man. He spoke of clearing historical viewpoints and told us the stories of how Carleton Mountain and Doll Peak were named. He walked us to Journey’s End and took our picture before sending us off. I was honored to have his support.
The Northern End of the Long Trail
Before we could officially be on the Long Trail, True Friend and I had to hike the Journey’s End Trail. We signed into the first register just before setting foot on the trail.
We came across the Journey’s End Shelter just a few miles in. I had heard that some of the shelters along the Long Trail had doors on them, and was delighted to see that was true. It was still nice to know that 4 walled weather protection was available, even though I knew full well that I planned to sleep in my comfortable hammock and had no intention of sleeping in the shelters.
The World Should Be a Hiker Box
When traveling through the wilderness I try to follow Leave No Trace Principles. They set guidelines about how to enjoy and protect the environment as you enjoy it. I don’t care for graffiti, because I think it conflicts with these principles. Some people see it as an important part of trail culture and trail history, and that being said the message below spoke to me.
A Hiker Box is something that can often be found in hostels, post offices, or other locations frequented by hikers. It is a place to leave behind what you don’t need for others to use. On my AT thru hike I was often able to lighten my pack while cutting down on what I needed to buy using hiker boxes. Wouldn’t it be great if the places we most often frequent had a place to leave our excesses and perhaps find things we really need?
Officially On The Long Trail
We found the marker that indicates the border between Vermont and Canada. Finally, True Friend and I had officially begun our southbound end to end hike of the Long Trail. The view was spectacular! I had fun experimenting with how to best set up my GoPro to take these pictures. It will always make me smile, but it does not truly capture the beauty of the surroundings. True Friend and I noticed a clear cut path through the trees behind us. Initially, we thought it was a pipeline or power lines. Eventually we had a good laugh when we realized that the clear cut path through the trees behind us was the border between the countries.
Finally, True Friend and I made it to the Laura Woodward shelter. There were 3 NOBO end to end hikers their too. We hung our hammocks nearby and enjoyed their company during dinner. I enjoyed some Harmony House Unbelievable Black Bean Chili over some rice. I pre cooked and dehydrated the rice prior to our trip. It is one of my favorite trail meals and seeing as it felt so good to be on the trail I thought I would celebrate accordingly. I was so excited; it was comparable to the beginning my journey on the AT, at least this trip has gotten off to a smoother start!
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