August 15, 2012

Start: Stratton-Arlington Rd

At 8 am, No Whistle, Brian and I took a taxi to the gravel road we left yesterday. Our day started with a 3 mile, 1700 foot climb up Stratton Mountain. We were slack packing today, so we flew up the mountain and reached the summit in a little over an hour. At 3,936 feet, we were in the clouds. There is an observation tower at the peak, so we climbed another 55 feet up the staircase and had amazing views of the mountains and valleys that surround us. Beautiful! After about a half hour, we were starting to get cold so we continued on. The descent felt like it took no time, even though it was another 3 miles down. When We came off the mountain, we sat at Stratton Pond Shelter for a short snack break. It was noon and we had another 10.7 miles on relatively easy terrain so we were happy. About .1 miles after we left the shelter, Brian rolled his ankle on a rock. It instantly started swelling and it seemed pretty painful. We were quite a ways from the road, so Brian and I took it slowly while No Whistle continued on. I was happy we were slack packing because we only had one pack between the two of us so I carried the pack for the rest of the day. We finally reached the road and there were some forest service workers who were nice enough to give us a ride. We went to the hospital to have Brian's ankle looked at. Luckily, it isn't broken, but he has a bad sprain. The doctor advised him to rest for a few days.

After getting this news, we contemplated coming home, but we aren't ready to end our adventure. Looking at pictures of the amazing trail that lies ahead, particularly the Whites, we are excited to continue. We are taking a few days off near Manchester Center, VT for Brian to rest.

With two weeks left, the end is starting to sink in. I'm concerned about my transition back into everyday life. It's incredible how easy it was to simplify my life to the basics: walking, eating, and sleeping. Things like a bed, laundry, pure water, and being dry seem like luxuries. One would think that the thought of my own bed every night, any type of food and drink when I want it, TV, car, and, showers would be enough to lure me home. As much as I miss my family and friends, my cats, and my home, my heart, my spirit is home when I'm on the trail.

End: VT 11/ VT 30, Manchester Center, VT

Peace Be The Journey
~Flicka