Day 16 on the Vermont Long Trail

We hit the trail around 8:00 this morning. We only had 4.5 miles to the road, so we were not in a rush. The terrain  from Sucker Brook Shelter was climbing almost as soon as we started the trail. It is tough when the terrain starts at an incline because your legs are not warmed up yet.

After about 3 miles we came to a ski area with a gondola. We climbed on the platform and relaxed in the sun. It had a nice view. Everything was peaceful until the gondola started to move! Dreamer and I was in the path but was able to move quickly. Tiny Turtle was standing in front of one of the seats, which we thought was going to knock him down. He moved in time luckily.  I made everyone get off the platform and start hiking. Family Mule found it amusing of course. Each day is an adventure.

We  made it to the road (125). Our package was sent to Hancock but we found out it does not have a place to stay so Family Mule decided to get the package and bring it back, while we stayed at the trail head. Hancock was 6.1 miles from the trail head. He planned to try to hitch a ride if possible. After he left, Tiny Turtle, Dreamer, and I played cards at the trail head. We played several games of snail (children’s version of BS),  slap jack, and war. A nice couple we passed early on the trail was heading back to their car. They stopped and asked me where my husband was. After I told them, they offered to go look for him and take him to the town! People have been so friendly around here.

After a couple of hours MaGyver and Happy Feet came along. Originally MaGyver was planning to push to the next shelter but took a bad fall on one of the slick rocks along the trail and decided to take a rest day. Her mom, Mary, was on her way to get her. Happy Feet decided to leave the trail. Her feet were getting bad and she was not prepared for the storms coming in for the next couple days. We were sad she was leaving.

MaGyver played cards with us while we waited. Meanwhile, Family Mule was having his own adventure in Hancock. The couple from the trail picked him up and took him to the post office. The post office closes for a couple hours in middle of the day, so he had to wait. He decided to go into a restaurant , which looked like something from the 1950’s. He ordered his food and when he went to pay the lady said they do not accept cards! He looked around and absolutely no signs saying that. In today’s society, you just assume everyone takes cards! They had him go to another store to get cash back,  so after he walked to the store they did not give cash back. They sent him to a gas station, which again does not do cash back, so frustrated he grabbed a 6-pack of Long Trail Ale. He finally just walked back into the restaurant and told them they were going to have to put him to work because he couldn’t get any cash! They told him he could just mail a check when he returned home!  He then saw a shoeless and shirtless road flagger. He was just wearing a pair of shorts and a reflective vest. He felt bad for him and offered him one of the beers. The guy was so happy! He also saw Happy Feet and talked with her while he waited for the post office. The post office finally opened and he was able to get his package. He took his package outside to open it and pack it in his backpack. Several locals were watching him. He opened the package and lots of pads popped out! It was funny. He was just ready to get out of town so he packed it up and headed back towards the trail. About a mile into the hike a lady picked him up and took him the rest of the way.

Just before Family Mule arrived back, a family of four going south bound came across the road. The woman was very angry! The kids seemed frustrated and tired. The boy was 10 and the girl was 14. The dad seemed sad, confused, and irritated all at the same time. They were supposed to be doing the Long Trail but the woman made it clear to the man that the trip was over for her and the kids after 4 days. They were not doing this trail any longer and they were going home. He had to finish on his own. They were taking stuff out of their backpacks and putting it into his. He was pressing on and they were going to try to catch the shuttle into Middlebury. Family Mule showed up and saw what was happening. He then looked at the man, subtly pulled the beer out of his bag, and gave the man a simple nod but the message was clear. You need a beer and I have one. The man graciously took the beer.

Mary (MaGyvers mom) took us along with her and MaGyver to Middlebury to find a hotel. She is a very sweet lady. When we reached Middlebury we found out that the fair was taking place no rooms were available except an inn, which was $230 for a small room. We refused and decided to drive 50 minutes back to Killington to stay at the Inn at the Long Trail again! The price is right and we like the service and atmosphere. We had  dinner with Mary and MaGyver. It was a good evening.

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