Adventures as a family
Someday is today
Day 18 on the Vermont Long Trail
We woke up at 6:45 this morning to pack and hit the 9:22 shuttle to Rutland. We then caught the 10:45 shuttle to Middlebury. Dreamer was falling a sleep on the bus. It was so funny because she laid on the window and her head was just bobbing as the bus drove but it did not phase her at all. The bus stopped for several pick ups including a pickup of a guy which had the LONGEST conversation with the driver about punctuality. We then caught a third bus, which took us to the Middlebury Gap, which is where we left off.
It was raining when the driver dropped us off. We put on our rain gear and headed on our way. The trail was a relatively steep incline from 2000 feet to 3040 feet. It was a push. We made it to Boyce Shelter. It was not supposed to have a water source but with the rain we were able to get good water. The shelter is a small platform shelter with room for 4-5 hikers. We met a couple of identical twin female hikers. They seemed exhausted and soaked but very friendly. We stopped and had a quick lunch and then pressed on.
The trail was very wet and slick. We were increasing in elevation mostly. Family Mule described the way the rocks on the trail looked as fish scales of gold and silver. The trail was mainly these slick but gorgeous rocks. The sides of the trail were beds of light green ground cover with dark pine trees that stood tall. The trail was very beautiful. As we got closer to Skyline Lodge the trail became steeper and more treacherous. We all took some slips and falls. The total elevation was 3835 feet. Skyline Lodge is off the trail about .3. We did not go to the lodge because we knew we needed to reach Emily Proctor Shelter and did not need to do the extra mileage.
As the trail started to descend towards Emily Proctor Shelter, it became harder. It would not have been as bad if the trail was dry but with the rain the rocks became dangerous. Family Mule would generally head down the large rocks first in order to catch anyone that may slip down the rock. I took a fall down the rock and was stuck with my backpack. Family Mule had to stand me back up. It was hilarious after I was back on my feet.
After 7.1 miles we made it to Emily Proctor Shelter. We did not do many miles considering the 12:30 start time due to the bus rides. When we were nearing the shelter we heard the dog start barking. Immediately Family Mule and I looked at each other with disapproval. We knew we did not want another night with a barking dog. It takes away the peacefulness of the trail when they bark nonstop. We haven’t seen many dogs so far, only 3 I believe. All three dog owners have been section hikers. The first dog was wonderful and never made a sound. Just a very friendly lab. The second dog barked and barked and then barked some more!
When we reached the shelter, we met the couple and their barking dog. They had their stuff strung out all over the shelter because they were soaked from the days rain. I don’t blame them at all. Wet gear is never fun. They were doing a small section of the LT and thought they would have the shelter to themselves. They did not seem very happy we had kids with us. Everyone else has thought it was wonderful we were doing the hike as a family. We would have tent camped but considering the rain and forecast of storms, we figured we should just utilize the shelter. They made room in the shelter for us and kept to themselves. I will say they did keep their dog quiet after the initial 10-15 minute barking session. The dog was old and slept most the time after we arrived. We made dinner and laid out our bedding. The shelter was small but could fit 5-6 hikers. It was a platform shelter with a small fire pit in front.
About 20 minutes after everyone laid down to sleep, the storm started. The storm had heavy rain, wind, and the lightening was so bright it was lighting up the shelter. The shelter has a metal roof so the rain was extremely loud. The back of the shelter, started to leak slightly. The couple felt drops and Family Mule had some leaking on his side. It was a small leak so we were able to move and stop everything from getting soaked. Tiny Turtle slept through everything. Dreamer woke up for about 5 minutes of it and then was out again. After about an hour the wind slowed down but the rain and lightening continued most the night.
Adventures as a family 
Nice videos. Beautiful trail. Great that your family is sharing nature with each other, and also with all us followers of your journey.
Love
GF/GGF
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