This was unexpected. Blue and I arrived at the Inn and there was room for us for two nights. We decided being we arrived late on Night One, we should get our monies worth, and stay two nights. This way we get two breakfasts and two dinners. And two nights in a real bed with pillows, and a shower that we don’t have to share with strangers. That’s a real plus!

On our Zero Day, we jumped on the free bus and went to Rutland. It’s the third biggest city in Vermont and it was just like any other big city. Many box stores, lots of people and traffic. Our first stop was Dick’s Sporting Goods to get a few necessary items. Next door was the grocery store and we bought all kinds of fruit. Apples, Oranges, Grapefruit, Blueberries, Kiwi and Peaches. We also stocked up on Bandaids and Neosporin. It’s a thing! Back to the bus and we headed up the hill to Killington.

Killington is a Ski Resort turned Mountain Biking hub in the summer. It’s a beautiful area and I would say the first redeeming quality I have found in Vermont. The Bus Driver gave us a private tour, showed us all the sights to see and allowed for many stops so I could take pictures. We have met the coolest drivers this go around. After seeing the resort, we exited the bus at Killington Post Office and Deli. We grabbed some drinks and are some snacks. Then waited an hour for the bus to return.

Prior to dinner, we indulged in the Infra-Red Sauna they had at the Inn. I think I need one of these at home. It was hot enough but not too hot and took all my aches and pains away. Perfect way to spend a Zero Day! We had dinner, sorted through our resupply and were in bed by 10pm.

The Inn at the Long Trail is a family-owned tradition. In July 1977 Kyran & Rosemary McGrath purchased the lodge renaming it “The Inn at Long Trail”, and created “McGrath’s Irish Pub”, the first in Vermont to serve Guinness on draft. They passed the business to their children who currently run the operations, Murray & Patty McGrath. And now their Son and daughter-in-law are taking over. Close to 50 years of traditions and memories. Such a great find along the trail.

After breakfast, Blue and I hit the trail. We Blue Blazed up to the AT, taking a side route that connected to the Appalachian. Once back on the trail, we ran into Shorts and Reset. They invited us to the Falls and Shorts had packed out a 12-pack of Beer. Young Kids are the only ones that would do that. Blue and I were packing out 5-days of food and that was plenty.

The morning was a beautiful hike through pine forests, along the shoreline of Kent Pond and a through a nice campground. I’m starting to rethink Vermont. When it’s not raining, and you can avoid the mud, it’s really not a bad place. Blue and I arrived at Thundering Falls and found Shorts and Reset swimming. Being it was the hottest day on trail yet, and the humidity was through the roof, we decided to join them.

Shorts and Reset walked over to where they came in and escorted us to the pools. It was a bit dicey getting there, but once in the water, we were so glad we took the plunge. They finished their beers, and I was just glad to be cooled down. As we were getting out, Blue took a terrible fall. My Donkey-sure footed friend and all, slipped on the mossy rock and went down on her wrist, back into the water. Now I know how she felt when I fell! We all rushed over and at first I thought she broke her wrist, but it seems she just bruised it and cut her fingers a bit. This hiking thing is dangerous business!

We all got out ever so carefully and bandaged up Blues wrist and fingers. It’s gonna be sore for a bit but she’s a tough Russian and was back on the trail in just a few minutes. Stuff happens so fast out here. One minute you’re having the time of your life, sweating and grimacing, and then you’re upside down! We all take spills and nine times out of ten, you’re right back hiking again. I remember this foursome I met last year that I dubbed “The Walking Wounded.” They always had some sort of injury plaguing them, whether it was back issues, sprained ankles, pulled hamstrings, you name it- they had it. It’s hard, if not impossible, to walk away from this trail unscathed.

Blue and I meandered down the trail and immediately had a kick-butt climb out of The Falls. It went on for an hour or so. Straight flipping up with few switchbacks and a lot of blood, sweat and tears! Well maybe just sweat, but a lot of that. Today is the hottest day yet, and the only thing that saved us was the fact that we were still wet and somewhat cool from our earlier swim. Once we made it to the top, I found us a spot to stop and eat lunch.

We looked at our options for the rest of the day, and there was no way we would make it the fifteen miles I projected for the day. But we could definitely make it to Stoney Brook which was known for swimming holes and a couple of nice campsites.

We plowed through the next few miles, and climbed down a ladder, which was the first for Blue. There was a huge rock with no way to get down so Green Mountain Club placed a steel ladder attached with cable, and leaned it against this enormous rock face. We threw our poles down 30-40’ and descended the ladder. Just another day on the trail. Within thirty minutes, we were at Stoney Brook. It was beautiful. Much better than the Shelter behind us and no one else had claimed it. What a slice of heaven!

Blue and I staked our tents out, and both headed to the water and actually cleaned ourselves. This is the first time this year that I camped near a creek early enough, with no one else in sight, and relaxed in the running water. Blue soaked her wrist for a bit and I washed my face, arms and feet. Such a great place to hang out for the night. We heard a bit of thunder today but never had a sprinkle. What a marvelous day and thank goodness, my hiking partner will continue with me for another day.

This probably goes without saying, but would you pray for Blue and I? We will be heading into the White Mountains sometime next week. The Whites are notorious for crazy weather and has recorded some of the coldest temperatures on Planet Earth! Yes, that’s the truth. We were talking to a couple today that we’re hiking in the Whites last week, and he said they could barely see more than ten feet in front of them, due to the rain and mist. Please pray for a hedge of protection around us as we tackle this very significant part of the trail. That we could have a good window of weather and a warm and dry place to sleep at night. Thank you for your love and support during these past weeks. I know that our amazing and wonderful Lord has been with me, and Blue, and I’m ever so grateful for his presence. What an incredible God I serve, and what beautiful and faithful friends that follow me. Thank you to each and everyone of you. I truly could not do this without you!