Winter is coming

"The words gave her a chill, as they always did. The Stark words. Every noble house had its words. Family mottoes, touchstones, prayers of sorts, they boasted of honor and glory, promised loyalty and truth, swore faith and courage. All but the Starks. Winter is coming, said the Stark words. Not for the first time, she reflected on what a strange people these northerners were."

- A Game Of Thrones: Book One Of A Song Of Ice And Fire

Definitely a Game of Thrones feel here on the Trail. I'm so tempted to reread the series, but other books call my name. Right now I'm thoroughly enjoying my way through Moby Dick.

Today is my seventh day on Trail, and snow has been with me consistently making an absolutely beautiful setting to hike through. 

Beautiful but brutal. 

The snow (and mud) slow me down quite a bit, but what REALLY slows me down is the terrain. Ain't no such thing as a switchback in Vermont. The trail is continuously heading straight up and straight down these mountains. There have been some gradual sections which help alleviate the pain in my legs and lungs, but for the most part... up and down.

I'm currently sitting in a little cafe called The Lovin' Cup in the town of Johnson. Came into town yesterday afternoon for a resupply and Chinese food dinner. It gets dark so early, I didn't want to hitch back to the trail at night, so I just pitched my tent behind the grocery store right by the creek that goes through town. 

It's only been a week, but I feel like I've done a lot of hitchhiking for such a short time. I was able to get from Burlington to North Troy in three rides, thanks to three very helpful gentlemen. The last guy drove me ten miles out of his way to drop me off right at the Trail. I appreciated that greatly. 

Yesterday, an older gentleman picked me up a few miles outside of Johnson. As soon as I got in I apologized for my smell (I knew it was bad because even I could smell myself). He simply replied, "Ah, we all smell the same when we step off trail."

He was local, and he said he had stuck his thumb out so many times in his youth, he owed hundreds of people rides. It's really amazing how your perspective of hitching changes once you're the one who has to put your thumb out.

I feel like there is so much to write about (my Greyhound expedition, the Canadian border, the shelters I've been staying in, the group of obnoxious prepubescent tweens who disturbed my slumber, the head first fall I had, on and on and on!)... but I simply don't have much time today to devote to those stories. 

For now, I will leave you with a selection of photos and one video. This already has been a wonderful journey, and it will continue to be great and challenging, both physically and mentally. I appreciate all you guys for following along and encouraging me. 

Happy Trails! And remember the Stark words.