Down The Trail

The path steeply ascends from Corliss Camp, and leads up Laraway Mountain. The trail distinctly reminds me of Maine and New Hampshire on this beautiful day.

I suddenly step out upon a stony vista.

I have the location all to myself only for a moment before a man, his son, and his son’s fiancé appear out of the woods. The older gentleman is well ahead of the younger ones – he’s a former Long Trail end-to-ender.

We listen as the area plays host to a whole flock of unruly, noisy ravens.

I descend along the base of some impressive cliffs. Water drips down on me from above – a result of all the recent rain.

At the base of Laraway mountain is a place called Codding Hollow. It is home to an aged, rusted automobile, a hushed forest where the trees resemble matchsticks, and an old stone wall. All of this lends to a mysterious, haunting twilight aura.

Look at that conspicuous white quartz.
Is this where Vermont prison inmates who serve life sentences for killing their wives when they’re really not guilty but just innocent accountants who go to jail and make friends with guys who can get you things hide their buried treasure after they escape?
I should start digging. After all, it is my birthday.

I cross Plot Road, and enter a peaceful meadow with a wide view to the sky.

Now I make double time in the gathering dark, one more mile uphill to Roundtop Shelter.

Directly behind the vacant shelter lies this view to the west. I cook a solitary dinner by the light of my headlamp, read over the register, and go to sleep.

Day 4___________________The Long Trail___________________Day 6

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