Email No. 21: July 29, 2006 / Mile 1637.3

I love Vermont! It seems crazy I know, but almost immediately upon crossing the Mass - Vermont border my already soaring spirits reached new heights. There's this natural high, coming from feeling that I'm really out in the woods, smelling the evergreen trees, seeing Moose tracks, loads of ponds, and climbing mountains again that I've been floating on the past few days. This part of the AT runs with the Long Trail as well and it's given me a sense of perspective as to how far I've come, physically and mentally, when I meet all of the hikers just starting their journey on this other fabulous long distance trail. With over 1600 miles done and less than a quarter of the trail left I find myself stuck in this strange place between looking ahead to the end and summitting Katadhin, and wanting to slow down and savour it. Hopefully, I'll find that balance. New England in general has been the most beautiful part of the trail for me thus far. I'm finding myself much more in tune to taking in the scenery than churning out the miles.

Love to you all,
Jessica