Celebrating our first day in Vermont with a little bridge jumping.

The hiking is finally getting easier.

Again with the easy hiking.

Starting to see more wildflowers.

The privy of Thistle Hill shelter - It's a nice view while you doyour business. This privy was also featured in National Geographic.

A shelter made of stone. We hadn't seen any of these yet.

In case you couldn't guess, I'm pretending to be Indiana Jones in The Temple of Doom, the part where he cuts the bridge with his machetti. My little knife was no match for steel cable.

Clarendon Gorge was a great place to relax and swim.

Marcus under water in Clarendon Gorge

Me under water in the gorge...creepy. My sister said I looked dead...she wishes! Actually she didn't like it.

A better view of the gorge and river.

Red Efts or Eastern Newts were seen often during wet whether.

Rocks had been placed at the top of a mountain to form a unique miniature city. Each person adds their own touch.

It was apparent that Moose's foot was not going to heal any time soon. Jennifer Myers, my very own trail angel (someone who helps hikers beyond request or expectations), opted to take care of him until he healed. We had planned that she would bring him back to me further on down the trail. Jenn gave Marcus and I a place to stay and excellent commpany while we figured things out for a day or two.

Moose did not heal quickly at all. Months went by and it was decided that Jenn would keep him until we finished the trail completely. Nearing the completion of our trip I came to the conclusion that Moose would be better off staying with her. I would be working and going to school. Jenn was able to take Moose to work every day to a Vermont Bed and Breakfast where he would great the visitors. He was free to run the Vermont countryside and I'm sure has forgotten about me since.

Moose had been a stray in a backwoods town in Kentucky. His choice to stick with me afforded him rides in military Hum Vs and trips to the firing ranges. Moose learned how to backpack in Canada and traveled all over the US to include 500 miles of the Apalachian Trail. He would have completed the AT if not fora damned porcipine, but he has and continues to lead a great life for any dog.