With new AT Sections in VT in short supply, I decided to hike part of the Long Trail today. I actually used the some of the same route I followed while searching for AT road crossings west of Woodstock (I-89, VT-107) except, this time, I added VT-100. It was VERY foggy most the the way. Google Maps said there was a way (Hadley Road in Pittsfield) to access the Long Trail near Rolston Rest Shelter so I tried that first. Like the previous weekends, I struck out when I encountered “No Trespassing” and “Private Road” signs. Fortunately, I had saved a detailed map of the area on my phone and it helped me find a parking lot (under construction) at the end of Rockwell Road in Killington (0815). From there, I walked up a gravel/dirt road (big climb) until I found Hadley Road again. Temps were nice (mid 60s). The route I used didn’t have any “Posted” signs but it was clear that the people building the parking lot and access trail didn’t want cars up there. I walked a little bit to the west until I saw signs for the Long Trail (had already walked a mile) and then headed south. The terrain was rocky and muddy but it was also well shaded and mostly flat. A short time later, I found the Shelter and met two overnight backpackers from Lebanon. They were full of enthusiasm (and information) and I talked to even for a while. Just as I was leaving (still headed south), I passed two lady backpackers. Other than that, I only saw one other person (trail runner guy). There really weren’t any viewpoints or other landmarks so when I reached Elbow Road (which I’d seen on the map), I decided to head towards my car on that gravel “path” (my car MIGHT have been able to make it to the trailhead that way...). My walk back (completing a circle) took me past a lot of nice vacation homes - very pretty place to escape for a weekend (or longer). I was back at my car by 1020, after about five miles (it was still there, fortunately, and there weren't any tickets on it). Temps had reached the mid 70s - not too bad. As I cleaned up and changed, I watched some people running up and down the hilly road - I guess we all have our own ideas about what “fun” is. With the hiking phase of my day complete, I headed south to US-4 and followed it west until I reached Rutland. From there, I drove to Danby (via US-7) and stopped to visit with my relative, Elizabeth. Over the years since she first suggested that I base myself at her vacation home, we've never been in Danby at the same time. So this lunch/visit was a welcome treat! She had bought lots of sandwich items and we had a great meal with our conversation, talking for close to four hours! At around 1530, I said goodbye and drove a short distance south of Danby to check out the Emerald Lake State Park. I've often passed it and thought about how nice it would be to try out the paddling conditions - I finally got my chance! The water color lived up to the name and the lake was so clear I could see it was full of fish. A lot of other people were out on the water but I found some secluded spots. Weather was fantastic and I stayed for over an hour and a half (did three circuits). It was a great lake - would definitely return! By about 1730, I reluctantly loaded my kayak onto the roof of the Subaru and left the area (bound for home). I used US-7 to reach Wallingford and then took VT-140 and VT-103 (past Okemo and through Ludlow) to get back to I-91. Was home by about 1930 - whew! Long Trail Today = 1.70 miles / Long Trail Overall = 88.29 miles
