Relaxing in Vermont (after 443.1 miles)

We crossed our second state line yesterday afternoon shortly after each enjoying two slices of pizza and a very large Ben & Jerry's waffle cone (I guess when you are clearly scrubby thru-hikers to the scoopers, they do their best to help with your caloric deficiencies). The state crossing into Vermont brought with it the opportunity to spend some time with Half Full's family in the Burlington area, where we are currently relaxing, catching up on town chores, and eating well. This last topic has been put in the limelight, as the home visit has given us the opportunity to hop on the scale and realize the dramatic effects of trail life on the body. Combined, we have lost 16 pounds--this in just over a month--and are realizing how truly critical eating is to our overall health. What a life it is to force oneself to eat pizza and ice cream!

That said, our bodies are feeling the wear of consistent physical challenge. With only one full day off of the trail in the past five weeks, we are gaining an appreciation for the necessity of rest in this adventure. Each of us has developed some persistent discomfort, largely in our backs, knees, and balls of our feet. All of this is common and expected and will likely last the duration of our hike. As one northbounder expressed to us, he looked forward to being able to "walk on a hardwood floor barefoot without pain" when his hike is completed.

Despite the tenderness and tightness, the hike continues to be the experience we had anticipated. As we run into the back-of-the-pack northbounders, many of whom have taken more time to accomplish their thru-hike, we are reminded of the importance of truly taking in each day and appreciating every aspect of the experience. We feel fortunate to have met so many fellow hikers in this recent stretch who are thankful for the experience they've had on the trail and are trying to make the last month last, rather than counting miles to the finish.

The most dramatic change this past week was in the trail conditions. After summiting Mount Moosilauke on Tuesday--and what a beautiful grassy peak it was!--we officially completed the Whites and found ourselves on hardpack dirt trail (this after several weeks on rocks, roots, and mud). We also hiked through our first fields, a reminder that an Appalachain Trail thru-hike is more than a mountainous journey, but truly one about walking the length of the country. We are looking forward to soaking in a change in scenery and the culture of trail towns as part of the upcoming experience.

Also, we've finally had the time and ability to upload our favorite photos. You can live our journey in pictures at the following sites:
http://picasaweb.google.com/emily.dolci/ATMaine#
http://picasaweb.google.com/emily.dolci/ATNewHampshire#