The Long Trail, also know as the Green Mountain trail is a Vermont state long distance foot path that extends from the Massachusetts state line to the Canadian border. The Long Trail shares the southern section (from the Massachusetts state line, north to US highway 4 near Rutland, Vermont) with the Appalachian Trail and these two trail run simultaneously as one.

When I was walking the Appalachian Trail and after crossing US 4, I can upon a junction in the two trails and a sigh indicating that this is The Maine Junction. The sign indicated that the Appalachian Trail continue on the path to the right, heading east. The Long Trail continued straight and was marked with white blazes. However, the path to the right, the Appalachian Trail was marked with blue blazes from the junction to the New Hampshire state line. Upon seeing that the AT was blue blazed, methought: How arrogant this Green Mountain trail association is in thinking that their trail it the primary trail, when it is just a blue blaze (side trail) off of the Appalachian Trail. Nevertheless, I am thankful that the Appalachian Trail was so well maintained in Vermont when I traversed this state on my Thru-hike. In fact, a year later, I came back to the Maine Junction and walked north on the Long Train to the northern Terminus.

In 2015, when I arrive back here at the Maine Junction, I found that the Appalachian Trail eastward from the Maine Junction was now white blazed and that the Long Trail north of US 4 was yellow blazed. At that time, methought, Well, finally, the Green Mountain boys finally got it right. Nevertheless, I am grateful that these Vermonters showed a little humility and changed their AT blue blazes to white.

The Long Trail is a long distance hiking trail located in Vermont (the oldest long-distance trail in the United States), and traverses in a north-south direction, the entire length of the state. It was constructed between 1910 and 1930 by the Green Mountain Club, a local hiking association, and this club remains the primary organization responsible for the trail. Further, this club has been recognized by the state legislature as the founder, sponsor, defender, and protector of the Long Trail System.

I am awaken by the near freezing temperature and start the jammer′s engine for some warmth. As it begins to warm up inside, I slowly remove the sleeping bag and get dressed with my winter blues. Then, I drive to the f-mart for coffee, WiFi and to work on my journal while drinking the cup of hot. Soon, I continue eastward on US highway 4 to find a congregation with a Thursday meeting but I fully intend to return here and visit my friends another time; the highway takes me up on the mountain and over the pass near Killington Peak.

After arriving in Rutland yesterday, I began from several places to espy the mountain ridge to the east, particularly Killington Peak and upon seeing it once again a rush of memories fill my mind, those of my summit of this peak June 27, 1979.

Just before starting that climb in 1979, my journal, on page 316, reports that I had just come upon Governor Clements Lean-to, an old stone structure with a built-in fireplace located next to a wide rushing brook and I stop for a rest. Yes, that was quite the day and returning here to the mountain in New England does so bring back some grand memories.

Continuing east on US 4, and at seven am, I summit the pass where the both Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail Inn are located. I stop briefly but soon continue on my way to Maine.