Vermont is an incredibly special place. It's hard to put your finger on what it is exactly, but everything Vermont is just -- nice.
The people are so nice. Walking on trails, people smile and say hello as they pass. Tour guides with crowds of kids make sure everyone is following good trail etiquette, and offer (totally unnecessary) apologies for those who didn't make way fast enough. Everyone is polite and friendly.
There are "creemees" (soft serve ice cream) sold at regular intervals, and maple is always one of the flavor choices.
The landscape is gorgeous, and people take advantage. As Leanne and I put all of our energy into summitting Mount Mansfield, with camelbacks full of water, we're passed by local kids strolling up the mountain wearing shorts and Vans, carrying nothing. When we made it to the top, there's a couple having a picnic -- in the Alpine Zone, at the top of the tallest mountain in Vermont -- like it's no big deal.
We didn't quite make it to the top of Mount Mansfield on our first try.
Here's where we stopped. Not enough water, not enough time left in the day.
Attempt number 2.
Sometimes the zip line instructions just have generally good life advice.
Walking up the ski slope, picking wild strawberries.
Storms look a lot more menacing when the top of your head is the tallest point in Vermont.
The weather cooperated, and we made it to the top. We tried to continue on the Long Trail to get down the mountain, but it was more of a climb than a hike, so we hopped on the Profanity Trail and made our way down the mountain.