We got up early this morning and quickly hiked the 7.5 miles to our pick-up point where Sinatra’s mother, Rebecca, met us and drove us into Burlington. We checked in to the Anchorage Inn, washed our laundry at the laundromat and picked up some supplies at Eastern Mountain Sports. Sinatra got a new backpack that fits him better than his other one did, Aviator got some new poles (he dropped one down a crevasse on Mansfield), and others got high-tech clothing items to replace cotton items. Afterward Rebecca drove us to downtown Burlington where we window shopped and had dinner at a Himalayan restaurant. A hiking friend of mine from the AT, Lady Grey, met us at the restaurant and it was great catching up with her. Whiskers had never met her but they have a lot of common friends from the AT. She brought us some great trail magic (brownies) and the students enjoyed meeting her and she enjoyed meeting them. Now we’re at the inn and the students are playing in the pool.
I need to let you know that this was my last day on The Long Trail hike so this will be my last blog post. After hiking with the group for the past ten days I have come to realize that while what we are doing is not dangerous, there is some risk involved and that my personal liability is an issue. So I will be heading home on Sunday and Whiskers and the students will continue with the hike. I have thoroughly enjoyed the hiking and especially getting to know the students. They are all pretty special and I will miss being with them and Whiskers. But I know that this is the right thing for me to do.
Here are some pictures from today.
The Man in My Shoes 
Awesome hike You are so descriptive with your writing I felt I was there
I know how much you have enjoyed getting to know the students and hiking with them. They will miss you as much as you will miss them. You have made a thoroughly thought out and wise decision. Love your photos. I am wishing Whiskers and his students a safe and enjoyable hike on The Long Trail.
I spent with evening with your Mom and she told us about this – can certainly understand your reluctance to continue under the circumstances – you were brave to undertake this mission and I’m sure you have made a huge impact upon these people. Good for you for volunteering for this effort, but sometimes you just gotta know “when to fold”. (We Moms really support you!) Jan
Sorry we haven’t posted before,but have enjoyed reading about your hike!
I enjoy reading your posts and am looking forward to your next adventure.
Happy Hiking,
Ken
Thank you for your wonderful posts and pictures. I know you have made the right decision; but I, as well as all your followers, will definitely miss them.
Hi Tim. Good to see you are still “strolling” or walking, never remember which was you or Cathy.
Have been following your blog these last 10 days and as always it’s great to see your travels.
I’m currently well out of the rat race and working in a Hardware store giving advice to DIY folks about screws, nuts and bolts, paint and wood which is a long way removed from my previous career. Love the interaction with the general public though, it’s crazy….
Take care and sure we’ll meet again one day.
Andy, It’s good to hear from you. I’m glad you’re out of the rat race and helping people like me who have a ‘bruised thumb’ and need help with projects around the house. Cathy and I would really like to see you in the not-too-distant future so let’s try to meet in the UK or US before too long. Take care, Tim
Thank you Tim for sharing your time and wisdom with the kids. It meant a lot to me as a parent & you will be missed. May all your trails lead you to wonder and beauty. Best wishes, Denise (Ella’s mom)
Thanks a lot, Denise. Ella is a wonderful young lady and I enjoyed spending time with her hiking and talking. I know that this backpacking experience will be wonderful for her and she will benefit from it for many years.
Aw, I’m so sorry! I’ll miss your posts from the trail… Good luck and let us know how the things are going with you! Take care!