Finding Trail Companions on the Long Trail
A hiker's encounter with two trail uncles on the Long Trail
A hike on the Long Trail can be a solitary experience, but for one hiker, it turned into a chance encounter with two trail uncles who made the day more enjoyable.
The hiker started the day by packing up from Melville Naugham Shelter, trying not to wake a sleeping hiker. After a quick breakfast, they set off on the trail, crossing an electrical tower clearing with a beautiful view of Bennington and the monument.
## A Chance Encounter
It was at a small pristine river that the hiker met Vinegar and his brother, who were hiking the Long Trail together. They were both retired and had covered some amazing trails in the past. The hiker joined them for a while, and they began hiking together, chatting about their experiences and sharing stories.
## Trail Uncles
Vinegar and his brother were affectionately referred to as the hiker's trail uncles. They were a great source of inspiration and advice, sharing stories of their past hiking experiences and offering words of encouragement. The hiker was grateful for the company and the chance to learn from them.
## A Steep Ascent
As the day wore on, the hiker and their trail uncles encountered a steep ascent to the Goddard Shelter. The hiker was feeling tired and hungry, but the trail uncles' company made the climb more bearable. They eventually reached the shelter and took a break, drinking water and eating oatmeal.
## A Shared Experience
As they rested, the trail uncles shared a story about an encounter they had with a famous Olympian, Jesse Diggins, on Stratton Mountain. The hiker was a big fan of Jesse Diggins and was excited to hear the story. They even joked about giving her a Snickers Bar if they met again on the mountain.
## A Day Well Spent
In the end, the hiker and their trail uncles decided to pitch their tents at the Kid Gore Shelter and take a well-deserved rest. The hiker reflected on the day's events, grateful for the chance encounter with their trail uncles and the memories they had made together.
