Vermont’s Long Trail above Mad River Glen Ski Resort. Photo by Lora Woodward
Today, a good friend came to visit that last year invited me to stay at her family's cabin in Vermont. I recall spending a day snowshoeing way up in the mountains around Mad River Glen. I wouldn't have pushed myself to go as far as I did that day had I not been following someone else's tracks. It was a powerful experience that showcased the value in finding trailblazers in life (for work and for play), even if only footprints. This has been a year of immense change and personal growth. I am so thankful to the trailblazers that have come before me, who have shown me what is possible. When we follow the footsteps of others, we find that we are creating a path all our own.
On February 18, 2018, I wrote, “Had a great solo snowshoe adventure today in the woods near Mad River Glen, VT. Set out from my friend's place along an old logging road, and then followed an earlier hiker's tracks up the ravine to the AT/Long Trail. Climbed to 2855.5 feet from 1983.5 feet. There was a point where I was going to turn around and got out my phone to leave a drop pin and looking at the map realized that the tracks I was following were heading straight up to the ridge. A surge of motivation kept me going until I made it to the top of the closest peak. The best part was heading down the mountain which was a combination of floating through the snow and sliding down on my butt! I laughed the whole way! What joy! Thanks to the snowshoer out on their own adventure this morning I was able to accomplish something greater than I would have thought to do on my own and now have more confidence for my next experience.”