1601 miles - Vt. 9 near Bennington, VT

We crossed into Vermont this morning at about 9:45 am and we were immediately crossing through giant patches and puddles of mud which has quicksand/wet cement properties. No wonder why they call it "Ver-Mud"... Most of the day was spent in the clouds with no views, but lots of loud ominous thunder coming from all directions. Eventually it rained for a little while this afternoon and now it's clearing up so hopefully we'll stay dry(er). So far, the trail here seems to have more of a northern woods wilderness feel and is seemingly picturesque at every turn. The evergreens are dense and beautiful as well as the many ponds and wetlands we've passed along the way. The mountains and climbs get bigger from here on out, and it's been getting cooler at night, so we can tell we're hitting the final stretch. We'll let you know how it turns out.

1600 miles down- 578 to go.