Sign entering Barr Hill Snowshoe Trail. Right behind the Wallace Cabin.
It started raining as soon as we checked into the cabin, and eventually got settled in. A General Store down the street had everything we needed, plus after stopping for gas in Danville, extra provisions were purchased in advance.
The next morning was brisk and cloudy, but perfect weather for a hike. Trails to Barr Hill were right behind the Cottage, so that was easy enough to follow.
Wallace wrote about life in Greensboro in a few of his books. "Crossing To Safety" and "Second Growth". I thought he might have been writing about Silver Lake in Barton in the latter novel, but indeed, it was all centered around Caspian Lake in Greenville.
We continued our climb, not sure of what we would see. We encountered a few clearings and a giant open field. Finally, some mountain views emerged.
After Stegner's passing, his ashes were scattered at the top of Barr Hill overlooking Caspian Lake.
All of the adventures in Vermont have brought me to this moment, and much like my adventure to Saskatchewan had so much symbolism - it was where he started to evolve as a young boy, facing hardships and tragedy. But his soul rests here in Vermont.
His works have since reached many new generations of enthusiasts, conservationists, poets, journalists, biographers... and a few musicians. "Big Rock Candy Mountain" was made popular in song long ago, but thru the movies, it came alive again in 2000. I was drawn into his life reading the book that referenced that song, and the pipe dream of a magic land out west.
What is left for us out here in the east is a beautiful, green nature preserve for all to climb and discover.
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