The trail doesn't owe you anything

Most mornings start the same way. A couple dogs, a camera, and a trail I've walked more times than I can count.

Some days the light is perfect. Some days a deer steps out of the woods. Some days the fog settles exactly where it should.

And some days nothing happens at all.

I've learned that's part of the deal. The trail doesn't owe you a great photo. It doesn't owe you a sunrise or a story.

Sometimes the reward is simply being there.

The Northeast Kingdom has a way of teaching that lesson over and over again.

Slow down. Keep walking. Pay attention.

The rest usually takes care of itself.