Samantha left my side for a moment and returned with an atlas. It would be the first time I would really dive in. I believe she could somehow feel the dedication in my statement. Like a young boy going off to war, she knew this was something I had to do. There was no turning back. So, loving me as I believe she did or was starting to do, she opened the Atlas in the far back to the State of Vermont.

We quickly learned that Montpelier was the capital city and why not start there. Surely there would be something to sink my teeth into that would begin to quench the fire in my belly for a full winter season. Oddly enough, it is also located almost smack dab in the center of the State. Without a doubt, it had to be "Step 1". So; to recap, "Step 1:  Land in Montpelier on September 15".

We got out a large legal pad as well and began sort of a planning document or a "short list" of what must be done. Finally, Sam got out her Mac Book and we used trusty "Google" to our advantage. While she may not have completely understood, it seemed she was willing to go with me on this...the planning part, that is. And if my plans came to fruition, I would be closer to her in Boston; and if not, then we had had some fun with learning about the State of Vermont.

I did not really have a timeline for how long I would stay at on place; but in the dead of winter, I knew I needed to be in the mountains. "A small ski-in, ski-out chalet would do", I thought!

There was also the possibility of doing some satellite or at least monitoring or "sitting in" on some classes at the University of Vermont in Burlington. There is not a plethora of colleges in Vermont, but there is a large community college with several locations throughout the state and a few public and private colleges.

At any rate, I knew that for some of my adventure, I would be skiing. This would be my respite until I could figure out exactly what my burning desire for Vermont was. I would return to Killington and Stowe; among other resorts, to help me find my way.