When looking for a new job, or new place to live, I seriously consider the commute. It’s a critical part of the day. One is either getting mentally prepared for work or winding down after it. I have worked many places where my commute was one of the highlights of my day. From biking, to running, to skiing the Catamount Trail, travel to and from work has been a blast. I’ve never had to guilt myself to get to the gym nor spend my first hour’s pay on gas.
Many years ago, in New Hampshire, I worked a 1 week on/1 week off schedule. My job was just over a mountain from my home. I’d get out of work in the afternoon, ski to the top of the ridge and camp out overnight. I had first tracks, early the next morning.
At another NH job, I ran over a paved ridge road for seven miles. In Alaska, I had a BMX park on my short ride to work, which I’d play at for a half an hour or so, on my way in and on my way home.
In Oregon, there was a paved bike path along a creek for fifteen miles. I could ride it from my house all the way to workplace.
Now I’m working in Stowe. There is an incredible network of trails that get me wherever I want to go. The Catamount Trail has been a useful commuting trail for a couple of different apartments that I’ve lived in. It’s always clear, well maintained, and easy to follow.
I can’t wait to explore the Trail outside of my region. Since a friend of mine told me about the CT, just before I moved west, I’ve dreamt of thru-skiing it. Now that I’m living in Vermont, I think it will be a reality very soon!
Jeffrey Boudreau is a Stowe resident who volunteers some of his non-commuting time to help maintain the Catamount Trail.
