Michael Julius

819a

Mount Pisgah, Vermont

I’ve been here several times, but only on this day did I learn that it’s called “Pulpit Rock” by a pleasant gentleman in a red pickup and nose to match.

We met him at the trailhead, clutching a pair of microspikes (and nothing else!) in his hand and offering, before even setting foot on the trail, to step aside so that we could pass. Which he did. But it was at this place, while Heather and I were admiring the sunlight, the blue sky, and the hints of spring, that he caught up with us.

“Turning back at Pulpit Rock?” he asked, with a grin.