My Vermont Trip and Trying Out the ‘Malloy’ Way
So, I ended up in Vermont not too long ago. Heard whispers about this thing folks in a tiny corner of the state called the ‘Malloy’ method, or something like that. Wasn’t entirely clear what it was, something about finding your way around the woods using older signs, maybe stuff the loggers used way back. Sounded interesting, different from just using a phone or a map.
Decided I had to give it a shot myself. Packed a small bag, drove up there. Finding someone who actually knew what I was talking about took a bit. Finally found this old timer, lived near the Green Mountains. He chuckled when I asked about ‘Malloy’. Said it wasn’t a formal thing, just local knowledge passed down, mostly about reading the land, the trees, subtle markers you wouldn’t normally notice.
Getting Started
He took me out for an afternoon. Didn’t give me a map. Just started walking. Pointed things out. A certain type of bent sapling, rocks piled in a way that didn’t look quite natural, notches on trees that weren’t from deer. He called these ‘Malloy markers’, kinda jokingly.
- First hour: I was lost. Couldn’t see half the stuff he pointed out until he practically put my nose on it.
- Second hour: Started picking up on some things. Like how moss tends to grow thicker on one side of the trees, yeah, basic stuff, but he showed nuances I hadn’t considered.
- Third hour: He had me lead the way back using only these subtle signs. Tough going. Made a few wrong turns.
The Real Practice
Went out on my own the next couple of days. Smaller loops first, near where I was staying. Forced myself to put the phone away. It was hard. Your brain wants the easy way, the GPS dot. This ‘Malloy’ way, it forces you to pay attention. Really look. See the forest, not just the trail path.
I got turned around plenty. Scratched up by branches trying to follow a faint trail marker I thought I saw. Felt a bit dumb sometimes, wandering in circles. But each time I found my way back using just observation, felt like a small win. It wasn’t about speed; it was about the process. Slowing down.
Realized this wasn’t just about navigation. It was about connecting with the place differently. You start noticing the types of trees, the way the ground slopes, the direction of the wind without even thinking about it. Stuff you totally ignore when you’re just hiking point A to point B.
What I Took Away
So, did I master the ‘Malloy’ way? Heck no. Not even close. It takes years, probably a lifetime, living there. But spending that time trying? Totally worth it. It’s a different way of seeing, a different pace.
Came back home feeling a bit more observant, maybe a bit calmer. It’s funny how trying something simple, something old like that, can stick with you. Reminds you there’s more ways to get around than just following the blue dot.
