Wilbur Clearing Lean-to
Day: 49-2010
Daily Mileage: 11.2
Mileage: 1579.9
07/31/10 10:00 pm

Big day. Not only did I do 11+ miles, but on a day with Mnt Geylock in the middle (highest peak in Mass.) It was a long up hill, and with a full pack from my resupply yesterday...it was a good test. I really could feel the difference in my physical fitness between my first little hill and Greylock and I know I am in much better shape now.

Can't say I liked all the tourists on top, but having a Cheeseburger at Basom Lodge was nice. The view was great, but it was hard getting good photos without people in them. I did get the hero shot on top before the memorial.

Hike to camp over Wilbur Mnt was ok, but again a lot of weekenders and tourists. Weather was also perfect so a lot of people were out.

Much colder tonight than other nights, even had to break of the polarfleece jacket...it's going to be a cold night. Wish I had my sleeping bag.

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Seth Warner Shelter
Day: 50-2010
Daily Mileage: 9.9
Mileage: 1589.8
08/1/10 8:10 pm

Good news: I made it to Vermont! Six states in one trip...WOW!

Bad news #1: I booked my plane tickets home...booooooo.

Bad news #2: I blew out my boots! Yep, the pair I picked up in New York blew out during a rather nasty little climb up an unnamed mountain. Ripped right where the upper connects to the sole, by my left little toe. Hope the duct tape holds until I am off the trail (or possibly Manchester Center).

Here with a ton of other people just starting the Long Trail. This wasn't something I was ever warned about, but every tent site is full here and the shelter has people in it as well. There is just me going NoBo and one SoBo and the others are all LT.

Last night was cold, but I stayed warm wearing all my cloths. The hike here was ok. Weather was once again perfect for hiking. I stopped off in North Adams to eat breakfast at Friendly's. The hike out of town along Sherman's Brook was very nice, and got my hero shot when entering the state of Vermont. so other than the boots...a good day.

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Bennington, VT - The Vortex
Day: 51-2010
Daily Mileage: 11.5
Mileage: 1601.3
08/2/10 7:15 pm

Woke up early, never really feeling like I slept well at all. Got going, but could tell the humidity was up. The duct tape fix for my boots didn't last long at all. Got to the next shelter around noon and met Lonestar a SoBo. He told me about a place for hikers in the next town as well as a place to buy boots (even though the town has no outfitter). So decided to change my itinerary and stop in. He was right on the money. Got a neat place to stay, new boots and squeezing in a load of laundry (thanks to the attendant who bent the "last load" rule just a bit).

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Goddard Shelter
Day: 52-2010
Daily Mileage: 10.1
Mileage: 1611.4
08/3/10 8:15 pm

Well the Vortex lived up to its name. Just couldn't seem to get out of there. I think it was almost 11 when I took the bus back to the trail. Got to the first shelter out of town and just moved on. An hour or so latter it rained, but just a brief downpour, but it was over quick (although it did force me to use my raingear for the first time). Got here with the threat of rain once again showing its ugly head. Set up the tent quick, then cooked dinner down at the shelter. Started raining after dinner was done, and has only slowed down once or twice. Made the dash to the tent without getting too wet, but not sure if/when the rain will stop.

New boots did well their first day, no blisters and the feet were dry even with the VT mud and rain.

Much more crowed on the tail now. Shelter full and four tenting. A southbounder said the next shelter (north) was the same way. Guess it will be that way for the rest of the trip. Might have to do with the Long Trail Festival this weekend in Rutland, but I think it is just the AT/LT combined section.

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Story Spring Shelter
Day: 53-2010
Daily Mileage: 8.3
Mileage: 1620.3
08/4/10 7:15 pm

Boy did it rain ALL last night and into the wee hours of today. Tent held its own, but the tent, groundcloth and backpack were soaked. Even with a very late start, everything was packed wet.

Hike was uneventful, even with the wet rocks, mud and water. Thank G_d I got those new boots, I can just imagine what my socks and feet would have looked like in my blown out pair.

Sun started to come out while I was having lunch at the last shelter, and it did turn into a beautiful day. Got here, hung everything to dry, washed up, set up camp and ate. Feels weird only doing an 8 mile day, but I needed an "easy day".

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Stratton Pond Shelter
Day: 54-2010
Daily Mileage: 10.4
Mileage: 1630.7
08/5/10 2:50 pm

Woke up to a few raindrops hitting the tent, so I packed quick so I wouldn't have to carry a soaked tent like the other day. Couldn't tell if it was going to clear up, drizzle, rain or thunderstorm (and I couldn't check the forecast...no 3G) so I decided to head off. About a mile into the hike, I heard thunder, but kept going towards the climb up Sratton Mountain. The climb was a little steep at first, but became a gradual climb (hey what do ya know, the profile was right for a change!). Got to the top, not much of a view from the tower, due to the clouds, but got a cell phone signal, so I made a couple of calls. Had to cut my conversation with my mom short when it started to rain. Put the cell phone away just in time for the sky to open up. Hoofed it down hill, though more stream than trail, to the shelter. If I have to be caught in a shelter during a good long rain, this is a great one to be at. It is huge (book says it sleeps 16, I think you could do more comfortably if needed) and has a covered deck with seating and a picnic table. It is a little buggy though (killing quite a few mosquitoes while writing this). Overall, it does not seem like I hiked 10+ miles today (and a lot of uphill too). Not sure if that means I am in shape, or if it was just the rain being such a great motivator.

8/6/10 11:46

Last night had to be one of my least favorite on the trail. Got in and look forward to drying gear, taking a nap, cooking on the picnic table and having a quiet afternoon and evening. Unfortunately a family calling themselves "Camp Gram" showed up. They were not really that bad, but I just wasn't in the mood for teens, pre-teens and even an 8 year old's typical "stop touching me" and "you took my....". Also they took over the picnic table for a card game (although they did make room when asked). They got to bed at 9, then a hiker and his dog came in at 10. On top of that were mosquitoes biting me all night, getting cold half way through the night, and the typical "full shelter" noises of tossing and turning (but at least no snoring). I was having a good day, even with the rain, until all that. Cold wet boots, socks and backpack this morning didn't help either. Hopefully the sunny, cool day will brighten me up a bit.....will see.

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Spruce Peak Shelter
Day: 55-2010
Daily Mileage: 7.9
Mileage: 1638.6
08/6/10 5:00 pm

I was writing the previous entry sitting in a field right after the turn off to William Douglass Shelter. I wanted to take a nap, but right when I laied down, a cloud covered the sun, the wind picked up and I even got hit by a few rain drops (even though the forecast said sunny all day). So I packed up and started hiking.

The hike all day was BOARING! No mountains, no lakes, just a few streams, but nothing spectacular. Got here and tried to nap once again and succeeded beyond expectations....I slept for 3 hours! When I woke I had no ambition to hike the 4.8 miles to the next shelter, so decided to make it up tomorrow and stay here. This is a neat shelter, well actually a cabin complete with a door, windows, porch and wood stove. I love the rustic feel to it (see pics).

Too lazy to pitch the tent. I just hope I am not setting myself up for a repeat of last night.

8/7/10 7:45am

Spruce Peak was exactly what I needed when I needed it. One other hiker here, so I had the shelter to myself. The wind did kick up, but I closed the door on the shelter (it it rare to find a shelter with a door). It was cold (my guess high 40's), but it meant no mosquitoes. Was a bit cool in the polar fleece bag, so I had to wear my long cloths to bed and, for the first time this trip, use my emergency blanket over the bag. It even rained between 4-5am, but I was inside! So I got a lot of sleep, feel good and my gear dried out (except for the boots). Should be good for a 12+ mile day.

PS: there were mice in the shelter, even saw one come out before dark, but they really didn't bother me.

PPS: A little low on food, but will make it to a convenience store at VT103 before I run out, so ok there.

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Top of Bromley Mountain
Day: 56-2010
Daily Mileage: 5.8 so far today
Mileage: 1644.4
08/7/10 1:15 pm

Wow, finally a 360 view!



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Griffith Lake Tenting Area
Day: 56-2010
Daily Mileage: 13.4
Mileage: 1652.0
08/7/10 8:15 pm

Wow, what a day! Great weather for hiking, clear and cool (sometimes almost cold). Views started early with Spruce Peak, then Broomley Mountain (see above entry), then Paru Peak and end with Griffith Lake. Even got water at "Mad Tom Notch"...got to love that name!

As you can probably tell, I am in a much better mood, catching up on sleep does wonders, but so do good trails, wonderful views and good weather.

Got here and looked at sites, found one but went to check the rest, saw another group of hikers looking in the other direction, only two sites left and one sucked so I ran to the other one, just beating the other group. Latter I invited two others to join me on the tent platform since this place was full up.

Keep seeing moose sign (droppings and hoofprints) but still no sightings.

Already cooling off...going to be a cold evening!

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Campsite off of Wallingford Gulf Road
Day: 57-2010
Daily Mileage: 15.5
08/8/10 9:00 pm
My Location: N 43°27'21.66", W 72°55'59.58"
394 m
map it

Big day today. I think I was the last one out of camp, but the hiking was fairly easy until the top of Baker Peak, but the view was well worth it!

Many days ago, at Straton Pond, I read the bridge was out at Big Branch and that the river was too dangerous to ford.....but multiple SoBo's said BULL and they were right. It would have cost me a 3 mile road walk for nothing.

After the "dangerous ford", I was at the Big Branch Shelter complaining about how little I had left to eat. Zuni Bear heard me and said she had too much food and realy saved my butt! Thanks Zuni Bear!!!

Pasted up a total of 6 shelters/campsites today (a new record).

Also took the side trail to White Rock Cliffs (great views / family from hell - "son you know mama cant breath when you get too close to the edge") and saw two rock sculpture gardens!

Hiked most of the day with the Flask Brothers, who tented with me last night and again tonight.

Good day, good weather, but boy I am bushed.

PS over 500 miles for this trip!!!

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Swan Song Shelter (a.k.a. The Secret Shelter)
Day: 58-2010
Daily Mileage: 13.1
08/9/10 9:15 pm

Another big day, but only a few views. Did get to the convenience store at VT 103 (the Whistle Stop is closed mondays) and got Ben and Jerry's, 2 drinks, a sandwich and a bag of potato chips (and helped one of the Flask Brothers finish his Ben and Jerry's). I paid for it going up Claredon Gorge. Don't know if it was the heat and humidity, the sugar rush, the climb or what but I almost passed out! Took a long break and then hiked on to Clarendon Shelter for a bigger break. After a brief rain, we hiked on and ran into "Chrome Dome" who had stayed at the "Secret Shelter" the night before. This privately owned and built shelter is not on any AT or LT map, but is a great place to stay the night (they ask that directions not be published...sorry). The alternative was Gov. Clement shelter which is reportedly and run down shelter with many reported run in's with locals (I want to check it out tomorrow and see for myself).

Did get some food at the convenience store for lunches/dinners for the next day or two, but probably I will push on to the Long Trail Inn tomorrow and be done with my chunk for this year, ending right after Killington Peak....hope the weather clears (raining now) and we have great views.

P.S. Less than 500 miles left to Katahdin!!!

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Killington Peak
Day: 59-2010
Daily Mileage: 5.? so far today
Mileage: 1684.8
08/10/10 12:45 pm
My Location: N 43°36'17.45", W 72°49'12.59"
1294 m
map it

Final hurrah for the trip, Mnt Killington. Not perfect conditions but getting better and better as we sit here.



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Inn at Long Trail - US4
Day: 59-2010
Daily Mileage: 10.6
Mileage: 1691.2
08/10/10 10:00 pm
Hike down from Killington seemed to take forever. Even saw the inn from the trail but it seemed miles away. I did take the old AT, which lead right to the inn instead of the new AT which would have ended up on US4 0.9 miles away, then an unsafe road walk to the inn.

Celebrated at the bar, drinking way too much, but I had a lot to celebrate: 500 miles hiked, less than 500 to Katahdin and I made my goal of reaching the Long Trail Inn in 60 days or less! Also had people with me who I met on the trail and wanted to celebrate with. It will be odd not hiking tomorrow, but I need the break, but look forward to finishing the trail someday. And if you have to get off the trail, today was a great day to end with: Killington and the Long Trail Inn!

8/11/10 4:00pm

Woke up and had Blueberry Pancakes for breakfast. Then the whole crew took the $2 bus into Rutland. Got my street cloths, duffle bag and beard trimmer as well as my new Merrel Boots. Then got some other "clean up" supplies and got the bus back to the Inn. Said a goodbye to all my friends who then took off north (that was sad not to be going with them, even though most where LT hikers and the AT/LT split is less than a mile away and if I were still hiking I would have had to say goodbye anyway). Had lunch, did laundry and dried out my tent. I also trimmed my beard and mustache. I dropped my trimmer, killing it in the process, but my beard and mustache don't look too bad and should do for the trip home. Now just chillin' hoping someone I know will show up to eat and drink with tonight.

8/12/10 9:15pm

Ate dinner with a few hikers, but none I knew well, but still had a good time then had a beer and went to bed.

This morning over coffee, met a few more hikers: Red Hat (AT NoBo older woman), Razor (GA ridge runner and former Thru Hiker) and Nature (she came to do the LT with Razor after just finishing a NoBo AT thruhike). While talking, they found out my situation and asked if I wanted to go car touring with them for the day. Well I did go with them. We started off going to the Long Trail Brewery for lunch and the tour. Then we went to Queenee Gorge which, in my opinion, rivaled the Royal Gorge in Colorado. Then we went to the Simon Pearce Fine Hand Blown Glassware Factory, where you watch them make it....I was fascinated by this. Part art, part dance and part manufacturing tech. On top of that it was in a gorgeous setting, pond, dam, waterfall and covered bridge. Got back to the hotel, swapped a few more stories, then ate and packed up for the trip home. Not looking forward to Memphis hazy, hot and humid weather (got use to VT), but I accomplished all my goals for this trip: Lost weight, hiked 500+ miles and only have ~500 miles to go on the AT. I just wish I could keep hiking and finish, but the "real world" is calling and the AT ain't going anywhere. It's been a good summer!!!

8/13/10 1:00pm

Well I should be on a hedge-hopper flight, almost to Boston now, but instead I am in a van just leaving the Rutland Airport...but I get ahead of myself.

I woke up, finished packing then ate breakfast and caught the Killington -> Rutland bus into town. On the way I called a taxi to take me to the airport from the bus terminal downtown. Got to the airport and had to kill 2 hours before my flight, so went upstairs to the "Plane Bagel" coffee shop. The TSA came and found me and told me my fuel bottles could not go, but the owner of the coffee shop said he would ship them for me (still do not know why they can't go now when they have been on two other flights already...I emptied them and dried them out for 24+ hours, just like the other flights). The plane lands (a Cessna 430 I think) and we go though security (which took a very long time for just eight people). We get on the plane and they put me in the co-pilots seat (which was neat, but did not instill confidence). But when the pilot tries to start the second engine...NOTHING!! They have no backup plane, no mechanic, all they can do is offer a van ride to Boston, but there is no way I will make my flight (leave Rutland at 1pm, three hour car trip, Memphis flight leaves at 4pm). But I do book a flight out for tomorrow and take the trip into Boston where I can try again tomorrow. They had better give me a hotel voucher for this or else!

Reminder to self: NEXT TIME DON'T BOOK ON FRIDAY THE THIRTEETH STUPID!!

8/13/10 6:10pm

Well made it to Boston, the airline put me up at the Chelsea Wyndham. Getting dinner, plan to use the jacuzzi, watch tv and go to bed. Hopefully nothing will go wrong tomorrow and I will get home.

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