Training Log Archive: dlevine

AT Hike - Congdon Shelter to MA Route 2

Wanted to be done, so left early while the remnants of the rain still made the forest humid and rocks/logs quite wet. Great blueberries in some clearings and we posed for pictures at the VT/MA state line. [Six states down; eight to go; but it will be at least two years before we knock off number seven] Theresa was disappointed not to have a view from Pine Cobble and we were both impressed by the rock screen on the way in to North Adams. Passed up "the best water on the trail" as we were about half a mile from the road and hiked out to the Stop and Shop so we could get picked up and shower, etc.

Note: We are now more than halfway done with the trail, having completed 1130 (out of 2190) miles as well as all the peaks over 4500 feet high.

AT Hike - Goddard Shelter to Congdon Shelter

Morning was interesting as Theresa stopped for a NOBO hiker who also stopped. When I got there, the NOBO looked at me and said, "I know you!" It was Karate Kate, another friend from our May hike. She told us (correctly) that we would see Dutchie (another friend from May) in an hour. After lunch, we crossed VT 9 and hiked one of the steepest stretches of trail that we have ever seen on the AT. Half a mile took 45 minutes in the heat - and with ten miles already behind us. Wonderful berries at the top of Harmon Hill and we made the shelter an hour before the rain.

AT Hike - Stratton Pond Shelter to Goddard Shelter

Since this was supposed to be the day with the best weather, we decided to switch the 19-mile day today even though it added more climb to the 19-mile day. Climbed Stratton Mountain before it got hot, and had a cooked lunch at Story Spring Shelter. Got to Kid Gore Shelter and left at 4:30, knowing that we could get in late. Got psychologically mistreated by some NOBOs who told us we were 0.1 miles from the last summit when it was closer to 0.5 miles and we suffered a great letdown. VIews from the Glastonberry fire tower were hazy. Shelter was beautiful and we had a restful night.

AT Hike - Bromley Mountain Summit Hut to Stratton Pond Shelter

Quick trip down the hill to Bromley Mountain Shelter for water and breakfast; the Girl Scout rumors were true. Then an easy hike to Stratton Pond trying to beat the rain. We did, and even got there while there was enough sun to dry out our gear. Pleasant night in the shelter with three interesting groups - a couple from Texas hiking the Long Trail that reminded us of us, three siblings out for an adventure, and an Israeli family (father and four sons) who kept begging to see a bear or four!

AT hike - Little Rock Pond Shelter (tent site) to Bromley Mountain Summit House

Rain, rain, and more rain. Rude NOBOs at Peru Peak shelter wouldn't even share a roof while we tried to make dinner for lunch. Made what Theresa would call "a mistake" choosing not to take the "Bad Weather Trail" over Baker's Peak in the morning. Got simply exhausted from slipping in the mud by the end of the day. Had planned to go another mile (downhill) to the Bromley Mountain Shelter (which had water, unlike the summit) but heard that it was "taken over" by Girl Scouts who were expanding to use up all space so upon learning that there was space at the summit, stayed there. Good idea as I was soon mildly hypothermic and glad to crawl into a dry sleeping bag to warm up.

AT hike - Clarendon Gorge (VT 103) south to Little Rock Pond Shelter

Hot and humid day highlighted by a break five minutes after we started so that we could chat with Candyman. Candyman, now known as Juice, was the very first hiker we met during our hike in TN/VA last spring and we had spend quality time with him, particularly on our afternoon off in Damascus, VA. Enjoyed the rock garden at White Rocks, but barely made the shelter before dark. Shelter was full, so we had to tent and barely got set up before the rain came.