Because Spencer, my shelter companion, works at Target and gets up super early, I got up at 5:15AM this morning and was on trail before sunrise. It was a long sidehill climb up Mt Killington before dropping my pack and doing the brief but brutal summit scramble. The view was spectacular and well worth the price of admission.
I filtered some delicious water from the spring next to Cooper Lodge, the highest shelter on the Long Trail, and one which has seen better days. I then dragged myself down the ridge to Jungle Junction, where I opted to take the Sherburne Pass blue blaze over the newer LT/AT route. The blue blaze is actually the original AT, but it crosses private property in the form of Pico Ski Area, and the AT has a policy against private property. It also has the advantage of emerging directly across the street from the Inn at Long Trail, a famous hiker friendly inn and also my long anticipated stay for the night.
On the way down, my ankles started to really bother me, and I spent some time lying on my back with my socks and shoes off, feet in the air and head downhill, much to the consternation of several dayhikers who passed by. Thru hikers are an odd breed, I’ve discovered, and I find joy in this kinship.
I eventually struggled my way down to my destination and checked in. It’s a gorgeous old Vermont lodge, with an Irish Pub and a big lounge area offering multiple musical instruments, of which I availed myself. I also availed myself of the Pub. The Guinness Stew was amazing.
Liz arrived with her friends Jen and Scott, and we had a lovely time over another meal and drinks in the Pub. But I’m still on hiker time and fading fast, so I’ll save stories of “Fire Walker” and the dancing woman with the dog named “BB” for another post.
I’m taking a zero tomorrow to let my ankles recover, hopefully, and to sit out at least part of the Nor’easter pushing into the area.
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