I got up this cold morning and climbed back up the lookout tower and enjoyed some more spectacular morning views from Glastenbury. It was really a great place to camp, other than the annoyance of some people noisily setting up their tent near us at 9:30pm or so last night. That’s way past hiker midnight and is not cool, man.
Epic morning sun and mist over Vermont
Vermont morning sun
The rest of the day we hiked towards Stratton Mountain, the next big mountain on the trail. The trail getting there was typical Vermont, with lots of roots, rocks, and mud to hop, skip, jump, and slog through. The climb up to Stratton was longer than the climbs we’ve had of late, but wasn’t overly steep or challenging. We seem to have our climbing legs back in action, as we zipped past some high school kids and numerous other day and weekend hikers.
Stratton also had a lookout tower like Glastenbury. The views were nice, but a bit hazy. The tower was really high up and the wind was shaking it pretty hard.
Stratton pond in the foreground
We hiked another 2.5 miles or so down the mountain and found a flat stealth spot back in the woods somewhat near a footbridge and stream.
Tomorrow is a nearo day in Manchester Center. Looking forward to an afternoon off before our push to Killington later in the week.
Vital stats for Sunday, August 3rd :
Milestone – less than a “Virginia” left to Katahdin (we use Virginia’s 550 miles as a barometer for a lot of longer distances). This also means we are 3/4 done.
Miles hiked today – 18.5
Mood – good
Physical state – normal
Smell – muddy muddy beast
Song stuck in my head – From Time by Drake
Wooooo! So close you can smell Katahdin! Or maybe that’s your smell…
That view looks familiar! Oh, and how are the black flies?
http://oldmanpeters.smugmug.com/Events/VT-Memorial-Day-Hike/i-j8WGNpn/A
and
http://oldmanpeters.smugmug.com/Events/VT-Memorial-Day-Hike/i-2L9GJqF/A
you’re really moving now. enjoy your 0 day!
Nice pics! Thanks for sharing.
Hey Jake, the flies are not a problem at all. We met some folks who live up here and they said they are really only a problem in May and June. I’d say actually for us the bugs have been so much less obnoxious here in Vermont as opposed to Massachusetts and Connecticut – mostly just a few gnats and mosquitoes with a few horse flies.
Hi Joel! Have enjoyed your blog from your trip. Wanted to give you a heads up that the guys from Lutron sent you a care package to your destination in Glencliff on Friday last week (arrived yesterday), but we noticed the destination is now TBD. Anyways, we wanted to say how much we were thinking about you and wish you both well on the rest of your journey. – Will H.
Hey Will, thanks very much for the comment and care package. We will be sure to stop in there and get the package even if we don’t stay there for the night. Hope everything is going well with you and everyone else back at Lutron!
Some people use “Scooby-Doos” to tell time (Tom) and others use “Virginias” for distance. It’s all good! Congrats on yet another milestone. Perhaps all these mileSTONES is the reason the trail is so rocky! Just sayin’. Hope your nearo day was relaxing and rejuvenating! Happy trails as you make your way to Killington! Stay safe and healthy. Sending sneaker wings to get you to Killington (and beyond), many prayers and lots and lots of love!