Total trail mileage: 1631.0 (approx)
Starting location: Goddard Shelter
Ending location: After Stratton Pond
Weather: 65 degrees in the morning. 66-70 degrees during the day.
Cloudy all day. Rain starting last night and continuing through until
late morning.
I am at
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=43.104246,+-72.964884
The temperature dropped today, and the bugs in the morning were
reduced. But, the price to pay was getting rain. I'd pay it again.
It was so much nicer and easier to hike in cooler weather. I even
hiked the 1700-foot climb up Stratton without stopping. That would
have been nearly impossible a couple days ago. At times I felt like
jogging although I didn't because I didn't want to slip on the wet
roots and rocks.
I am not sure how much good my rain jacket is doing anymore though.
It felt like the water was just going through it. Is it time for a
new jacket? I like the jacket for wind protection, for light snow,
and for cold weather. For rain, it has never been great, and I think
the lining is wearing down.
There were so many good water sources along the hike today. It seemed
like every 10 feet there was a crystal clear stream flowing across the
trail. Of course today was the day when I didn't need copious amounts
of water. I wish I could move some of the streams to a dry stretch
like NY. And, why I am rearranging the trail, I would move some of
the rocks from PA into the mud fields here in VT. That way PA would
be a little smoother and hikers could more easily avoid the muddy
spots in VT.
Unfortunately there was no view at the Glastenbury fire tower and a
limited view at the Stratton fire tower. By the time I got to
Stratton Pond though a lot of the clouds moved off.
There were a million people at the Stratton Pond Shelter. I wasn't
allowed to hammock there and the bugs would eat me alive if I didn't
hammock, so I decided to continue on just a bit. I had dinner by the
pond along with some other people. I met a few others who are doing
the Long Trail. Then I continued to the other side of the pond and
found a spot in the woods for my hammock.
I am getting off the trail tomorrow at Rt 11 and heading to my
parents' house. The plan is to catch the final World Cup game (go
Netherlands!...I met two girls yesterday that live in the Netherlands
that told me I had to root for their team). Then I'll take a day or
two off before returning to the trail.
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