Final Thanks to Massachusetts

It seems like states are flying past. Day 49 had me moving into Vermont.  But, before discussing the Green Mountain state, I would like to thank the Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, who maintain the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts. In my opinion, the trails in MA are the best maintained since I began hiking in VA, and are a pleasure to hike. If you have an opportunity, I highly suggest you spend some time on their trails.

Day 49 – Williamstown to Congdon shelter (14 miles)

Day 50 – Congdon shelter to Goddard shelter (15 miles)

Day 51 – Goddard shelter to Stratton Pond shelter (15 miles)

Day 52 – Stratton Pond shelter to Green Mountain Hostel (10 miles)

Vermud

Entering Vermont is kind of like when Dorothy opened the door to Munchkinland, only in reverse. Some state boundaries are based on natural borders such as rivers, or geographical boundaries such as the Mason-Dixon line. But I think the border of Vermont was determined based on weather. The moment we entered the state it became rainy and cloudy and cold; the nickname Vermud is well placed. When you’re not walking on mud, you’re walking around it, often with the help and hard work of many trail volunteers. In the worst places, the volunteers have provided wood or stone to reduce erosion.

That’s not to say that Vermont isn’t beautiful, because it is. All of that rain results in a dense, lush forest. Like many places, it changes every few minutes. But instead of oaks, the dominant trees switch between various birches, maples and spruce/hemlocks.

Oh, The Mountains

Vermont is famous for its Green Mountains. In consecutive days, we’ve climbed to the tops of Stratton Mountain, Mount Bromley and Mount Killington. The mountains keep getting bigger and the climbs are more intense. Unfortunately, due to rain and smoke from the Canadian forest fires, we’ve missed out on some spectacular vistas. That’s okay, there’s more to come.

So, what am I Seeing?

Vermont has really cool bridges in some completely remote areas, including suspension bridges.

And, these mountain ponds are spectacular. That they are all created from the handiwork of beavers, my new favorite animal.

These strange cairns in the middle of a conifer Forest have me thinking about the Blair Witch. Try to get a close-up of these eerie stones.

Maybe Just One Vista

At the top of Stratton Mountain was a fire tower. I literally had to race up it and snap a picture as quickly as I could, since a cloud was racing across the horizon. This was the best I could get.

Still no (wild) bears, but lots of moose poop, which they have an affinity for leaving on the trail.

Thanks for listening.