One Month to Summit!

Days 100 to 106

Last night I scrolled through literally a thousand pictures of my trek while listening to Chris Stapleton’s Traveller! My oldest standing tramily member, Lucky, ( day two) and I have come a long way. Between the two of us, we’ve lost 75 pounds and gained a lifetime of backpacking experience. We’ve added amazing hikers to our tramily and now we’re the northern bubble.

June 3, day 100:  One month to summit!  Governor Clement Shelter to Killington; over 1,700 backpacking miles. 13.1 nero into Killington. Finally, a realistic nero for a quick resupply and rest before finishing off the majestic Greens. Today featured a beautiful climb, cool and clear 40 degrees. A bit cooler at the peak of Killington. We stayed and dined at the Long Trail Inn, which had exceptional food and service—two thumbs up for sure!

June 4, day 101: We left the inn and hiked 18 miles north, quickly passing the Long Trail junction. Can’t quite figure out what happened but the AT improved 100% in maintenance, which was a very pleasant surprise. A bit of elevation gain was on the day for nearly 5,200 feet. Thundering Falls and the Lookout were our highlights for the day.

June 5, day 102: 21.2 to Happy Hill Shelter. Rainy day given way to overcast and intermittent sun back to showers, 60 degrees.
Last full hiking day in Vermont.

June 6, day 103: Short 5.8-mile hike into Hanover, NH; our 13th state. We ate in Hanover and used the Dartmouth Outing Club; very nice. Mile marker 1,758.0. Continue on day total of 14.5 to stealth tent camp. Rain ended and day was warm and sunny, 75 degrees. Togs went to urgent care with a waterborne parasite stomach bug. Got meds.

June 7, day 104: 1,778.5, 20.5-mile day, 6,200-foot elevation gain. To Hexacuba Shelter. Fresh Grounds made us lunch and a plan for the week ahead. Smarts Mountain fire tower was superb. Great day, amazing weather—sunny and 70 degrees. Togs and Lucky behind us to fire ranger house on Smarts. She feels better and stronger.

June 8, day 105: Hexacuba Shelter, 4.9 to Fresh Ground for breakfast. Hike to NH 25. Glencliff stayed at the Hikers Welcome hostel, 9.4 ( 14.3 total) 1,793. Mile marker, sunny and clear day—70 degrees. Nice hostel, clean and very friendly folks. Resupply for the next week.

June 9, day 106: End at 1,810.1, 17.1 on the day. Left Hikers Welcome Hostel, summited Mount Moosilauke peak 4,802 feet. Perfect day, sunny, breezy, and 75 degree. Saw a few rogue snow patches still remaining on the way up. Welcome to the Whites! 6,482-foot gain on the day. Surpassed 1,800 miles and have 382 miles left. Finished the day at Eliza Brook Shelter.

Thanks for following me, Catmando