Vermont- Part 1

Driving into Vermont I had to pull over and bang a U-turn after driving over the Quechee Gorge. The silver gray, thick and looming clouds threatened rain, but I figured I had time to snap a few pics. I figured wrong! The skies opened and although I was quite sure I wouldn't melt in the rain, I was concerned that my camera wouldn't be as resilient. Even with it under my shirt, hunched over and running like a mad dog for the van it got a little too moist for my liking. I wasn't the only one the downpour caused consternation. Driving towards Killington some power lines were downed causing the locals some problems and forcing me into a big detour around no man's land. 

Eventually I spotted the landmark I was looking for as I drove by it, the "Inn at Long Trail".

Some previous research uncovered a little gem of an outlook called "Deer Leap" which was just a very short hike from the Inn and just off of the Appalachian Trail. So I pulled in and saw a notice stating that parking and camping on the grassy knoll were free courtesy of the "Inn at Long Trail". That was very welcoming and I decided immediately that they had definitely won over my patronage as I looked forward to a nice frosty beverage and hot food at their Irish Pub. 

View from Pico Mountain

Whenever hiking or camping in unfamiliar territory it is imperative to have done your homework and be prepared. I say this unashamedly with full hypocritical awareness. In this particular instance, I was too relaxed and nonchalant, thinking the shortness of the hike didn't require much if any forethought. The problem was that the hike I was intending to do was on the other side of the road! I don't want to create any undo suspense: nothing dramatic happened and all went well, but it was one of those times when letting down my guard could have easily bit me in the butt. Hard!

It's been a really long time since I've done any Appalachian hiking, but the impression clearly lasts a lifetime! As soon as I stepped back on that trail I knew it. You could see it, smell it, hear it, feel it. Hell, you could even taste it after wiping that little fleck of dirt off your lip after that last slip! I don't know what it is, but it's noteworthy and it's wonderful. How do you know you're on the Appalachian Trail? If you hike south for 3-4 months and wind up in Georgia, you've been on the Appalachian trail! But seriously, it's a treasure and my hats off to all those who pioneered it, built it, maintain it and to those who experience it. It's something quite unlike anything else, even if you only travel a short bit of it. 

So as it turns out I was not on the trail to "Deer Leap", but on a section of the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail leading up Pico Ski Mountain. Which, with hindsight, explained why the intended 45 minute hike shortly before sunset and just after torrential rainfall was taking a hell of a lot longer than expected! The fact that as I was hiking up, while small rivulets were streaming down the trail didn't bother me. Nor did the fact that it was slippery, longer and steeper than expected.  What did bother me was that I really wanted to get some photos and get back down before sunset and for some reason it looked like it might not happen. The fact that I was ill prepared and could easily injure myself and spend a long miserable, cold, wet night on the mountain REALLY bothered me. 

Floating around Vermont

Just as I was about to cut my losses and turn around I heard voices higher up on the trail. I waited and greeted the hikers and asked if I was close to the lookout. Their affirmative answer and "Oh, you have a camera. You're gonna get great photos!" spurred me on at a frenzied pace. Calculating the minutes I used going up and how many I needed to get back down, I reached the scenic outlook with just a few to spare. Soaked with perspiration I quickly stripped off my t-shirt and got down to the business of capturing the beautiful expansive mountainous landscape and wisps of rain clouds before me. Somewhat ironically I found myself taking pictures of the area I had originally intended to ascend!

Packing up my gear, the minimal amount I brought with me, I began the descent with some haste, but mindful and careful not to slip or turn an ankle. I wasn't sure if I would meet the two hikers (plus their small puppy) on the way down, but I did catch up with them. At which point I relaxed my pace for a more social and leisurely descent down. After all, even though I neglected to be prepared, they had flashlights so even if the light diminished we'd be alright. And I'd be saved from my ineptitude. Luckily I wasn't a Boy Scout. I fear after this tale they'd ask for their badges back!

View of Pico from Deer Leap Overlook

I very much enjoyed the conversation with my downward descent companions. Beth used to have a house on Long Beach Island (my old haunt) and Mark was a Montana mountain and river guide so the talk on the way down was lively and continued to be so after they invited me to join them as we repaid the kindness of the Inn by throwing down some dinner and drinks.  

The next morning I managed to find the trail I had originally intended  to hike and made it up to "Deer Leap Outlook".  Not surprisingly it gave an excellent view of the mountain I hiked up the night before as well a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The afternoon facilitated mulling over the lesson of the day, which is, of course, to be prepared! 

So if you have a chance, get a hike in and then stop by and say "Hello" to Owen behind the bar at the Inn at Long Trail. The veggie burger and homemade coleslaw are pretty darn good.  Just watch out for those Irish Car Bombs and make sure you know the correct trail out of there!