Long Trail

A 30-day adventure by Steven Read more

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Trip start
September 10, 2016
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Day 1
Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 5:24 AM
☁️ 21 °C
Altitude: 79 ft
United States Studleys Pond 42.12081, -70.9241742°7’15” N 70°55’27” W
todays location
September 10, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
I think you can tell, this isn't the Long Trail. It's just a test. Stay tuned, because I will be on the trail tomorrow. I'll upload updates whenever I get phone reception, so you may not see any changes for a couple of days at a time. If you're interested, keep checking in. Some of it may be interesting, some boring.... Don't know that yet. I'm going to hike it to find out.

Look for the Map icon. Guess what that does....I'm headed southbound.
You can leave a comment below if you want.Read more
Newly home from my visit south. Sorry I didn't get a chance to see you before you headed out. Thanks for sending this along. I am VERY interested in following your journey and admire your courage to do this. Who know, maybe Ken and I can meet up with you at some point along the way. Look forward to your postings. Be careful and have fun......hugs, Muriel
9/12/16Reply
Linda St. CroixHi,
9/12/16Reply
Linda St. CroixLooking forward to following you on this adventure.
9/12/16Reply
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Day 3
Monday, September 12, 2016 at 1:13 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 2,195 ft
United States Town of Jay 44.96961, -72.5116244°58’11” N 72°30’42” W
Shooting Star Shelter
September 12, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
I'm about 4 miles into it. Weather is perfect. Sorry, I messed up. I forgot to take a picture of the beginning of the trail overlooking Canada. Haven't seen any moose, bear or Canadians.
Linda St. CroixLooking forward to following this adventure. Take Care XOXO Linda
9/12/16Reply
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Day 4
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 7:54 AM
☀️ 8 °C
Altitude: 2,651 ft
United States Doll Peak 44.93717, -72.5345344°56’14” N 72°32’4” W
First night
September 13, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
I made it to Laura Woodward shelter at around 6pm. I met a northbound guy who said he knows of a few people coming along that will use the shelter. I decided to hang my hammock. Everyone that eventually showed up was great. All except one will finish their hike today. I will probably see the other person at the next shelter.Read more
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Day 4
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 7:57 AM
☀️ 8 °C
Altitude: 2,651 ft
United States Doll Peak 44.93717, -72.5345444°56’14” N 72°32’4” W
Jay
September 13, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
This is my first challenge today. Hike up Jay Peak. I'm good to go. Don't know if you can see it but that is the lodge at the top of the tram. More pix to come
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Day 4
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 5:12 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 2,073 ft
United States Hazens Notch State Forest 44.84983, -72.5165344°50’59” N 72°30’60” W
Hazen Notch
September 13, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Up and over Jay first thing this morning. left at 8;30 and was finished at about noon. Then hiked the rest of the day to here. Good place to stay. Weather has been great but I think things will change tomorrow. Haven't decided how far I will go tomorrow. Didn't get Jay Peaks pix on my phone to share. We were up at the top where the tram goes. Weird looking at it without snow.Read more
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Day 5
Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 9:28 AM
🌧 15 °C
Altitude: 2,060 ft
United States Hazens Notch State Forest 44.84992, -72.5165244°50’60” N 72°30’59” W
Day 3
September 14, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 15 °C
I'm getting a late start for lots of reasons. The most important is that I am not in a rush. Reason 2.. it is raining off and on all day. I had to slow down and think about how to be ready for rain. No problem.... I think.Reason 3... I have a choice of going to the next shelter about 6 miles away with one big climb up Haystack Mountain, or to keep going to the next one 17 miles away. Reason 4... I am still getting my hiking legs together. I have no reason to push it. Everyone one I've met is great and all competent hikers. I'm learning little tricks already. I hiked with Hannah yesterday, and we took a break and hitched a ride to that country store in Jay for a roast beef sub. The Jaybirds know which one, the place where we buy Shed beer across from that nice restaurant.Read more
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Day 5
Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 3:26 PM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 2,510 ft
United States Lockwood Pond 44.79922, -72.5508844°47’57” N 72°33’3” W
Tiliston Shelter
September 14, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
This was my planned destination for the day. Did 6 miles in 5 hours. Rainy and slippery so I took it slow. Still did pretty well. This place doesn't look like much from the outside, but it is nice inside. Warmer and drier than outside. Nobody here yet but there probably be hiker coming in by nightfall. Temps will get cooler but no rain tomorrow. I'll try to get some mileage.Read more
Sandy BerardiHow many miles in so far?
9/15/16Reply
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Day 6
Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 7:13 PM
🌙 10 °C
Altitude: 1,788 ft
United States Belvidere Center 44.706, -72.6840644°42’22” N 72°41’3” W
Corliss Shelter
September 15, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 10 °C
I ended up all by my lonesome at the Tilliston Shelter, except for the mice. Not very good company. One of then tried to eat the draw string on my hiking shorts. The next Shelter was only 8 miles away, but I wanted to get more miles done. The one after that was 15 miles. Given the terrain I've been hiking in, I didn't think I'd make that. The plan became to hike as far as I could, then setup my hammock wherever I landed. Turns out the terrain was much easier, so here I am at Corliss after a 15 miler. On the way I stopped at a fire tower on the top of Mt. Belvedere. Perfectly clear day, so I could see the whole world from the top. Got lots of pictures with my real camera. I forgot to take one with my phone, so I messed up yet again. Sorry, I'll try to do better. This shelter is first class accommodation.Read more
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Day 8
Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 7:31 AM
☀️ 11 °C
Altitude: 968 ft
United States West Settlement 44.62786, -72.7239744°37’40” N 72°43’26” W
Stealth Camping
September 17, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C
I woke up at Corliss Camp, ate breakfast, visited the outhouse, brushed my teeth, packed up, and got water. I punched into work at 9am, and my first task was to climb 2.6 miles up Laraway Mt. Got that done in an hour and a half, and saw this.Read more
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Day 8
Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 7:41 AM
☀️ 11 °C
Altitude: 968 ft
United States West Settlement 44.6279, -72.7239944°37’40” N 72°43’26” W
More Day 5
September 17, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C
Kept hiking under some overhang rock, got lost for a few minutes. A few hours later I saw this. that's Prospect Rock. Pictures don't do it justice. Stunning view with the late afternoon sun. I crossed Route 15 and hiked another 2 miles to my next shelter. It doesn't have a name, because I picked it out of the woods next to a stream. Exclusive accommodations I guess. I think I did 12 miles yesterday. Only 8 today, but tough ones. Madonna Mt and Whiteface.Read more
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Day 8
Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 7:22 PM
☁️ 17 °C
Altitude: 2,969 ft
United States Sterling Pond 44.55759, -72.7756344°33’27” N 72°46’32” W
Smugglers Notch
September 17, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Today was what I expected. Tough climb up Whiteface Mt, then Madonna Mt. Madonna is where the Smugglers Notch ski area is. Part of the trail goes up a ski trail. I got to the Sterling Pond Shelter at around 4pm and I think 8 miles. I found out hikers can stay in the ski lodge down the trail a bit. Good thing because the wind is howling and it will rain hard tonight. Nice in here. Tomorrow I am staying at a B&B in Jeffersonville to wait out the rain before trying to get over Mt Mansfield. That's the tallest one in VT. I need to rest for that one. That first picture is the top of Smugs. Got to try to ski it someday.Read more
Linda St. CroixHi Steve,
9/18/16Reply
Linda St. CroixHi Steve,
9/18/16Reply
Linda St. CroixHi Steve- awesome views- sounds like you are having some great hikes. are you seeing any other hikers? How about BEAR? Take Care Linda
9/18/16Reply
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Day 9
Sunday, September 18, 2016 at 6:46 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 505 ft
United States Judevine Brook 44.65671, -72.7694544°39’24” N 72°46’10” W
Green Valley B&B
September 18, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Ok... I'm really not a wimp. It was supposed to rain all day, but didn't. It would have been a good hiking day, but I stayed with the plan and came here anyway. I hiked 3.3 miles to Route 108 which goes right through Smugglers Notch. Marsha from the inn picked me up at noon. I settled in, took a shower and threw my smelly clothes into a bag. They took them away and i got them back washed and still warm from the dryer. Later the drove me into town where I had a big fat burger and a couple of beers. I was looking at the Bullet Bourbon on the shelf, but held back. I'm focused, sometimes. I also went to the store to resupply. My pack weight is back up, but not like I started. I had too much stuff. I get breakfast here, then back on the trail by around 9am. Looks like a good day for Mansfield, so far.Read more
What an incredible experience, how are you?
9/18/16Reply
Hi Steve. Ken and I had a chance to go through your blog together yesterday. Want to figure out the best time/place to catch you along the trail. Let us know your thoughts. Once Berta is settled and Ken's job is set we are free to go. Can travel over during the week or weekend. Whatever works best. What an incredible experience
9/19/16Reply
Barbara TennisonMy kind of accommodations Steve. After seeing all the the pics, I get why you would be doing something like this, it is beautful, but it also reinforces why I like hotels....lol Be safe. Barbara
9/19/16Reply
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Day 10
Monday, September 19, 2016 at 12:15 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 3,927 ft
United States The Chin 44.53813, -72.8171344°32’17” N 72°49’2” W
Mt Mansfield
September 19, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Sitting on top of Mansfield. Two plus miles uphill hike from Smugglers Notch. Did well because of my rest at the B&B, and breakfast.. eggs sausage and four big pancakes. Dave, the owner, drove me back to Smugs and I started my day just before 9am. The shelter I am headed for is less than 3 hours away, so I'm lingering here to see if the clouds clear.

I haven't figured out how to answer individual questions, so I'm not ignoring it. Antiquated technology. Cell service has been good so far as you can tell.Read more
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Day 10
Monday, September 19, 2016 at 5:25 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 1,850 ft
United States Nebraska Notch 44.48487, -72.8265344°29’6” N 72°49’36” W
Taylor Lodge
September 19, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
I got here at about 4pm. Nice enough place. The next challenge is a bump called Camel's Hump, but it is more than a day away. I'm trying to figure out how close I can get to it to be able to climb it in the morning. Weather should be good, so I think I can get a lot of miles done. After Camel's Hump the trail gets easier.Read more
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Day 11
Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 9:29 AM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 3,156 ft
United States Bolton Mountain 44.45402, -72.8388144°27’14” N 72°50’20” W
Puffer Shelter
September 20, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
I got up and out early, trying to make it to Banforth Shelter by 5pm. It's 18 miles, but I have an alternative at 16. Easier terrain. Trying to get as close as I can to Camel's Hump, so I can bag that tomorrow. I've been hiking 2.5 hours and I'm taking a break and looking at this.Read more
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Day 11
Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 7:30 PM
🌙 22 °C
Altitude: 712 ft
United States Gleason Brook 44.36405, -72.8772844°21’51” N 72°52’38” W
On the way to Camels Hump
September 20, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 22 °C
I hiked from 7am until 6pm and got close enough to get Camel's Hump done tomorrow. I think i did 16 miles. The first 6 were uphill. I don't know why I am in such a rush to get this done. I think it is because I've been told by northbound hikers it is the last real big challenge in the trail for southbounders There still is Killington, but there are days between big peaks, not one right after another. I just pulled over next to a stream, and hung my hammock, ate something quick, and am ready for some rest. Walked over the new bridge over the Winooski River. Then across a field full of chickens.Read more
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Day 12
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 1:17 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 3,871 ft
United States Camels Hump 44.31951, -72.8864744°19’10” N 72°53’11” W
Top of the Hump
September 21, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Finally made it. Wasn't real steep, just long. The downhill is supposed to be harder. Perfect day to be up here. I can see Madison where I came from and Ethan Allen where I will be tomorrow. I'm stopping at the next shelter 1.5 miles away to slow down a bit. Can't tell from the small pictures. I think that is Madison out there.Read more
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Day 13
Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 9:55 AM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 3,547 ft
United States Mount Ethan Allen 44.29382, -72.883344°17’38” N 72°52’60” W
Mt Ethan Allen
September 22, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
I'm over the Hump. I stayed at Montclair Shelter about 1.5 miles down the Trail. Place was like a fortress. They had a lot of bear problems last year. Not so now. My day started later as I only have 8 miles to hike to the next shelter. From the shelter I climbed a mile straight up to the top of Ethan Allen, where I sit now looking at this view. I can slow down, because I'm right on schedule and the terrain will mellow out.Read more
Liz McDonoughGood for you! i know someone who's son is doing the trail but south to north. He started about 4-5 days ago. He's mid 20's, hiking alone, name is Zack. I've known his father from the gym for several years. Just an FYI if you run into him. Happy trails! Liz
9/22/16Reply
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Day 13
Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 3:21 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 2,041 ft
United States Beane Mountain 44.23662, -72.9304444°14’12” N 72°55’50” W
Birch Glen Cabin
September 22, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
This place is as rustic as it gets. It was built in 1930, and except for the tin roof, looks like nothing has been done to it. I'm on my original plan for today, Although I've been stewing over another idea since this morning. I thought of going into town, Waitsfield, this afternoon. I have to stop there before moving on to get more food. I started to rush to get to Route 17, but came to my sense's. I promised myself I wouldn't rush any more, and I have 7 days to get to my next destination. The Inn at the Long Trail is only 60 miles from here. So here I am, taking it easy. I'll be able to take my time in town tomorrow, and stop at a restaurant for a real huge meal. Hiker appetite has sunk in.Read more
Linda St. CroixLook rather rough - hope you did not see any bear?
9/25/16Reply
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Day 14
Friday, September 23, 2016 at 12:45 PM
🌧 12 °C
Altitude: 728 ft
United States Waitsfield 44.18845, -72.8330144°11’18” N 72°49’59” W
Waitsfield
September 23, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 12 °C
Rained a lot from 2am until 8 or so. Sounded worse in that cabin because of the metal roof. I was dry and warm, so I didn't care. I packed and left for town at around 8:30. It was only 2.5 miles to Route 17, but slippery. I had nice slow hike in the light rain. Hitchhiked into town, second car. Easy up here in northern VT. Eating a big breakfast now, and will be back on the trail within the next couple of hours. Got enough food to get me to the Inn at the Long Trail, 6 days away? Nick meets me there for 4 days of hiking.Read more
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Day 14
Friday, September 23, 2016 at 5:44 PM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 3,540 ft
United States Stark Mountain 44.19167, -72.9310444°11’30” N 72°55’52” W
Starks Nest
September 23, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
This is the ski lodge on top of Mad River Glen Ski Mountain. Old New England ski hut. Staying here tonight. A group of older people, locals, stopped by and we talked for about an hour. One guy handed me a nice local IPA, then another. I like this place. Warm too. I'll try to get a picture tomorrow if the fog lifts.Read more
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Day 15
Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 6:46 AM
🌫 2 °C
Altitude: 3,540 ft
United States Stark Mountain 44.19166, -72.9311744°11’30” N 72°55’52” W
1
Good Morning
September 24, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 2 °C
Linda St. CroixSo beautiful. You must be looking forward to Nick's visit.
9/25/16Reply
Barbara TennisonAbsolutely gorgeous, wouldn't it be nice to wake up to that every day. Is that snow I see?
9/26/16Reply
Hey Steve see you Thursday afternoon sometime. 4 hours from here will leave about 10am. Easier to coordinate a drive then a hike. k
9/26/16Reply
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Day 15
Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 6:36 PM
⛅ 8 °C
Altitude: 2,959 ft
United States South Lincoln 44.07141, -72.9195244°4’17” N 72°55’10” W
Somewhere Before Mt. Grant
September 24, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C
Uneventful day, except for the wedding I passed by on the top of Mt Abraham. The bride looked real cold. Actually the day started out nicely with that beautiful sunrise. I just hiked all day. The next shelter was too close and the next one too far, so I stopped and hung the hammock in the woods along the trail. It's going to get cold tonight. I was told 36 degrees. This will be an interesting night..I think I'm prepared. I'm sure I'll get some sleep. The terrain is much easier, but there were a lot of day hikers passing by. I forgot it is the weekend, and the trail is busier then. Up till today, I'd go for hours without seeing anyone. Moving ahead of schedule to Killington. I think I will be there on Wednesday.Read more
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Day 17
Monday, September 26, 2016 at 2:11 PM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 2,605 ft
United States Middlebury College Snow Bowl 43.92841, -72.9607143°55’42” N 72°57’39” W
Middlebury Snow Bowl
September 26, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Cell service has been weak for the last few days. I stayed at the Skyline Shelter last night. Easy 10 miles today with perfect hiking weather. Enjoying it because I might be hiking in the rain tomorrow. Not for sure, but it won't be sunny. Not sure if I mentioned it, but I hung out in my hammock the cold night before. Not my best sleep, but I got through it like I knew what I was doing. I'm a couple of days I'll be at the Inn at the Long Trail. I'll be overwhelmed with the amenities... Beer,. And lots of food. This is the morning view from the shelter.Read more
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Day 18
Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 8:59 AM
⛅ 10 °C
Altitude: 2,365 ft
United States Romance Mountain 43.89363, -72.9716543°53’37” N 72°58’18” W
Sucker Brook Shelter
September 27, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
Got to get going. Doing 12 miles today to set up to get to the Inn at the Long Trail tomorrow. Stayed here. First time in a lean-to with 6 people. Rained a bit, but no problem. That's Hannah, my hiking buddy.Read more
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