Date: 2014-07-10
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Mile 1640.1 tent site
Miles today: 14.0

I can't keep complaining about the wet. Nobody likes a whiner. It is what it is. Vermont's trail name of Vermud is very apt. Hikers are asked to stay in the center of the trail. At some of the hog wallows the mud is a broad expanse because of hikers trying to skirt around the expanding edge. It is unavoidable. My feet are soaked, and caked in mud, in no time. The fresh bandage on my blister works loose in the wet. We're back to pain management. At least it wasn't raining this morning. The sky turned clear. It's really a great day for hiking. And the forest is really beautiful. It's so lush. Like a temperate jungle. So many shades of green. First up today, and the star, is Stratton Mountain. This is alleged to be where Benton MacKaye was inspired to propose the creation of the AT. The trail up and over the top is about 1800 feet of elevation change, but not a bad hike at all. Except for the mud. The view from the tower is outstanding. It's clear and sunny. I can see all the way to Mt Monadnock in New Hampshire. That's in my back yard and the location of my "about" picture on this site. To the south I can just make out Greylock. To the north the mountains are growing, and gathering together. It's dry and sunny at the tower base. Mud seems far away. Critter caught up with us just before the summit. I haven't seen him since Connecticut. And Indiana Jones. IJ's dad, Big Dawg, is injured and off the trail for a couple of weeks. Bad luck for this father and son team I've hiked with a lot. We're sitting at the tower with Kristo and Shivers. A few day hikers arrive. And a couple Long Trail hikers. And the first SOBO thru hiker I've seen, who started from Katahdin. We're all basking in the sun, among Stratton's fine evergreen trees. Soon enough I head out. I usually leave before the others. They're stronger hikers. Shivers and Critter are both incredibly quick. Kristo has thru hiked the Pacific Crest Trail already. I'm out of my league with these guys. I've so much enjoyed the days, even weeks, I've hiked around this group. I don't think I can stay in their bubble much longer. Soon enough I'm back splashing through water and mud, while hiking through a beautiful forest. If anything, the mud is getting worse. I'm now in pain. My feet are taking a soggy beating. Everyone is heading for Manchester Center. About a 21 mile day. I know I can't do it with my feet hurting like this. Kristo, Shivers, and Critter pass me. I'm starting to limp. Darn. No worries. Chances are I'll see them on up the trail. I now have to take care of myself, and my hike. So 14 miles into the day, with lots of daylight left, I begin looking for a tent site. Tent sites are kind of rare here. I'm looking for a clear flat spot, with evidence of a fire ring. The goal is to not trample vegetation and leave the site as found. Just after a convenient stream I find just the place. So now I'm in my tent. It needs drying out. The forecast doesn't include rain. I sat at the stream and rinsed out my shoes and socks. My socks are hanging on a tree to dry. My feet are airing out. While I don't want to burn daylight without hiking I think this is the best move, long term. Meanwhile, the trail should be drying out as well. We'll see if I can keep my feet dry tomorrow. They'll heal quickly if not wet. After all, they're toughened up by 1640 miles of hiking. Staying wet for days, they get soft and abrade or blister easily. Perhaps good old fashioned waterproof boots are what one needs to hike Vermont's Long Trail. Meanwhile, I've been seeing what I thought was elk poo in the trail. The locals tell me there are no elk here. It's moose poo. Moose! I want to see moose. Now when the trail passes beaver ponds I stop and look carefully. As if the beaver ponds aren't amazing enough. This hike has been an incredible adventure.