Date: 2014-06-30
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: William B Douglas Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: moderate rain

That was an odd but completely doable tent site last night. I haven't slept through the night in weeks. Maybe it was the bourbon. Thanks Karl! Up early, about sixish and no cause for lolling around. Got my longest day of the week today so might as well get started. This is an interesting group. I'm alternately in a crowd or relatively alone but I moved back into a crowd. Right near me was Inflammable - French Canadian thru hiker who is as quiet as me. A few small pleasantries and we were both zipped up reading. There's also Flossie and Gray Squirrel. Very nice couple from Rochester. Check them out on trail journals too. Vermont (Vermud) is very very pretty. The terrain isn't too difficult outside of the mud. This morning is nothing thrilling but looking forward to later this morning - Stratton Mountain. This is where the idea for the trail began by Benton McKaye way back in 1921. It's also the first real mountain in ages. Mt. Greylock was high but you didn't do this long climb to get there. We will for Stratton and I'm happy to have it so I can get used to it again. The Whites are only two weeks away and I need to steel up a bit. It's a gorgeous day. A little overcast and breezy but cool. I can feel rain is coming soon enough but not today. The breeze is just barely enough to help with the bugs. (Btw Debbie if you're reading this I don't have a bug net and don't plan on getting one. They're not horrible but they're really annoying. Up to you.). Passed the now standard beaver dams and birch trees and started the ascent. Just like I remembered although honestly I think I'm even stronger! It wasn't so hard. Glad to be at the top but no sweat. Figuratively of course. Up top is the whole crew as well as a fire tower. I have an unnatural fear of heights that is really frustrating. Things look like nothing until I attempt them. Started the stairs up and by the third flight my usual shaky legs and fear of dropping everything kicks in. I go all the way though. Incredible view for miles. The spruce forest on the mountain tops is such an incredible change. I intended to eat up there but it was tiny, enclosed, and buggy so just came back down and joined the others for chit chat and lunch. They're all going to the next shelter only three miles away. I'm going to the one beyond a further five so I packed up first. Not long down the mountain is one of those classic rushing tumbling brooks with waterfalls and pools. Stopped to refill all my water and got to meet two more hikers, Bright Light and Caveman. It's amazing this whole world of hikers that have been having the same experiences as I only a few days behind me for months but due to mileage or days off you finally meet. Stratton pond, where the other hikers are stopping, is huge and beautiful. I'm going in! But decide to hike further along the trail, which is at the shore, to find another spot beyond the tents. Don't want my white butt to scare anyone. I'm guessing the pond level is high as the trail is right at the edge and submerged at some points. You have to hop over. I also got lost and ended up on a closed section so plopped down for a snack. It's really reedy and froggy and not a good place to swim so I abandon this idea in favor of moving on and maybe hiking past where I expect. Kinda early so why not.My usual antsyness to be done starts pretty early into this last stretch and I justify stopping as there's a deli and ice cream spot about six miles after my shelter that I'd miss if I got there too early so might as well call it a day at the original shelter as planned. I get there really quick even though it's a half mile off trail. And common to those types of shelters I'm all alone. Body is washed. Clothes out to dry. Tent up. Blog written. Nothing to do now but find that flask of bourbon, eat dinner, and read. And just as I say that someone shows up. Well nice to have company. An hour later: Spoke too soon. It's one of those "for real?!" moments. About twelve teenagers showed up. Part of some group. Yay. (Read with minimal enthusiasm)