Date: 2003-06-26
From: Manchester Center

To: Danby VT
Miles today: 17.5

The rain stopped earlier this week and now the sun is out in full force. This is the third day in a row with temps above 90. All the rain combined with warm weather the bugs are out in force. I swear I had the same black fly follow me all day long. When I stopped paying him any attention he would just fly into the side of my head just to let me know that he was still there.Once again the trail started out nice and easy. Penny hiked with me for a little while as we meandered beside a small mountain stream. After crossing a bridge you could tell the fun was about to begin. For the next two miles all I did was climb. I came upon a hiker who was just out for the week and he was tossing his cookies as I approached. Not the most pleasant sight but maybe it helped me get my butt up to the top of Bromley Mountain. I thought I had reached the top but there was a sign stating that the summit was .3 miles higher. It felt like it took forever to walk that distance. It was mostly mental but it was really hot and the trail was steep. Of course there is a chair lift at the summit which was kind of freaky to see. I'll never look at a chairlift the same again knowing that it could whisk someone up to the top in a matter of minutes. I had this strange urge to throw an Appalachian Trail rock at the lift but I got past the feeling and trudged onward.Thank goodness that Bromley Mountain was the hardest climb of the day. The trail mostly stayed on the ridge with an occasional climb to a different peak. In the late afternoon the trail went down to Griffith Lake. It was a beautiful scene walking past this high mountain lake surrounded by fir trees.I gradually climbed back up until I hit Baxter peak. I should know by now that if there is a side trail that tells you to take it in case of foul weather that the normal trail is going to scare me a little bit. This was no exception. The climb up was totally over very steep, exposed granite. Before I reached the top I was down on my hands and knees scrambling my way around the rocks.I stopped for lunch at Peru Peak Shelter and my watch read that the temp was 93 degrees. I munched on tuna fish and crackers and drank at least 2 liters of water. It felt more like South Carolina in July than Vermont in June.Near the end of the day I heard something in front of me on the trail. There was this big porcupine just taking its time. I clanged my hiking poles together which didn't bother him at all but he finally looked back and noticed me. He slowly turned left and then climbed up a small tree right beside the trail. The trail was thick with trees so I had to walk directly underneath the porcupine. The thought did cross my mind of the thing letting go, falling down on my head and sticking my head full of quills. The big thing just looked at me as I walked by and it was cool to see one so up close.At the end of the day, Penn was right there to pick me up. No matter how sweaty and stinky I am she stills gives me a big hug and a kiss. We drove up to Rutland and had dinner at a cute little diner. We both really enjoy finding these old Mom and Pop places to try. So far the food has always been pretty darn good. A long hike and a full stomach means it is time for me to get to bed.Take care,Pasta & Crockett(Maine in 2003)