Date: 2016-06-24
From: Goddard Shelter, VT

To: Stratton Pond Shelter, VT
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: few clouds

Day 6319.3 miles in 11.75 hoursGoddard Shelter, VT (1621.1) to Stratton Pond Shelter (1640.4)Weather: Sunny, colder (low 60s?), cool breezesDinner: Beef stroganoff Hikers: Half a dozen Long Trail southbounders, Jeremy (six toes) and Rootbeard at the shelterWildlife: Beaver and loon in Stratton Pond, something large crashing through the woods en route to the pond Very cool night last night. Only three of us stayed in the shelter. No problem with bugs. Remarkably I was one of the first ones up, even in the entire camp, up. 5:45 a.m. That's not very early by hiker standards. Was on the trail by 7:15. Hiking uphill is so less taxing first thing in the morning. Last night it seemed liked the shelter would never appear. This morning, no problemo hiking up to the fire tower and climbing it. The view was gorgeous in the morning sun. Today was a big day. Last weekend I learned that my husband was planning on surprising me with a visit this coming weekend. I was starting to get suspicious sounding texts culminating with an oddly specific date question. Even though I ruined the surprise of having him suddenly show up, I was still beyond thrilled to learn of his scheming ways. It also ensured that I would be where I said I'd be, which tends to be extremely difficult to plan more than a few days out. This current section of Vermont spans two wilderness sections and is more or less roadless. I had to hike more than 19 miles today in order to have a less challenging rendezvous day tomorrow. While long and ultimately tiring, today was less challenging than yesterday. There were more views, several ponds¢and with one notable exception¢less severe elevation changes. I kept leapfrogging with Rootbeard and Jeremy throughout the day and we all ended up at the same shelter that night. I will admit, however, that after hiking the final three miles up to the Stratton Mountain summit, at 5 p.m., the inspirational brass for AT visionary Benton MacKaye was lost on me. I just wanted to hike the final 2.8 miles down to the shelter and be done with the day. On AWOL¢s map, Stratton Mountain rises from the surrounding landscape like a single 3936¢ high breast. I fear I didn't take advantage of discussing much with Jean, one of the caretakers living in the remote cabin at the summit. Black flies, those little piranhas of the north woods, were out in force for the first time that I've noticed so far on this hike. I almost didn't even climb up the fire tower where our ¢view¢ was located, if not for Rootbeard. He was still checking his messages when I arrived imploring me that this was the reason the trail lead here in the first place. I¢ll tell you: It's quite different thinking about spending the effort to enjoy a view at the beginning vs. the end of a day. Arrived at the newer Stratton Pond Shelter, incidentally not actually located on the pond, around 7 p.m. Got dinner started and walked the .3 miles to the pond where I attempted to discourage a busy beaver to move on so I could swim. I vaguely recall a story years ago about someone once being mauled by an aggressive beaver. Or was it an otter? Regardless, I was hell bent to swim. And swim I did in the warm pond waters. And the loons did sing. And all was right with the world once again. Except for my throbbing toes. A little Ibuprofen made them alright too.