Date: 2004-05-22
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Pico Camp
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Rain, rain, rain. Fog, fog, fog. Drip, drip, drip. All day long. The rain came in the middle of the night and has been coming down all day, with periodic lulls in the action. I stayed in my raincoat most of the day, primarily for warmth. But it was a day of ascents, so I kept warm from the work.I had set my watch alarm for 5:30 and Woodswoman came into the shelter from her tent at just about that time. I packed up and we were both out of there at 6:00. She hoped to make it to her car at Route 4. I had other ideas. This was the day I was to meet my friends Keith and Steve at Route 103 at 9:00. They were bringing my food box and also planned to hike a little with me. I figured if I could get to the road early enough, I could catch breakfast at the Whistle Stop Caf©. So off we went, down the trail. It was a good climb up from Minerva Hinchey (a great shelter, by the way), and then a pretty easy 2.7 miles to the road. There were some views to the west where you could see Rutland Airport and then the trail descended to Clarendon Gorge, where a swaying suspension bridge took you over the rushing stream below. Katie was hesitant to cross at first, but she made it with a little encouragement.At the road, Woodswoman and I said goodbye as she headed on up the trail and I headed for the Whistle Stop. After a great breakfast (that OJ tasted so good) it was back to the trail crossing and Keith and Steve arrived soon after. I took what food I needed (not much) and put some things in the box to go home. I also sent my tent home, planning to use shelters for the next three nights. That will lighten the load. We all took a quick walk down to the gorge and then headed up the trail. After crossing a small field, it was a climb up a boulder filled ravine, quite interesting. When we reached the height of land, there was a great view back down into the valley. Keith and Steve headed back at this point, but it was really great to see them both and so nice of them to drive all the way down here to see me. In addition, they both gave me their lunch, so I have ham and cheese sandwiches, PB&J, carrot sticks, an apple and a banana. Quite a treat on the trail. Thanks, guys.After that it was a long slog up to Killington Peak. After climbing over several knobs and crossing a bunch of roads, I arrived a Gov. Clement Shelter. What a disaster. This place should be taken down entirely. It is accessible by road, so apparently it¢s a real party place. There were beer bottles, liquor bottles, plastic cups, paper, clothing, trash and broken glass everywhere. I wish the cops would catch people doing this and make them clean up the whole place. Anyway, I got inside out of the rain, ate my lunch quickly and got right back on the trail as I was getting cold. From there the last 4.3 miles to Killington begins in earnest. But the trail is pretty well graded and I was able to do it without stops, arriving at Cooper Lodge, my destination for the day. Cooper Lodge is partially open and has a stone floor and it is also showing signs of partying. It really didn¢t appeal to me, so I decided to move on after a short break.It was only 2.9 miles to Pico Camp, an enclosed shelter which will be home tonight. Woodswoman left a note in the shelter register that she and her drowned rat, Katie, had decided to hike out to her car. I would have done the same in her situation, but Pico Camp will keep me warm and dry tonight.