Doug McKain from Green Mountain Hiking Club chauffeured us from the North Troy Inn at the end of the Long Trail (LT) to the start in Williamstown, MA. Though only 273 miles, it took us 7 hours to drive, with a short stop at the Green Mountain headquarters in Waterbury Center and then to eat.
When we got to the trail head it was pouring. Though Doug offered to take us to a hotel, we decline. At the start of the Pine Cobble Trail, which leads to the LT, a trail angel had put a bowl of water out for hiking dogs. Instantly we thought our our friend Elizabeth who is fond of dogs. A little way farther we saw a natural bowl in the bole of a tree.
Because of the rain, the trail was very muddy and we had to watch not to trip. I did manage to have my first fall, biting my tongue. I slipped on slippery bark and down I went.
Unfortunately, hiking took us longer than expected and we did not arrive at the first shelter (Seth Warner) only 7 miles away until after nine. We had to use our headlamps to walk the last mile or so.
We are both out of shape, and I have a terrible cough. Dennis can tell how far behind I am by my barking. At least it will keep the coyotes away. Their baying was the only sign of large wildlife we saw on the first day.
On day two, we left the campsite around 10 am. Our destination was Congdon Camp, about 7.2 miles away. Lots of uphill climbs, something we Floridians are unaccustomed to. That, being in our late 60s, out of shape, and at a higher altitude meant that it was slow going. By mid afternoon, Dennis said that the last two days were the most difficult 15 miles that he ever walked (and he completed the Appalachian Trail in 2008). Then we discovered that we still had 3.8 miles to the shelter! Another long day.
Today we only walked around 4 miles to Route 9. Our speed was a bit faster until the last steep descent. It was very scary for me, especially since I have a fear of heights. The trail was a bolder stairway with a cliff to the left.
When we got to the bottom, Steve (a trail angel) was waiting to take hikers to the Catamount Motel. Once showered, I went to the walk-in clinic and was told I had severe allergies. I hope the prescriptions will provide relief.
For supper we went to the Madison Brewing Company. I had a Chocolate Milk Stout (right), the daily special, while Dennis had a Maple Red (left). We both enjoyed our brews and meal.
Hoping tomorrow I will be better and back on the trail…if only for a few miles.
I hope that you are starting to feel better from your cough and that you and Dennis are finding your strength and fitness is increasing as you hike.
Thank you, Aine. I am feeling better. The allergy medicine seems to help.
We are both struggling, especially with the uphill climbs–we are both breathless. Milage has increased from 1 miles per hour to 1 miles per 3/4 hrs. Afternoons are hard…low energy.