Vermont 2006

In September, 2006 the Kingston club organized a five-day hiking trip in the Green Mountains of Vermont, based out of the Red Fox Alpine Lodge in Jeffersonville.

On the first day, one of the groups started up Mount Mansfield from the Smuggler's Notch trailhead.

"Up" turned out to be the operative word, with a steep ascent along Hell's Brook Trail!

A lunch stop on the "Adam's Apple" provided a welcome pause, and gave time for some of the group to size up the trail leading up to "The Chin"...

...while others contemplated the task ahead in a somewhat different manner.

After "interesting" scrambles up a number of rock faces on the way to "The Chin", the trail was less steep near the top, with fabulous views.

The group at the top - with a Steward of the Summit in the background - keeping a wary eye on these unruly Canucks!

The official uniform of a Steward of the Summit?

Barry, the trip leader, points the way, but does Maureen have another destination in mind?

Linda has the map, and confirms the route...

...while Mary and Michelle wait patiently.

The decision is made, and off we go, back down the mountain, via the Profanity and Long Trails.

Accommodation at the lodge was compact...

...while the meals were substantial, and cheerfully served by Christian (from Peru) and Carmen (from Romania).

Some highlights from the remainder of the trip...

Part of the group at the top of Mount Abraham, where the clouds rolled across the summit, driven by strong winds, keeping the temperature low and the view largely obscured (had anyone been brave enough to peek out over the wall!)

With a dubious weather forecast, many people opted for a walk along the river and Stowe's recreational pathway. For those taking this trip for the first time - and who headed back after 5.0 miles - the covered bridge at the end of the road was just over a quarter of a mile ahead. (But - we know - you were anxious to get back to "The Shed" to sample the microbrews for lunch!)

However, you also missed the bird that walked out of the bushes, tucked its head beneath its wing, and went to sleep, two feet from the edge of the path!

A final hike to the summit of Mount Hunger, shrouded in cloud (just for a change), prior to heading home.

Photo credits: Alan German