Celebrate!

10.5 miles

Appalachian Gap and the Battell Trail

See the clouds rolling in!? Rain is a part of the scenery here.

Sky lift in summer. Who would guess this
is what's waiting to bloom under 2' of snow!

The  Green Mountains are most often known for the great skiing available in winter, even by those outside Vermont. The Long Trail, while popular in Vermont, has yet to catch up to them reputation wise. But the views Camille is seeing are beautiful, dramatic and in sharp contrast to what winter brings. 

View from Mt. Abraham (of course!)

Battell Trail climbs steadily to the top of Mount Abraham, one of Vermont’s five 4,000’ mountains. There are great panoramic views of the White Mountains, the 'Dacks and Killington Peak. Camille has backpacked in the 'Dacks, short for Adirondacks, and gets a good view of ground she has covered in this trip.

To give an idea of just how hard the LT (Long Trail) is, Camille shared a shelter with 3  'triple crowners'. A triple crowner is someone who has backpacked the AT (Appalachian Trail), the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) AND the CDT (Continental Divide Trail). One commented that if they had known how hard the Long Trail was, they never would have done it.

If Camille had started where most backpackers who do
the Green Mountains do, this is the sign that would
have greeted her. At this point, the Appalachian
Trail meets up with the Long Trail.

I don't feel so bad saying there is not a bone in my body that would want to do it. The reality is, the LT, though shorter, takes a much larger toll on those who climb it because of it's steepness, rock slabs, ladders and rain. Add 35-40 lbs for the back pack, which is considered on the light side, and it's a real challenge.

As what sometimes happens, paths cross again! Camille shared a feast by backpacking standards when Gabriel arrived at the shelter with friends. They hiked in 2 miles with crusty bread, cheese, meats and fondue to celebrate progress, stories and adventures.

Appetizers! Cheese, meat and crusty bread!

Interior of Stark's Nest Shelter.