Rain, Rain Rain, Rain, Rain, Rain is the New Normal

7.6 miles

   

Gathering water

It was really apparent that rain is an integral part of living in this part of Vermont. Although the locals are used to it, they did admit this is the most rain they have seen a quite a while. It was time to get back to the trail, or never finish it! We started up Mt Mansfield, where it crosses VT 108. While taking 2 days off to catch up on rest and evaluate every ounce being carried, what was necessary, what could be dispatched with and where to make adjustments to lighten her load, Camille decided to try another water purification system. The great thing about doing a trail like this is that in crossing paths with other thru hikers, it's easy to consider other ways of doing things that are tested and recommended. Instead of carrying 2-4 liters of water, which is close to 10 lbs, some backpackers opt for the Sawyer Squeeze and only carry about 1/2  a liter at a time. It's quicker, and can be done more often and is drinkable in minutes verses almost an hour with the Aqua Muir drops. It's only drawback is does not kill viruses which are not usually found in this part of the country. We stopped at Taft lLodge for a snack and to test out the new system. Worked great!

Attaching filter to top

Squeeze water thru filter
into a spare bottle

As was expected, the trail was wet, water running everywhere, mud and swamp patches to negotiate as best as possible. We were actually hiking up into the clouds

Transfer filter water to
water bladder. The bladder
goes in the bacpack and is
accessible thru a drinking
tube while hiking.

So much iridescence, it was like
walking over copper, gold and silver.

Taft Lodge is situated partially up Mt. Mansfield,
Vermont's tallest mountain.

Taft Lodge is off the ski trails and looks like it could
accommodate at least 20 overnight guests.

I could not keep the hood
back on my rain jacket, so
opted for, as Camille called
it, the "mouse" look, lol.

It's a beautiful and remote setting with reminders
everywhere of it's past transients.

We were told there are spectacular views from the top of Mansfield. The last 100 yards or so is a steep rock scramble. It was probably good we couldn't see much beyond that. The wind picked up, the clouds hung close. We had to settle for the medallion that marked we had made it.

Camille headed over and down the other side, while I made my way, a bit weepy, back down where we had come. My head told me she was prepared, technically skilled from her years of rock climbing, and has a great gut instinct, but still....... sniff.

I hiked down with 2 very nice young men, James and Scott. They had come up a spur trail, which was steeper and more rock slabs. I gave them a ride back to their car when we sloshed back down to the bottom.