NorseAmerican
07-29-2009, 22:59
Well, My son and I made an attempt to thru hike the LT in VT. I have one word for our experience-MUD!
They had 27 out of 31 days rain in June/July and trail was beat up and just insane muddy. Our second day was greeted by a lunch time T-storm, then some clear until 4pm when the sky let loose. We were going from Seth Warner shelter to Congdon shelter when caught in middle of a bad T-Storm. My 12 yr old son was beside himself, and though we were just around corner from shelter(to find out next day) we just hit the wall and could no longer move forward. I pointed out 4 trees on the side of the trail and we hung our tarps. I can tell you, Thank God for Hammocks! If we had been tenters, there would be no dry place for us and would have really had a scary night. Though EVERYTHING was wet, our hammocks and quilts were nice and dry and provided much security and comfort in this nasty storm.
Next morning, my son filled his water bottle IN THE TRAIL with clear running water. We hiked to shelter, greeted by experienced thru hikers who were just shaking their heads at the trail conditions this year. Hiked down mountain to Rt 9 and Bennington only to find a nicly damaged toe requiring a Podiatrist visit and days off trail.
We had a few more days hiking around Killington and deceided to give it another try in the future. It was an experience, the fun factor was minimal so we cut our losses with about 50 miles under our belt.
My son and I had some good bonding, he gained experience and matured a lot-quickly. My cousin who joined the BB club met up with us for a few days too.
The rig on top of the rock is my sons creation of course:D
Can't wait for more trail time!
NA
They had 27 out of 31 days rain in June/July and trail was beat up and just insane muddy. Our second day was greeted by a lunch time T-storm, then some clear until 4pm when the sky let loose. We were going from Seth Warner shelter to Congdon shelter when caught in middle of a bad T-Storm. My 12 yr old son was beside himself, and though we were just around corner from shelter(to find out next day) we just hit the wall and could no longer move forward. I pointed out 4 trees on the side of the trail and we hung our tarps. I can tell you, Thank God for Hammocks! If we had been tenters, there would be no dry place for us and would have really had a scary night. Though EVERYTHING was wet, our hammocks and quilts were nice and dry and provided much security and comfort in this nasty storm.
Next morning, my son filled his water bottle IN THE TRAIL with clear running water. We hiked to shelter, greeted by experienced thru hikers who were just shaking their heads at the trail conditions this year. Hiked down mountain to Rt 9 and Bennington only to find a nicly damaged toe requiring a Podiatrist visit and days off trail.
We had a few more days hiking around Killington and deceided to give it another try in the future. It was an experience, the fun factor was minimal so we cut our losses with about 50 miles under our belt.
My son and I had some good bonding, he gained experience and matured a lot-quickly. My cousin who joined the BB club met up with us for a few days too.
The rig on top of the rock is my sons creation of course:D
Can't wait for more trail time!
NA