I had just returned from a surfing trip to California and took a look at the local weather report which indicated we might be in for the longest stretch of good weather in ages. I quickly packed up my pack with my base gear and hit the recipe book for a few meals.
My friend Richard followed me to a parking spot on Rte 11/30 where the Long Trail and AT cross and then shuttled me about 20 miles south to Kelly Stand Rd. where I would jump on the trail. This section of the AT is a steady three mile plus climb to the Stratton Fire Tower.....
Stratton Fire Tower shot facing south looking at Somerset Resevoir. The smaller pond closer to us is Grout Pond where we are having our NE Hang in July.....
From the tower to where I would stay the night was another 3 miles or so to the Stratton Pond Shelter. Arrived to find nobody there, went to the spring and filtered some water and met two section hikers named Boo-Bear and Tortoise from South Carolina. They had a rambunctious dog named Noah that stole the lid to my cooking pot. I wasn't thrilled but it was a nice dog otherwise. Since I arrived so early I decided to hike around the pond. A pretty place with a beaver lodge on one bank. I think you can see it in this photo...
After a dinner of Chicken Tetrazini I sat by the fire at the shelter and two AT thru hikers came in. The are part of the early crowd that left GA in Jan-Feb. One was named Bomerang and another was Uncle Frank. After chatting for a bit I retired and I dozed off in the hammock.....
Woke early around 6 and made a Hang Dog breakfast. Two packets of oatmeal, half cup of chocolate chips, half cup of banana chips. Lots of food. Today I was hoping to get in more than 12 miles before lunch. Have to start getting my ankles strong for the upcoming thru hike and need to start pushing myself a little bit. Took about 30 minutes to break camp and eat breakfast and I was on the trail.
Some fungi in the early morning light.....
No trip through this section would be complete without a shot from Prospect Rock. A great view of Mt Equinox and the Manchester valley....
Only 4.4 miles to go to get back to my truck. Pretty steady hiking through this section with no surprises. The Painted Trilliums are starting to bloom now......
Got to my truck before noon. Had done almost 13 miles already. Now I have to get in shape enough to do it again after lunch! Hope you enjoyed this trip report.
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