LT thru hike attempt

**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

Can't wait for more trail time!
NA

**Cannibal** · 07-29-2009, 23:35

It will be fun when you're telling the story later.

Bummer about the trip; I kinda know how you feel after my CT fail. Still, I'd rather be fighting a muddy trail than sitting at my desk worried about paper cuts.

Plus, at least you have an excuse to go back and try again.

**Coffee** · 07-30-2009, 02:36

You got to spend a month hiking with you son. Don't think I would view that as anything other than a success. The LT will always be there for the next go around. I was able to hike 2 miles of the AT with my dad. Have to say it was 2 of my favorite. Hoping to do a long canoe trip with him at some point, his body won't do well hiking long distances anymore. I want to get a long trip in with him before it's too late.

**Coffee** · 07-30-2009, 02:40

btw nice Inn at the Long Trail pics. I ended up eating and drinking there on my AT thru only to stealth in the woods off the trail south of there. Then went into Rutland for a zero. Thanks for bringing back some good memories.

**plowhorse** · 07-31-2009, 10:53

great story, and like cannibal said the fun is telling it.

**ejl10** · 08-01-2009, 07:52

Hey NorseAmerican,

Nice to meet you guys at Cooper Lodge (I was the guy who chatted with you about UL and hammocks for a while). Saw you later from my window at the Inn, but you were on your way out. Thanks for the hammock tips - I finished my thru hike Thursday and I really wish I'd had a hammock most nights. I love my tarptent, but a hammock would have been the ideal shelter on that trail. Also, thanks for referring me to this site. Lots of good information, and I'll be sure to research the blackbird before recklessly spending my money on a HH!

Good luck if and when you give the LT another chance. The northern half is a whole new ball of wax!

Emmett

**NorseAmerican** · 08-02-2009, 07:13

Hi Emmit, Great to hear from ya! Congrats on the thru completion. Glad you like the site. There are lots of great people here. Once you go to the air, there will be no coming back. Saving a pound or so just is not worth it.

As some pointed out, for me the actual best part was just being with my son for that long, and to see him grow so much in so little time. Emmit got a peak at the little bugger-he was babbling on non stop on Killington for some reason, and was cracking everyone up. I am looking forward to more backpacking and hiking with him. We will need to work on his sister to get her into the woods though

**LyttleBryan** · 10-06-2009, 08:22

Sorry for having to ask this, but what is the LT?

**angrysparrow** · 10-06-2009, 08:24

Originally Posted by LyttleBryan

Sorry for having to ask this, but what is the LT?

Long Trail = Hiking Trail in Vermont

**Hawk-eye** · 10-06-2009, 08:36

I wouldn't look at it as a failure ... they're all adventures. Like mentioned above ... the tale will improve with age and the memories will always be fond memories when your son looks back on his trip with his dad.