Looks like the End

Up and out with the first light of dawn. The final miles burning under my feet I reached the Canadian Border around 9:30am. Bittersweet ending. So much to say but so little time to type it! The mad dash for home begins now!

-Fresh

6/18-6/19

Rain came late in the night and didn't stop til after I had already pushed the 7 miles I had planned for the day. The trail in this final 50 miles might as well be a creek. I was soaked to the bone and my boots were sopping. The care taker at Hazen's Notch had been kind enough to leave a large wood pile inside the cabin and I was able to get a raging fire going and dry all of my stuff out. The Boy Scouts managed to catch me again due to my short miles. This time however they came prepared, fresh from a resupply with brats! And plenty to share. I ate really well last night. Sleep came easy and I was able to get out really early today pushing 9 miles up and over Jay Peak which provided some excellent panoramic views, from Mt Washington, to Mansfield,and even lake Champlain. The miles seemed to really tick by and I was here at Laura Woodard shelter by around noon. It's hard to believe I will be finished with my hike tomorrow morning. I got one last fire going, and I plan to eat really well tonight, whatever's left in the food bag is getting eaten. Light and fast to the border. I've been carrying a bomber bottle of Switchback Ale for a couple days now (thanks to the scout leader) which I am looking very forward to cracking open in Canada. Tomorrow's the day, Fresh is makin a run for the border. 

-Fresh

6/16-6/17

I'm up for the sunrise today. First shelter the entire trip I've actually had a view worth getting up so early to see. It's 5:24 and the sun is just about to break over the Mount Belvedere. Yesterday started my slow down week to Canada, a mere 6.7 miles brought me here to Spruce Ledge Camp. Today is a bit longer at 8.4 over Belvedere to Tillotson Camp. These last few shelters here in Vermont have been more like cabins than lean-tos. Completetly enclosed and generally pretty nice. Hopefully Tillotson won't disappoint. I can just see the rim of the sun creeping over the mountain. More to come later. A 6:30 start this morning got me into the shelter at Tillotson Camp right around lunchtime. The miles were pretty easy today. I thought for sure I was gonna see a moose, given all the tracks and scat everywhere, but to no avail. I jumped 4 grouse today coming through some really tall fern which always manages to give me a boost of adrenalin. The forecast for tomorrow has cleared up but we should get some rain later this evening. I'm going to do my best to get another sunrise start tomorrow, getting into camp early always feels really good and the past 2 days has allowed me to take my time and enjoy the surroundings instead of big mile days with my head down and no time for side trails or vistas. I can't believe I'll be at the border in 23 more miles. What a great trip. Dinner time. 

-Fresh

6/14-6/15

For some reason I can't stop pushing big days. Out of Waterbury, with an early start and the first of 2 back to back slack packs, I pushed all the way to Taylor Lodge. The rain still sticking with me off and on. It wasn't an enjoyable day.   Out of Taylor lodge I pushed up and over Mansfield! Finally the clouds parted and gave me excellent views, Vermont's highest peak did not disappoint, tons of exposure and lots of steep rock scrambling on the northern desent. I made really great time coming over Mansfield and with the weather holding I was able to push to Rt 15, up and over Madonna peak, and stay in the small town of Johnson avoiding the late night rain that came through, slack packing has really helped knock out this last couple of big days before the slow down to Canada, there's no way I could've pushed a big 20 over Mansfield without it.

 Another early start with great weather today.  The destination was Corliss Camp  and I made to here just before 3 only to be companied with a troop of Boy Scouts. Too much company. They're going all the way to Canada from here so I'm gona have to do what I can to keep in front of them. It's just too many people in camp at night. I cannot believe I am almost to Canada. From here I'm just 38 miles from reaching the border and completing my journey. It's a mixed bag of feelings.  I'm Happy to be completing the Hike for the Fallen. This thing that started back in January has turned into something amazing that I really never expected. This hike has allowed for a lot of reflection time as well as time to think on the future and where life goes from here. Such a great trip and still a few more days to soak it all in. 

-Fresh 

6/9-6/10 ups and downs

Yesterday started well. Pushed big miles out of Skyline Pond to Battell shelter just North of Lincoln Gap. I was in the shelter and set up by about 6. That's when things went south. I was solo at the shelter with a couple of day hikers passing by from time to time going up Mt Abe. I went to the privy (outhouse) after eating and cleaning up, as I returned I noticed someone going through my pack as another stood by and watched. After a brief confrontation and an exchange of words, I was completely unnerved,being solo and outnumbered, so I pushed back down to the road crossing at Lincoln Gap. When I reached the bottom I was able to decompress and actually see if anything was missing, they got what little cash I was carrying for emergencies but everything gear wise was intact. I caught a ride down into the town of Lincoln to the Old Hotel B&B where I was able to call the VT state troopers as well as the forestry service law enforcement. I'll leave the incident at that. The owner of the Old Hotel ended up being a retired firefighter and still remained active as a chaplain. They were very gracious hosts, I canny say enough for how well I was treated and I was not charged anything. It was good to be able to calm my nerves and relax a bit. In all the time I've spent backpacking I have never had a negative experience with anyone, I was surprised and upset by the whole thing, but it doesn't change my outlook. 

I got a late start today, wasn't on trail hiking til around 10. The weather looked grim but managed to hold out all day, clearing later in the afternoon. I spent most of the day ridge walking on Mt Abe. I was excited to get above treeline and put another couple 4000 footers under my belt. I had high hopes for killer views in the alpine zone but I was in the clouds the entire day with no view to speak of or photos to show for my time up. The northern side of Mt Abe, coming down through the Appalachian Gap was the steepest and most technical section of trail I have dealt with so far. Lots of rebar, wooden ladders, and lots of rock scrambles. I had intended on doing 14 and change today however, the late start and difficult terrain had me finished at 12. I'm safe and sound here at Birch Glen shelter. This is another favorite of the trip so far, big enclosed shelter with a great water source close by and a really nice fire pit. There's a couple guys here tonight and we've had a great fire and good conversation. Zeus the Burmese mountain dog is here too and has taken up the bottom area of my rack. It's been a good day. 

Still no moose sightings but I remain hopeful. The moose clearly missed the unspoken rule about not pooping on the trail. Sometimes I feel like I'm hiking through their personal bathroom. There's just no avoiding it. Tomorrow I conquer Camel's Hump! Big miles and a big climb and the longest steepest decent of the entire Long Trail... I've already stayed up far too late. 

106 miles to go!

-Fresh 

Sunday June 8th 2014 Halfway to Canada

What a day. The 14 miles I had initially planned came far too quickly Turing today into a day of 22 insane miles. That's the last of the big mile days for me. I am half way to the end of my journey. I can't believe I've already been out here for 10 days. The terrain is already beginning to become challenging making me happy that today was the last of the big miles for me. Tonight I am staying at Skyline Lodge overlooking Skylight pond, it's absolutely beautiful. The difference in a lodge and a shelter, in relation to the Long Trail, is that lodges are fully enclosed while shelters are only 3 sided with an open front. This place does not disappoint. By far the nicest stop yet. I have the place to myself tonight, which will mark my first night alone since starting this trek over a week ago. I miss having company at night, it makes the time pass easier, however I couldn't ask for a better place to be alone, the water is a little far, but all in all this place is great. The frogs are making themselves known down at the pond and a pair of mallards are making their nightly rounds. Perhaps tonight I'll see a moose on the pond in the twilight. Judging by all the droppings, at any given time in the past 4 days I've had to be no more than 50 yards from a moose at given time. Still no sighting as of yet. Fingers crossed. A large flask of bourbon, left by an overnight  hiker, is providing warmth as well as a happy outlook for the rest of my journey. I hope sleep comes as easy tonight.  The mallards are quacking their little hearts out right now, wish I had some bread for em. Nature's soundtrack is especially awesome here, looking forward to their serenade...

-Fresh

ALSO,  is anyone actually reading this?

6/7/14

Yesterday was a great day. After leaving the warming hut on Killington, pushing over Pico, and down Sheerburn Pass I made it to the Inn at the Long Trail for my resupply box and my first night off trail.What a great night. Guinness stew and Long Trail Ale followed by live Irish music by a band from Montreal called Kitchen Party. It was a great night. After a hearty breakfast I headed out and pushed here to David Logan shelter for the night. I passed by the Maine Junction today, which is where the AT breaks east towards New Hampshire and the Long Trail continues north towards Canada. Every step from there forward is new terrain, a new adventure, and new scenery and shelters I've never experienced. Its semi overwhelming. The loneliness at night is something I'm not excited about. Everyday is a learning experience and a journey I am still very much excited and humbled by the whole experience. Tomorrow is another 14 mile day pushing towards the Camel Hump, my first above alpine mountain, that is about 2 days out. I feel like I have more I wanted to talk about but I'm tired. Tomorrow is a new day. Onward and upward. 

-Fresh 

6/11-6/13

The rain sat in right after I pushed the first 8 of the day to Montclair Glen Shelter. The next 7 included the Camels Hump so I decided to hold at Montclair and watch the weather. That was Thursday. It's still raining and today is Saturday... I came over Camels Hump in 40 degree rain and 50 mph gusts. Intense is a good word to describe the experience. Many times the wind tossed me around with ease, at one point I nearly lost my pack cover. It was pretty tough. Camels hump is the 3rd highest peak in Vermont and the highest undeveloped peak in the state. Another 4000 footer that has given me zero view. The north side of Camels Hump approaching Duxbury rd is call Bamforth Ridge, the steepest section of trail on the entire Long Trail. The miles were tough, really tough. I see a pattern emerging the further north I push.  After I pushing up and over Camels Hump to Duxbury Rd I caught a hitch into Waterbury to pick up my resupply and get dried out. It's been a great stay. Last night I went out and ate one of the best meals in my life. Prohibition Pig is the truth. Best restaurant vibe, and probably the best meal I have ever eaten In my life. I would gladly take a train here just to eat there again. Watch for the pictures on my facebook.  I'm sitting at the laundromat right now waiting to pack out of town and conquer Mt Mansfield, Vermont's highest mountain, in the rain, again,with no view. Short day out today then the miles start flying by as I push towards Canada. Sticking to my schedule I will finish next Friday and my train arrives back in Atlanta on Sunday. the trip continues to amaze. 

-Fresh 

A few days coverage

It's been a few days since I've taken the time to update so bear with me as I try to recollect the past 2 days. After getting soaked at Little Rock Pond I got into a funk. I pushed big miles up and over White Rocks and had enough time to spare that I was able to hitch into Clarendon and get my gear dried out before pushing a final 1.3 to Clarendon Shelter.  The next morning I was up and moving early to conquer Killington, the first 4000 footer of my trip. 3 miles outside of Clarendon shelter I caught my first bit of trail magic on this trip, just before the Kiefer Road crossing a sign pointed to a bag in a small stream that contained Ice cold Barqs Rootbeer! There were only 2 left and for a brief moment I felt guilty knowing that there were 3 other hikers somewhere behind me, that lasted as long as it took to take a sip lol. Just the sugar kick I needed. It was delicious. Thank you whoever you are. In 2011 tropical storm Irene really screwed up this area, I was forced to take a small detour because the trail had been washed out. Hopefully the GMC will get it squared away this season. As I walked the detour I saw a large red fox, we made brief eye contact before he ran off. You're never really alone out here. Further up the trail, as I pushed on, I was startled by some rustling in the underbrush next to the trail. Suddenly I'm being chased by a pissed off mother grouse! She had a nest and a fresh brood of chicks right next to the trail. She chased me for about 50 ft. It was semi hilarious. Usually they are so avoiding of people. She came at me with vengeance in her eyes. Pushing onward and up Killington, reaching Coopers Lodge by about noon, I decided to take the .2 mile trail to the actual summit. It was worth it. After some photos I decided to do a little exploring. I remembered in 2010 hearing about some of the RiffRaff crew staying in the ski patrol warming hut. JACKPOT! The hut was open and the power was on! So I decided to cut the day short and stay for the night. The views are amazing. I climbed up the support tower for a large ski gondola and sat for a while watching the fog roll in on the mountain. I was forced down when the rain started. It rained most of the night. The fog is heavy this morning but as soon as it breaks I will push onward to the Inn at The Long Trail for my first night off trail and a shower! I will also pass the 100 mile mark today! It's all very exciting. I've managed to get a full day ahead of schedule but constantly pushing out big miles. The new pack helps with that in a big way. I cannot say enough good things about Mile High Mountaineering. I plan to write a full review of the pack as soon as I finish my trip. It's 7:30am and the fog is sitting heavy, but I am getting antsy so I believe I will push on. This trip has been amazing so far. I'll hit the halfway point in another day and a half. I should be able to complete my journey in 19 days if all continues to move relatively smooth. Fingers crossed. 

-Fresh

Story Spring to Bromley to Big Branch....to Little Rock Pond.

Yesterday was a big day. 19 miles and change from Story Spring, up and over Stratton Mountain, all the way to Bromley Mountain Shelter. The miles seemed to come fairly easy. I'm deep in moose country but I still haven't seen one. Plenty of scat though. I got on trail this morning at 715 and I've covered 8.4 miles. I'm stopped for lunch here at Peru Peak shelter, it's really nice. The weather is supposed to take a turn for the worst so I'm gonna try to push out the last 6.4 with a quickness. None of the guys I was hiking with made it to Bromley last night which was Kindof a bummer. I hitched into Manchester really fast and bought a couple airplane bottles of fireball. So last night Ray-Ray and I drank fireball and had a pretty good time. She's from Iowa and has some pretty cool experiences and stories to boot. Kindof jealous. Her boyfriend is an Alaskan fisherman and builds wooden boats. They're moving to an island in the Peugeot sound in a couple years. What a life. The sun is out so I'm going to press on. 

---UPDATE---

Made it to Big Branch with no rain, easy miles, no problems. That's where the good news ends. I made it to Big Branch by 3:00 after 2 hours of minimal rain and a lot of internal negotiations, I decided to push on 3.4 more miles to Little Rock Pond to position myself ahead for tomorrow.Bad decision. 1 mile into it the bottom opened up. I'm here, but everything is soaked. Pack covers can only do so much in walking 2 miles in a downpour. I hate being wet out here, it's misserable. My sleeping bag is dry as are my only spare change of clothes which I'm now wearing. The rain has the potential to keep at it for 3 more days. If only I'd have stayed put. Now I'm ahead of schedule but tomorrow I'm going to have to get into town and somehow get dried out and start back at square 1. One of the few things you can't control out here is the weather. 2 more days til the 100 mile mark. Think happy thoughts. Dry,happy thoughts.

-Fresh 

Melville Neuhiem to Story Spring

Started hiking at 6am to cover 17 miles today. Rolled into camp at 3:40 after stopping twice for lunch and second lunch. The miles came easy. Sore but smiling. I'm in Story Spring shelter for the night. The plan for tomorrow is a big 20 over Stratton mountain. Deuce has kept up the same mileage as me which is nice at night having someone to talk to. Another guy, Dan,hiked in really late last night and kept pace with us today so we are 3 deep in the shelter. Expecting 1 more, Dooner from VT. He's out here for the Long Trail as well. Speaking of Dooner, he just rolled in. I imagine I'll be in bed asleep in the next hour and it's only 6:15. I've passed several spots today that I remember from 2010 it's funny to be out here's again thinking about all the people I met in 2010. I feel blessed. 

Hike For The Fallen 2014 

-Fresh 

Pizza and Beer

Today was really good. Up and on trail by 6:30 pushed out 12 miles to VT 9 and caught a hitch into Bennington for a bite to eat. Pizza and beer. Is there any better hiking fuel ? I think not. After a couple hours in town I headed back to the trail to push out the last 2 miles to the shelter for the night. All in all a good day. 14 more tomorrow possibly 18 depending on how easily the miles come. Life is good.

-Fresh