Training Log Archive: MJChilds

Hiked from David Logan Shelter north to Brandon Gap. First 5 miles were taxing, especially with my now-sore left hip and hamstring and sore left shoulder (from my pack). Hard to get comfortable. Had to put on bug dope to ward off mosquitoes and black flies. Nice trail but more climb than I expected. Met Nancy's sister, Anne, just south of Bloodroot Gap. We had just hike about 200 m of really easy, level trail which was most welcome. She said that it was like that the entire way in from Brandon Gap. Hallelujah! The last 3 miles were wonderful. Except for my shoulder, but an extra sock helped to pad it. Even the final downhill from the Sunrise Shelter was easy--it was an old logging road and well-maintained. This section would be lovely in the spring. Saw lots of spring wildflowers gone to seed.

This was a big challenge for me. So happy to have completed it. Guess I've lost a lot of backpacking stamina, but I am grateful that I could still do it. Not planning to hike the entire Long Trail anymore. Too rugged. But hey, there are many other nice places to hike.

Continued LT hike from Rolston Rest Shelter to David Logan Shelter. Lots of climb. Very humid in the morning after the rain the day before, but by around 10:00, the air dried and a nice breeze came up. More climb than I expected, some parts very taxing, but no issues with rock or ledge, thankfully. Shoes (borrowed) were just a bit too short. I mentioned it to Nancy who suggested I re-tie them after pulling my foot back into the heel cup, then tightening them. It worked. Good thing. We stopped a lot to oggle wildflowers. Nancy almost ran into a porcupine which was immediately next to the trail, but hidden by a tree. So glad it didn't back into her. Fun to get such a good look at one displaying its quills as it scuttled into the forest.
Beautiful day. Grateful to reach the shelter to relax. I am surprised at how taxing an 8-mile hike can be. Fifteen years ago, I could hike 12 miles a day, no problem.
Met more interesting people. Heard barred owls in the night. Slept better.

Began hiking the Long Trail w Nancy G from Sherburne Pass (aka Killington) to Brandon Gap. Total Distance over 3 days about 20 miles. Shelters located at 5 miles, 13 mi and 19 mi, so, we planned for 2 nights with hiking days of about 5, 7.5 and 8 miles, respectively. Having not backpacked for about 15 years, and with my knees and hips complaining to me in the past few years, I was concerned about being able to go the distance, so our conservative plan seemed wise.

Day 1: Sherburne Pass to Rolston Rest via new LT route from Pico. Started at 8:30. Lovely open forest with mixed ground cover dominated by stinging nettles. They make a pretty bright green floor, and I was glad I had chosen to wear long pants (mainly anticipating mosquitoes and ticks). First mile gradual uphill on lovely trail with few boulders. At Maine Junction where the Appalachian Trail leaves the LT and heads east to Hanover, NH, we headed north. The climb was reasonable (400' difference from start to finish, not counting all the ups and downs in between), the rocks tolerable and we arrived around 12:30, having already stopped for lunch. Set up camp in the lean-to after visiting with a LT thru-hiker and an AT thru-hiker who missed the turn 4 miles back. Poor Guy. He started hiking last March. Seemed OK with his goof though. What's an extra 8 miles when you're hiking over 2000, right?
Soon after we got washed up, our pads and bags unrolled and our water purified, a huge thunderstorm came up (unpredicted by weather app). We gleefully enjoyed it from our dry cozy perch and were so glad we were not out there hking. About 5 min into the heavy downpour, another LT thru-hiker joined us--thoroughly drenched. He was staying for the night. Good thing, as the amount of rainfall saturated the ground and turned the trails into streams for the next few hours.
Felt a little tired but no knee or hip complaints, so it made for a good warm-up hike. Slept so-so as I usually do the first night camping out.
Heard lots of winter wrens, hermit thrushes, black-throated blue and black-throated green warblers. Encountered a young buck (deer) early on.

C • Sounds great! 2

The usual w Carl.