2018 by Shirley Harman

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2 2018 by Shirley Harman All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information and retrieval systems, without permission from the publisher. ISBN Published by six!dogstudios 2120 Forebay Road Pollock Pines, CA All photos Shirley Harman 2

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4 Contents Preface Bamforth Ridge, Vermont C e tee Starting e tee» Day 1 Jay Peak e tee» Day 2 Haystack C e tee» Day 3 Devils Gulch e tee» Day 4 Laraway Mountain C e tee» Day 5 Johnson e tee» Day 6 Whiteface, Smuggler s Notch C e tee» Day 7 e t» Day 8 Bolton to Bamforth C e t» Day 9 Storm The Hump

5 » Day 10» Day 11 Monroe Skyline» Day 12 Cooley Glen to Sucker Brook» Day 13 Porcupines» Day 14 Killington» Day 15 Clarendon Gorge» Day 16 White Rock Cairns» Day 17 Bromley» Day 18 Stratton» Day 19 Glastenbury Mountain» Day 21 Massachusetts Afterward

6 Mountain, which is neither burnt, nor very much of a mountain. I thought I might make it to the Shooting Star Shelter, but I am not hiking as fast as I thought I would or the truth of the matter is that in Vermont the miles are longer and the days are shorter than on the west coast! but by 6:30 the gloom was deepening to the point where I would have to turn on a light or risk tripping over something. At the last minute I spotted a patch not too far off the trail. Normally I would have picked a spot well hidden away from possible passers-by, but I took a chance that no one else would be coming along in the dark... my beloved dog/friends in the Green Mountains- it was a miracle that I got any sleep at all. Lyssa barked once at something during the night, but otherwise it was quiet and peaceful. I set my alarm for 5:30, but Lyssa woke me up at 5:15, as is her habit. She is as reliable as your grandfather s clock. By the time it was light enough to see, we were packed up and on the trail again, having left no trace (at least as far as my senses could detect. Lyssa probably could... 16

7 My memory of the early morning climb up Whiteface peak is already blurry and dreamlike. I had camped right at the to spruces. As you ascend in elevation the thick conifers close in around you and the forest darkens. The trail steepens and suddenly becomes serious and intimidating, with are only two to four feet tall, just a tall step. Then they become more like small rock-climbing ascents, where you have to stop and look for toe holds and hand-holds, and plan your route of attack. Eventually I put my pole away so that I can have both hands free for climbing. Several times I take my pack off and toss it up to a ledge overhead. The behind them. I proceed very carefully, focusing on every foothold and handhold, staying safe and uninjured. The summit is a bit of bare rock closed in by spruce trees. If I were 20 feet tall instead of a mere 5 8, the view would probably be stunning. I continue on towards the Whiteface Shelter where I have promised myself a cup of hot coffee and a rest. It s only a half mile down to the shelter, which normally would be a 15 or 20 minute walk, but it took a good 45 minutes of focused and careful down-climbing. 66

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9 Hagerman Overlook, with a view to Mount 68...

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12 Map 11: Clarendon Gorge and Minerva Hinchey Shelter 152

13 The bridge over Clarendon Gorge 153

14 And Tina. I needed her too. We all needed each other. 154 Red Eft...

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