Day 95 Ski Hut

Today we had incredible views, perfect weather, and one of the coolest sunsets I’ve ever seen. 


Last night we had some unexpected rain last night which actually helped me sleep. We also had some field mice running around outside our tents which did not help me sleep. Overall I slept very well which was deeply needed. 


We woke up around 6:40 and ate breakfast in our tents to avoid the mosquitoes. We started hiking just before 8.


For most of the morning we climbed Stratton Mountain, a famous ski mountain, but also a popular hiking spot. Before the steep part of the ascent we crossed a few streams and saw some yellow swallowtail butterflies hanging around some dandelions. 




On the way up we had a pretty good view through the trees. 



The top of the mountain had a very tall fire tower. This time we didn’t have to ignore any “Closed to Public” signs to reach the top. 



The views from the tower were fantastic, probably some of the best on trail. We could see mountains in New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.




After Stratton, we descended for 14 miles into the town of Manchester VT. On the way down we passed a sign for the Lye Brook Wilderness, which serves as the 3/4 marker for the AT. 



On the way into Manchester we crossed some more streams and had a fantastic view from an overlook called Prospect Rock. Unfortunately there were a bunch of teenagers there so we didn’t stay long. 




We hitch hiked into Manchester and got a two day resupply from Price Chopper. We then walked to a pizza place and hung out while eating a calzone. On the way out of town nobody was willing to pick us up until a town police officer stopped and was willing to drive us 4 miles back up into the mountains. Half of the back seat was caged, so I had my first experience being locked up. 


After getting dropped off back at the trail we hiked 3 miles up Mt Bromley which is another ski mountain. The views on the way up were quite good. The trail went right up the middle of a ski slope for about a half mile on the way up. 





When we got to the top we found that there was nobody else there. A ski patrol hut is left open in the summer for hikers, so we set up our camping stuff on the floor. It’s nice being out of the bugs and rain for tonight. We also have electricity to charge our stuff. 



We watched the sunset for a half hour. We had the whole mountain top to ourselves and the sunset over the Adirondacks of NY was fantastic. 




After sunset a couple people showed up and pitched their tents outside, so we still have the whole hut to ourselves. 


Tomorrow we will hike 26 miles in the rain. It’s not ideal, but it will set us up well for a nice 19 mile day to an inn near Killington where we can dry out and take a shower om Tuesday. 


Goodnight,

Walker 





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