Deer Leap trail, VT

Took a long weekend to get into the woods and ski a bit. After snowboarding 2 days Big Bird and I needed a rest, so we hiked. From the intersection of Rt. 4 at the Inn at the Long Trail, take the blue blaze up towards the A.T. Deer Leap Trail is a side trail to a vista above the Inn (about 1.5 mi one way). Tested out my recent Craigslist snow shoe purchase.

In the picture, Rt.4 is below with Pico ski resort on the far side of the valley. A good day involves the trail across the street from the Inn. Hike in with your board up to meet a Pico slope for a free ride. One can also attempt it on Killington, though the hike is much farther.

trail mapping

ExplorePAtrails was launched by DCNR within the last year or so. When last checked, it contained 320 trail names and 7,205 miles of trails to be searched by location or name using the interactive Google maps platform. Recommendations and pictures can be sent to add to the growing list of trails-> descriptions and links are also provided. I find the site useful for learning new trail locations within a short driving distance. The more suggestions they receive, the better it will be...

recent Caving

As caving ethics go, I will not say where, but I explored a Central PA cave on my day off for veteran's day. Rob, Chitlin, and I followed directions given by a grotto member- who supplied the cave map as well.

Spent 3+ hours underground without seeing all the rooms on the map, which is for the best- so we can get some pictures to document the cave's splendor. Our bodies were covered in too much mud to properly wipe off our hands to use a camera. Documented some translucent insects, salamanders, and bats (free of white nose syndrome).

Up on the hill

Spent another night on the hill known as Peter's Mountain last week. A cold, windy November night, I set up my tent inside the shelter by the parking lot. That parking lot is always busy, no matter the time of year. Although, I believe the car that was idling in the parking lot was of the feds who were supposedly investigating the case of the infamous tire dumper. It was the clearest night on Peters Mountain I have seen-no need to rush into the morning, but daylight savings has ended.

memories of when..........

3 days, or so, before reaching amicolola falls in 2008. In the town of Helen, GA, which happens to be a spectacle of sorts for attracting tourists to its immitation german style. Fun times at the bar for Karaoke night, and Creeture's uncle to celebrate with us.

Mt. Nittany: state college PA

I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in State College for a conference. When speakers and receptions were all said and done, went up to check out Mt. Nittany on a gorgeous early evening. Just a few miles from S. Atherton, and from what I understand, a bus stops just down the hill from the trailhead. The trail system is interconnected loops (blue trail and white trail). I laced up my trail runners for a jog to cover the perimeter of the trails, switching between blue and white. Enjoyable overall, with a view down upon happy valley.

Vermont LT/AT section

A great section equipped with a guaranteed ride back to your car (unless its a sunday). "The Bus" runs M-Sat between these towns. Starting at Manchester Center VT, heading north on the LT/AT- met up with Chitlin and Dutch on their trip north (PA -> ME). The trip is 50 miles total, finishing at the Inn at the Long Trail, Rutland/Killington VT. Camping is available in the grass patch across from the Inn, which is a good chance to have a few beers and not have to hike out to camp. Reminiscent of first time through during my thru.

Day 1 up Bromley, and down quickly as a thunder/lightning storm passed through.
I may do this in a series of posts.. To end the beginning- a few pictures from Bromley.