sweetwilder

Long Trail – Day 5

June 18, 2016

Manchester Center to Lost Pond Shelter

I got a relatively late start from the Econo Lodge and was on the trail by 8:30 am. A huge thanks to Fred from Green Mountain Hostel who picked me up on the highway to give me a ride to the trailhead. Wish I had stayed there!

The push up Bromley Mountain first thing in the morning was tough, but good. At the top of Bromley is a ski lift strangely in the shape of a spaceship. The top of the mountain offers a rare 360 degree view of the area. It was quite beautiful.

I’m starting get understand my body in relation to hiking. If I eat first thing in the morning, I really don’t feel well. But, if I hike 1-2 miles and then eat I feel so much better.

From Bromley the trail descends to Mad Tom Notch. A group of guys were sitting around eating, chatting and listening to music. I ended up joining them and instantaneously hit it off. Within minutes I was laughing as well. GBear, Snus, House, and Gray Blaze are incredible guys: friendly, nice, funny. They are all thru hiking the AT, and for the rest of the day I hiked with them, took breaks with them and had a blast. This is the first group I’ve met that I’ve really liked.

After Mad Tom, the trail enters Peru Peak Wilderness. I love the sensation of entering a designated wilderness. It’s akin the entering a magical forest, for that is what they are: so important that the federal government has said that no one can disturb, not even a machine can be used in its presence.

The hike up Baker Mountain was a bit of a scramble, but it gave us gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. We then entered Big Branch Wilderness, which carries a special Tolkien-like feel.

The trail then steadily heads downhill towards Lost Pond Shelter. I made camp there and as I write this am sitting by a fire deep in the woods with the gentle sound of a creek in the background.

Total mileage is 14.8 miles.