Mount Mansfield - VT

What better to do on a gorgeous Monday morning than hike the tallest 4000’ mountain in the state of Vermont?  So that is exactly what I decided to do!  After driving about an hour to get to the Underhill State Park side of the mountain, I found out I would not be able to get to the hiking trails due to culvert maintenance.  Undeterred (and a little frustrated), I decided to drive around to the Stowe Resort area of Mansfield and hike up a little trail known as Hell Brook.

When you hear Hell Brook Trail, I’m sure you think ‘Wow, Patrick.  You really must take the easy way up mountains.”  Let me assure you this trail is grueling.  From the parking lot to the chin of Mansfield is about 2 miles with 2600’ elevation gain.  In other words, you put your head down and trek for 30 seconds, and when you look back, you are noticeably higher.  The rocks have the tendency to be slick, but this is most definitely the most enjoyable way up Mount Mansfield.  Since I like my body the way it is (not mangled and broken), I decided to play it safe and hike down the Long Trail.  Although this spitted me out 15 minutes down the road from my car, I felt a lot safer so it was worth it.  The Underhill side of Mansfield is much more popular, but offers better maintained trails and hikes better suited for the casual hiker.  Now, I have been to the summit of Mansfield so many times that I’m almost used to the views.  Regardless, it has some good views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and, with good visibility, the White Mountains.

The best part of my hike came when I was pushing through the final ascent up a very steep scramble and pulled over to let a school group come down.  A little girl stops at a mini-plateau, looks at me, and says, "Do you like hiking?".  First off, I'm hiking alone on a beautiful day, of course I like hiking.  So, I said to her, "Oh!  I LOVE hiking!" to which she responds, "... I guess I can't say anything bad about it then."  That's the spirit, little girl.  Hopefully someday the mountains will call for you again.

Lake of the Clouds

Smuggler's Notch

Worst f***ing trail ever.

At the summit is where I endured the most difficulty during my hike.  While I was able to rehydrate and intake some much needed calories via CRAP (Craisins and Peanuts, my spin off of GORP), I broke out my Smutty Nose Pale Ale to enjoy, but shortly after taking it out of my backpack, a gust blew it over and smashed it over a rock!  (Smutty Nose, I promise I will give your brew a great review on another hike).  Since I technically bent my rules of enjoying a beer at the summit, I’ll break the rules with my “beer” review.  Instead, I’ll tap into my beverage endeavors of long ago and promote my favorite mead makers: Groennfell Meadery.  In hindsight, a delicious Mannaz, Fenberry Draught, Valkyrie’s Choice, or (and), from what I understand, their new Autumn Spice seasonal would have hit the spot atop Mansfield.  I’m just glad their precious nectars didn’t fall victim to the same fate as my unfortunate Smutty Nose.

Groennfell Fenberry Draught from Mansfield's Forehead

Mount Mansfield
            Views – 3.5 (Much different views from the other hikes of this trip.)
            Time – 4 (Spent more time getting to the trail)
            Difficulty – 4 (Grueling and steep.  Hell Brook for a reason)
            Beer – 4.5* (Groenfell Meadery)

            Overall – 4 (Nothing like hiking the highest peak in VT)

At the summit of my 10th 4000' mountain!

I can't believe this is already my 10th different 4000' mountain since announcing my goal in July!  Thanks for everyone who reads my posts and enjoys following my hiking adventures.  Hopefully I'll be able to keep pumping them out!

Mount Jackson - NH

It was the third and final day of our hiking trip.  My legs were tired, but I knew that this one last day would be worth it.  Our plan of attack was to hike Mount Jackson and scoot over to Mount Webster, even though it was a little out of the way and less than 4000’.  I was excited to hike one last time and knock off another 4000’ mountain, especially one that was named after the director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy (Mount Jackson is actually named after Charles Jackson, a NH geologist.  Rather deceptive since it is on the southern side of the Presidential Traverse).

The Webster Jackson Trail was a very enjoyable hike.  The first mile is rather moderate with a few decent overlook points.  These points are well marked and have really great views of Tom, Field, and Willey along with the rest of Crawford Notch.  After about a mile of hiking, the trail forked for a direct path up to Jackson or Webster.  Tim and I took the route leading us to Webster (the path on the right).  It started with a solid 100’ descent.  At the bottom was a gorgeous waterfall.  The only problem with the steep descent is it adds another 100’ we have to ascend again…  The rest of the hike was, again, moderate with a few moments of steep sections.  After a brief pit stop at the top of Webster, we crossed the ridge to Jackson.  This trail only had a few more feet of elevation gain.  However, the final push before the summit was a steep scramble.  Nothing Tim and I couldn’t handle though.  And it was worth it!

Tom, Field, and Willey

The southern Presidential Range

Photogenic alpine dog

Tim is probably only 10' in front of me...  but 50' higher! 

At the summit of Mt. Jackson

NO CLOUDS OVER WASHINGTON!  IT EXISTS!

At the summit, I enjoyed a Moat Mountain Czech Style Pilsner Lager.  Considering the only other type of pilsner I’ve had before was your typical “cheap beer”, this tasted amazing.  It was very smooth, and light tasting beer; perfect for the summit of a 4000’ mountain.

Mount Jackson (including Mount Webster)

            Views – 4 (Much different views from the other hikes of this trip.)

            Time – 4 (Able to hike and head back to VT before dinner time)

            Difficulty – 3.5 (Some steep and slippery sections)

            Beer – 4.5 (Moat Mountain Czech Style Pilsner Lager)

            Overall – 4 (Great views of Presidentials, enjoyable beer, another great 1/2 day hike)

This post concludes my hiking trip with Tim from August 18-20, 2014.  I apologize for taking so long to make all of these posts, but I have been busy in recent weeks (fantasy football, Arcade Fire concert, work, etc.).  Again, in times between hikes, what could I do/post to bridge the gaps?  Is there anything more or less that you want from this blog?  Thanks for your input!