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Friday was a crazy day, with my friends changing their plans for Stratton, VT to Keene Valley, NY. JBL was going to be our basecamp, to avoid the rains forecasted for Southern VT. This was a newb trip, consisting of Ben's girlfriend, my buddy Will, and most notably Colden.
Friday night I arrived at the parking lot around 9pm expecting to see Ben's Cobra, but it was not to be found, so we packed up, donned our headlamp and headed in. My partner found the woods to be a bit scary, and he was tired, suffering two "meltdowns" on the way to Bear Brook. I offered him assurance that the "mountain house" was not too far away, and upon arrival he was begging for his bed. My companion helped me hang the bear-bag, and we both drifted off with thoughts of Kanga.
Soon Ben, Will, and Christina arrived, and the 5 of us were re-united with smiles, but my partner slept on. Everyone settled for a sort-of dry night. In the night I woke to terror cries as the sleeper to my left woke to dripping water. I too fought off the wet stuff dripping from above.
By morning our bearbag was soaked, but the goodies within were safe, and I cooked up some oatmeal. Two of us were headed off early with the destination of JBL in mind. We walked down the trail, and soon came upon the Deer Brook shelter and took a long break while eating granola bars. A 6 person party arrived, and everyone looked happy but wet. Did I mention it started raining durring breakfast.
It was not long after Deer Brook that my companion and I were over-taken by the other 3 members of our group. They were a fast bunch! Fueled by a canadian bacon, eggs, and hash brown breakfast, they moved on.
1 meltdown later we arrived at the large rock stamped with a large medalion reading something about USGS, whatever that is... ;-) My partner got a much deserved break, and I fueled him up with some granola bars. A few parties came by and comented about what a strong hiker he was. He obliged, explaining about his "water backpack" and "hiking pole". (cape and septor?) He was being a superman indeed.
We carried on through the rain. I felt bad for my companion, as I knew his feet were pruned while mine were comfortably dry in my new boots. The trail was getting rough, and tumble, and my partner and I were forced to share hands through the thick of it. Two more meltdowns, and we arrived at last on the long climb leading to the quick decent before John's brook. I sighed a relief at the top of the climb, as I knew we would make it to the shelter today. Twice I had considered turning back.
(cont.)
Friday night I arrived at the parking lot around 9pm expecting to see Ben's Cobra, but it was not to be found, so we packed up, donned our headlamp and headed in. My partner found the woods to be a bit scary, and he was tired, suffering two "meltdowns" on the way to Bear Brook. I offered him assurance that the "mountain house" was not too far away, and upon arrival he was begging for his bed. My companion helped me hang the bear-bag, and we both drifted off with thoughts of Kanga.
Soon Ben, Will, and Christina arrived, and the 5 of us were re-united with smiles, but my partner slept on. Everyone settled for a sort-of dry night. In the night I woke to terror cries as the sleeper to my left woke to dripping water. I too fought off the wet stuff dripping from above.
By morning our bearbag was soaked, but the goodies within were safe, and I cooked up some oatmeal. Two of us were headed off early with the destination of JBL in mind. We walked down the trail, and soon came upon the Deer Brook shelter and took a long break while eating granola bars. A 6 person party arrived, and everyone looked happy but wet. Did I mention it started raining durring breakfast.
It was not long after Deer Brook that my companion and I were over-taken by the other 3 members of our group. They were a fast bunch! Fueled by a canadian bacon, eggs, and hash brown breakfast, they moved on.
1 meltdown later we arrived at the large rock stamped with a large medalion reading something about USGS, whatever that is... ;-) My partner got a much deserved break, and I fueled him up with some granola bars. A few parties came by and comented about what a strong hiker he was. He obliged, explaining about his "water backpack" and "hiking pole". (cape and septor?) He was being a superman indeed.
We carried on through the rain. I felt bad for my companion, as I knew his feet were pruned while mine were comfortably dry in my new boots. The trail was getting rough, and tumble, and my partner and I were forced to share hands through the thick of it. Two more meltdowns, and we arrived at last on the long climb leading to the quick decent before John's brook. I sighed a relief at the top of the climb, as I knew we would make it to the shelter today. Twice I had considered turning back.
(cont.)
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