We started out dry on our way to Vermont Route 30, and were soon caught in a passing morning shower. It seemed as if the storm system wasn’t quite done with us yet. Ponchos were thrown on to mitigate the rain and they worked quite well for a second day in a row.
Stratton Pond and an approaching rain cloudBack to wearing the trusty poncho
The sun soon came out and the weather was pleasantly cool. The humidity seemed to have lessened to some degree and I didn’t feel so gross and sticky for once, a first for the trip. We got to the road around 1:00 PM, and scored a ride into town within several seconds of trying.
We stopped at this shelter a few miles before the road to eat lunchA typical trail journal in the shelter; a place to write a quick note about anything you want
Pizza came next, then grocery shopping, and then we tried the outfitter to see if they had any words of wisdom to fix our zippers on the tent. The trick is to use some pliers and clamp down a little on each side of the zipper. Apparently over time, the zipper heads can become loose, which leads to the zipper not fastening together. Some light work with the pliers and our tent was back to working condition.
We climbed up to Bromley peak upon returning to the trail which is where we are staying for the night. The Ski Patrol has a warming hut at the summit and they open it up to hikers to camp in during the summer.
The ski patrol warming hutA nice view from Bromley; weather clearing
It is a dry camp, so we had to lug up extra water, but it was worth it. It’s a great hut with splendid views. A passing shower came through the area along with some strong wind, but we were inside the hut so it didn’t matter much. Mother Nature tried to get in a final last jab but we showed her.
A rainbow abruptly emerged out of the small storm over the valley. A peace offering from Her perhaps. Maybe she felt bad for all the rain she was throwing at us the past few days. Maybe she was showing us pity. Either way, the rainbow was nice and made for a good photograph.
The mustache clan was up at the top of the mountain and it was fun talking with Muffin about some bike touring stuff. It was a good end to the day.
