Due to weather, family visits and a few minor injuries, we’ve been doing a lot of jumping in the Maine and New Hampshire portion of the AT. I’ve also become a bit lax in my documentation responsibilities. I’m now playing catch-up. Today is actually August 21st, and we have only about 20 miles of Vermont to hike. But, darn it, I have some really nice pictures we’ve both taken to get published. So here goes.
On August 4th we drove back to Hanover, NH. Hanover is where we started our trek across New Hampshire, northbound. Hanover also happens to be on the very west side of New Hampshire, and the AT goes right through town. Specifically, the trail bisects Dartmouth College. So we are back, and now heading west, across the Connecticut River, into Vermont.
As a reminder, we are heading southbound now (this changes weekly, it seems), having hiked through Maine and New Hampshire. Here is that mileage by state chart I shared a few months back. Vermont is one of the higher miles states, roughly 150 miles.
Vermont is starting off great. The hike is, generally, easier. More rolling hills and sporadic mountain climbs, versus the constant elevation gain and loss of northern New Hampshire.
Much of the trail is canopied, which makes it cooler and also fewer bugs. But that impedes flower growth, however, we do get these very vibrant mushrooms and other fungi.
Happy Hill and Podunk Road. What a fun sign.
This nice fella is from Houston, TX, and I’ve forgotten his trail name 🤔. Anyway at this point everyone is happy to be so far into New England. This is earlier in the day, and this hiker is about 2 hrs from crossing into New Hampshire. It’s always fun to celebrate a new state. Fist bumps all around.
Bunker Hill cemetery along the trail.
Vermont may be the most picturesque of the AT states. I say may be. It’s just non-stop nature eye candy. This is not the first lily pound I’ve seen, but I don’t remember the others being pink.
Nothing special, just morning views of Vermont. My photos don’t do the scenery justice.
I found these just growing in a meadow. I have no idea what these pods are, but cool to walk up on.
This info kiosk is not too far from the town of Woodstock, VT. I found this kind of special because of the grade school artwork on display. What a great venue to display children’s art.
Also, I said we are near Woodstock, VT. There are several Woodstocks in the NE. These states love to share town names: Burlington, Manchester, Bethel, Salem,etc. Woodstock, Vt, is an outstanding little New England town. First of all it’s drop dead beautiful, very polished. With rivers and creeks and gorges nearby. Also, Woodstock is home to a National park. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park is located right outside of town.
I have not seen many flowers on this stretch.
Sharing this photo because of the North and South markers. I bet you $100 this was added because of people hiking the wrong way for miles, and having to turn around. I’ve done this at least 3 times, and I know WaterBoy has once. Depending on how you’re getting to a trailhead, it’s not hard to get disoriented.
Trying for something a little artsy here. The vibrant red, with the white of the AT white blaze in the background.