This hike was a homecoming of sorts for me. When I first got into hiking, it was along these very same trails. I grew up in CT and was living there in the Nutcase ...whoops, Nutmeg ... State when I started to explore the woods.
It had been probably 8 years since I'd last been here (aside from the trip in January with FunkyFreddy and Lattinhill, which I don't count because it was from a different starting point). To make it a true homecoming, I even stopped at a gear shop along the way on Route 44 in Canton _ Country Sports. It was where I bought my first tent, my current sleeping bag, and had become friendly with the owners (Greg and Trish, a great couple! very nice and helpful and cool), and started to get hooked. It was great to see them both again, to hear about the changes along Route 44 (an old golf course across the street is now a huge shopping mall. Sad to see all the traffic, but a boon to the business). To top it off and to show my appreciation for their inspiration all those years ago, I bought a few items _ none essential, but well worth it in my book.
As I approached the Undermountain Trailhead, off Route 41 in Salisbury, I wondered how I would feel about those sections of the trail that way back when seemed so incredibly tough. The sun was glowing, the temps were moderate (in the 60s) and I was thrilled to be back at this spot.
All along the way, I was wondering ... "now, where exactly is that steep part???" Sure, there were some uphill sections. And yeah, it was tough getting used to a heavy pack again. But I didn't encounter anything that threw me for a loop. Guess all these years of peakbagging have helped!
It's a beautiful walk in the woods here. I can't help but think of our country's forefathers, how life must've been centuries ago in these woods, the battles that were waged to fight for American Independence. Must be all the remnants of stone walls _ or maybe it was those ghosts FunkyFreddy promised!
At one point, I stopped in my tracks and gazed at this
funky tree and was reminded how I used to love seeing it _ that it reminded me of something out of the southwest. A private grin spread across my face and I allowed the memory to wash over me. I was back home. The sun glistened through the trees and you could hear some amazing sounds: chainsaws off in the distance, small planes buzzing overhead, a woodpecker tapping away.
Not before too long, I was at the Paradise Lane trail. The memories flooded in again. I am pretty sure it was on this very trail where I saw, for the first time, someone carrying crampons. It was a winter hike (natch), and a guy sped past me on his way to Bear Mountain. That day, I made it as far as the ledges, coated in bulging ice and retreated (wisely) since I didn't own that kind of gear. But seeing that man, without exchanging a single word, I started to learn a few things about hiking in different weather and it sparked a curiosity.
This time, no winter gear required! I passed the Paradise Lane group camping site and didn't see a single soul. Then, I was at the intersection with the AT and saw the giant
sign
marking the turnoff. From here, it dips sharply into the ravine.
At the river crossing, there were at least a dozen kids hanging out before heading farther down the way for the night. I was getting pooped by this point, and huffed and puffed my way up the last hill, past the caretaker's platform and to the tentsites. I saw a small MSR tent at one site, and a larger light blue tent on another platform. Not knowing which one might be Jay's and Fred's, I hung out on platform #4 and waited for the two of them to show up.
I pulled out my new gear purchase _ a Mountain Hardwear sleeping pad that folds up into a chair _ and hung out for a while, listening to my iPod. Next thing I know, Lattinhill arrives. We had a nice, pleasant conversation but alas, he wasn't planning to spend the night, so it was time to take off.
I figured I'd use the lull to set up my tent. Then, I figured ... why not a nap?! Heck, I had a long week, and I deserve a break!
Then, I hear "alligator eggs!" It was the start of a nice weekend _ as Jay, FunkyFreddy, and then Chip and the mini-chips (complete with chocolate chip cookies, no less!) show up. We had a nice time gabbing, getting to know one another and hanging out. But as soon as the sun started to go down, it got mighty chilly! So I packed it in, bid good night to the crew, and settled in for the evening.
In the morning, Chip and Jay were the speedsters _ getting up early and out, while FunkyFreddy and I were a bit more pokey. But, hey, it was before noon, so I think that counts for something! ;-)
I decided to leave most of my gear at Sages and do the luxurious thing of just taking the top of my backpack as a fanny pack to hit Bear Mountain. It's steep to the peak, with some really cool ledges but no real fine views until the top. Just below the summit, we ran into the other VFTT gang in these part of the woods _ JohnS, Nancy, Seema and Brian _ gabbed a bit and took some photos, until we were reminded that an antsy Jay was awaiting our arrival.
On top, it was sun all around, and we spotted Jay in the middle of the summit structure. No one else was there! More photos were to be had, more directions for the hopelessly lost and bit more gabbing before Jay and Fred went on toward Frissell, and I opted to head back.
On the way down, I ran into another VFTTer _ Sartori _ who didn't say "alligator eggs" but did ask if I were a member of views. Nice seeing ya!
I packed up my gear, having a minor incident (don't worry, Mohamed, no need to mention it in the accidents section of Appalachia) when my tent pole snapped back and clipped my middle finger, sending blood spirting everywhere. After surviving giving myself first aid ;-), I headed back down the trail _ and kinda wished I'd packed up everything from the get-go and slogged it up to Bear.
By the time I'd gotten back to my car, I was tired and dreading the three-hour drive home. But with the weather so fine, I was able to go
topless !
More pix can be seen
here
