ctsparrow
New member
Decided to bring my son to Killington on his quest for the NE67. After considering VT reccommendations regarding mud season, and reading general trail conditions throughout NE, i felt confident that the bulk of mud season had well passed. Arrived at Bucklin for an approx 9:30 am start, only car in the lot. Fortunately, bugs would not be an issue due to cool temps and winds were expected up top.
Bucklin was in very good shape, wet in places, no mud of concern that was not walkable. In fact, it would be hard to discern any mud above or beyond a normal hike. I had only previously ascended this route in the winter, so it was enjoyable to see it in another light. Grasses trailside are growing, trilliums are out, some moose scat mid-way esp. above the brook, but other wise no critters or slithers!
We arrived at Cooper Lodge before noon...i am the butt dragger speed wise these days, not my son! There we met three french canadians who were spending a week on the LT, they had just begun at Pico so they were southbounding. The air temp was definitely chilly even bordering on cold, but not in the winter gear "cold". We had on mid weight gloves, and then donned our shells for the wind and temps up top and made the short steep climb to the summit. We quickly moved off the true summit and went to explore the ski area, which was still closed at this time so no tourists!!
We enjoyed our lunch in the occasional sun breaks at one of the picnic tables somewhat out of the wind. Still by the time we finished hanging out, i had inserted hand warmers into our gloves and were wearing our fleece hats!
We were on our way down, not expecting to really see anyone else, but actually came across two seperate couples with dogs heading up. Did stop to snap a picture with my cell...forgot the camera...in the really cool twisting, hollow tree. I had my pic taken there on my winter hike.
Note: the LT SB in the Cooper Lodge area had alot of standing puddles on it.
Once in the parking lots, with the warmth of the day at this altitude, the bugs were out, but not biting yet. Due to the presence of brooks and soggy areas, i would guess the bugs could get numerous and aggressive on the lower approach section on the Bucklin, and that this will occur very soon!!
So, overall a quick and enjoyable day...definitely have got to hit the gym alittle more!!, but Nate was happy, but when we started discussing Mansfield for Memorial Day wkend, he did hope out loud that we should do it in summer for the warmth!
ctsparrow
Bucklin was in very good shape, wet in places, no mud of concern that was not walkable. In fact, it would be hard to discern any mud above or beyond a normal hike. I had only previously ascended this route in the winter, so it was enjoyable to see it in another light. Grasses trailside are growing, trilliums are out, some moose scat mid-way esp. above the brook, but other wise no critters or slithers!
We arrived at Cooper Lodge before noon...i am the butt dragger speed wise these days, not my son! There we met three french canadians who were spending a week on the LT, they had just begun at Pico so they were southbounding. The air temp was definitely chilly even bordering on cold, but not in the winter gear "cold". We had on mid weight gloves, and then donned our shells for the wind and temps up top and made the short steep climb to the summit. We quickly moved off the true summit and went to explore the ski area, which was still closed at this time so no tourists!!
We enjoyed our lunch in the occasional sun breaks at one of the picnic tables somewhat out of the wind. Still by the time we finished hanging out, i had inserted hand warmers into our gloves and were wearing our fleece hats!
We were on our way down, not expecting to really see anyone else, but actually came across two seperate couples with dogs heading up. Did stop to snap a picture with my cell...forgot the camera...in the really cool twisting, hollow tree. I had my pic taken there on my winter hike.
Note: the LT SB in the Cooper Lodge area had alot of standing puddles on it.
Once in the parking lots, with the warmth of the day at this altitude, the bugs were out, but not biting yet. Due to the presence of brooks and soggy areas, i would guess the bugs could get numerous and aggressive on the lower approach section on the Bucklin, and that this will occur very soon!!
So, overall a quick and enjoyable day...definitely have got to hit the gym alittle more!!, but Nate was happy, but when we started discussing Mansfield for Memorial Day wkend, he did hope out loud that we should do it in summer for the warmth!
ctsparrow
