The Long Trail (VLT)

Gear failure! This pad has been causing me nothing but problems on our trip. The last straw was last night, when while @reneetougas and I were sitting in our tent, we heard a “popping” sound (not unlike the sound of rain). We had no idea what it was. I started looking around and much to my horror discovered the internal baffles of my pad slowly delaminating as I sat on it.

Two things: considering how much I have used this pad, I am not surprised. It has survived at least 2500 trail miles, with virtually no issues - impressive for any piece of gear. Secondly, this is actually considered a manufacturing defect, and since Thermarest has a lifetime warranty, they will repair or replace it for me. Nothing like quality gear that is both light, durable, and backed by a fantastic warranty. I would not hesitate to buy this one again, it has been one of my favourite pieces of gear.

Great warranty aside, I will not be able to get a replacement in the next 24 hours, and thus I will have to purchase something cheap in Rutland (probably a Z-rest) to use for the remainder of the trip.

Day 11 - one of the rare views on the southern part of Long Trail. View from Mendon Lookout.

Day 11 After a night of rain we packed up from Killington Peak and hiked down to route 4 where my friend Amanda met us and took us into town to host us for the night. Hiking in the fog through the green woods was magical.

Morning at Cooper Lodge, Killington peak

Hmmm... according to @Guthook, we have gained a LOT of altitude... did we take a wrong turn somewhere :-)

This photo does not do the fabulous sunset any justice.

Whatever trail malaise had affected me yesterday (heat, leg pain, emotional memories) it did not affect today. Today’s hiking was challenging but fun. The weather was beautiful, the companions great, the terrain gorgeous, what more could you ask for? My knees were ok because we were going uphill all day.

Camping tonight at Copper Lodge on Killington peak. Listening to the wind whip through the evergreens, all snug in my sleeping bag. Looking forward to another 11 hours of rest before another day of hiking. And town day tomorrow! Maybe we’ll score a hot tub again.

Watching the sunset into western Vermont and the Adirondacks. The sunset tonight was spectacular and was the post-dinner show. This is when I miss lugging my Sony camera. I simply can’t capture the beauty with my phone. But I watched it and experienced it, so grateful to be on top of this mountain tonight.

Creative pitching my TarpTent Stratospire 2 on the wooden tent platform. Thankfully the platform was perfectly sized for the tent making the job quite easy.

While my parents dry out their gear from last nights rain @toesalad pitches our home for the night.