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September 6th, 2021: Goddard Shelter to Stratton Pond Shelter (18.3 miles, 3,629 ft elevation gain)
They say the harder the challenge, the better the reward. I don’t know if I agree with this, as plenty of things I’ve done in life were fairly easy and still quite rewarding. However, day 3 on the Long Trail may have swayed me slightly.
I started at 05:00, once again the first one up and out of the shelter. The rain had given way to a mist that cloaked the landscape even in darkness. I turned on my headlamp and got to stepping.
I made it to the Glastenbury fire tower by sunrise, and boy am I glad I did. By the time I climbed the steps, the sky to the east had cleared up and allowed me to see one of the most beautiful morning skies I have ever seen. Because I had left so early, it was all mine.
I wanted to stay there forever, but I did eventually come down. I had many more miles to go.
Knowing I had to climb up Stratton Mountain later in the day to get to Stratton Springs Pond by dark, I pushed myself pretty hard. I was booking it downhill every chance I got. Unfortunately, the mud was still a problem, and around the midpoint of the day, the sky clouded up, and the downpour started.
It was a quick rain; it only lasted an hour, but it was enough to completely soak my feet. At this point, I gave up caring and just plowed through the bazillion mud puddles I encountered because my socks and shoes were already soaked.
By the time I reached the Stratton Mountain parking lot, the rain had stopped, and the sun came out again just in time for the big climb up Stratton.
After a very arduous climb, I finally reached the peak of Stratton Mountain. I met Jeanne, who is one of the caretakers. She and her husband Hugh have watched over the mountain for 50 years!!! I spoke with her for a bit, and she was helpful; she gave me advice and told me about the terrain getting to Stratton Pond Shelter.
After speaking with her, I made my way to the fire tower, and once again I had it all to myself. This one was scarier than Glastonbury’s. The wind howled and swirled around me as I climbed up. I had to hold onto the railing just to stay balanced.
Once I made it to the top, I could see for miles. The sky was clear, and the view was incredible. Vermont is a really beautiful state.
Author’s Note: Aside from the view, Stratton Mountain is important in American hiking lore because it inspired James Taylor to propose the creation of the Long Trail and Benton MacKaye to work to create the Appalachian Trail.
After descending the tower, I caught a second wind and blazed down Stratton as fast as I could. I made it to Stratton Pond Shelter around 17:00. One other hiker was there. His name was Limerick, and he was thru-hiking SOBO. Another showed up, so the three of us had it to ourselves. I was dead tired, and after eating dinner, I was out like a light.
Previously: Long Trail: Day 2 (Congon Shelter to Goddard Shelter)