An early morning walk is a blessing all day long.
~ Thoreau
August 2, 2022
AT miles: 10.4
Ascent: 3100’
Descent: 3202’
Weather: cloudy but clear in the afternoon, mid-70’s
High points: hearing a loon call over Stratton Pond
I woke this morning to the haunting call of a hermit thrush.
The AT this morning took me up and over Stratton Mountain (3936’), a major ski resort and the place where the ideas for both the AT and the LT originated.
I crossed Deerfield River and inadvertently roused a blue heron, who flew right over my head!
Whenever I see a bridge like this I wonder how the construction materials were brought in!
Near the peak of Stratton Mountain you enter a balsam fir forest which is dark, mysterious, and smells of Christmas!
At the summit of Stray there was no view — too many trees. It was very cloudy so according to the brave hikers who scrambled up the ladders there were no views.
On the way down the path was wet enough that I pondered if this was a stream or a trail!
The trail both up and down was fairly smooth. In parts it even looked like a garden!
Stratton Pond Shelter is one of the nicest and largest shelters on the AT. I love the picnic table being in a covered porch!
Stratton Pond is beautiful. Since I don’t have to be to the point where I’ll meet my shuttle until 1:00 pm tomorrow and I am only 10.7 miles away, I decided to spend the night at this beautiful shelter. I have had the most mellow afternoon!
LOTS of other hikers have arrived, and there is a village of tents behind the shelter.
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!