Long Trail – Div 1, Day 1 – Pt 1

October 9, 2009

Brian and I arrived at the small parking lot at the Pine Cobble trailhead around 10am. Parking the car and gearing up took only a moment… we were excited.

The Long Trail begins at the Vermont border, which is some distance away. To reach it, we need to hike one of two access trails. After months (literally) of analysis, we chose the Pine Cobble trail, which starts in Massachusetts.

The climb was modest, and the cool, mid-50′s temperatures definitely helped. The forecast called for rain, and we knew we were racing the weatherman to make it to our goal – Seth Warner Shelter – before the deluge arrived.

At 11:03am, we reach the summit @ 1894ft. For our trouble we get a nice view of Williamstown North Adams.

Continuing on a little further, we hit a section of rocky rubble, which past hikers have stacked into little cairns.

At 11:26 we reach the intersection of the Appalachian trail. We will follow it’s track north (overlapping the Long Trail) for the rest of the weekend.

We really timed our trip well…the fall foliage was incredible.

The Mass/Vermont state line… here we fill out the register, and begin our trip along the actual long trail.
It is just after noon.

As we pause to take pictures, an Appalachian Trail through hiker bounds into view. He excitedly tells us that he has just hiked through 3 states from the starting point on Katahdin, Maine, and is bound for Georgia. We are inspired by his enthusiasm.

We have 2.8 miles to go to our destination, Seth Warner shelter.

Rock Hopping

Before long, the shelter draws close…

It’s a 3 sided structure, and one other hiker is already there. His trail name is “Silver Cloud” and he tells us he is finishing up a 10 day hike from Killington, south.

We unpack our gear, and set to cooking dinner. After the day’s exertions, we’re starving.

…Continued tomorrow.