Long Trail Day 18

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12 Miles (211 Total)

Puffer Shelter to Smugglers Notch

Short on time to write and tired after a long but good day.

Here is the picture summary: 

A perfect sunrise as we woke up to start our hike to Mount Mansfield
One of several ladders we encountered over the course of the day to get over tough and steep rocky sections
We crossed a small pond on the way towards Taylor Shelter
Another partially scary ladder we had to climb up. This one was fastened to the rocks to make it more secure, but one of the anchors had actually broken
A nice view through sharp granite outcropping as we climbed towards Mansfield
The view from the “Forehead” of Mansfield, looking south
At the Forehead; the tough climb is over, but the summit is still over a mile away
The summit of Mansfield in the distance, called “The Chin”
A beautiful exposed ridge walk towards the chin; wood planks provide surface to walk on between sections of rock so hikers can avoid stepping on the fragile Alpine Zone plant life
The summit of Mansfield; it was July 4th and many Day hikers were out enjoying the day
We hitched into Stowe from Smugglers Notch after descending Mansfield; this is our room at the Butler House which even had a little kitchen. We ate too many grilled cheese, tomato and avocado sandwiches. But we earned it.
We received some pretty epic trail magic from our hitch into Stowe. The Alchemist is a popular brewery in the region and she bought us a 4 pack of their flagship IPA. So good after a rough 4 days out in the Vermont woods!

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