Call off the rescue squad, I have successfully returned from my mountain operations. I wasn't able to reach the peak though, but my goal was not really to reach it but to simply climb the mountain. I was able to see the Cantilever Rock and reach the alpine tundra area (well I hope I did).
(almost) conquering Mt. MansfieldI will go hiking tomorrow... or at least try to. The destination: the highest peak in Vermont Mt. Mansfield. It has a good view of the Champlain Valley and a glimpse of the Adirondacks on a good day. It also has a nice geological feature called Cantilever rock. I got my stuff ready, a good supply of water, trail mix, energy bars and drinks.
My only concern is the mountain itself. Vermont isn't called the Green Mountain State for nothing, and the fact that I will be climbing the highest peak is a little daunting. Mt. Mansfield is 1339 m above sea level (Gulugod Baboy, which I've summited a couple of times is only 470m above sea level), I have no guide, no cellphone and limited gear (as I never intended to climb a mountain while I am here).
Although I will be starting my climb halfway up the mountain from the ranger station, it is still a little higher than what I have climbed before (Mt Maculot or Mt Manabo, I forgot). And considering the latitude of the state, the weather and temperature is a factor. And although the trail is marked (I hope), I will be going at it alone.
So... if you do not see me online in the next couple of days, call the rescue troops in.
I'm back in Vermont (did I mention I went back home for a couple of weeks?) for another 2 month stint. Things look a little different now... more green stuff and less of the white stuff.
Hopefully I don't get too stressed with the work I need to do here. I am excited, however, with the opportunity to travel to a few other states over one of the weekends. I am also looking forward to doing some outdoor stuff Vermont is renowned for.
But first I need to get over the upcoming jetlag... hopefully it won't be too bad.
