Lookin' Good, VT

Jason's got the day off from his work and he wants to hit the mountain! We start the day off right with a Greek Omelet from Bob's Diner before hitting the woods. The plan is to follow power lines until they intersect a trail in the mountains. We dip into the woods with power lines in sight, and start trekking uphill. Everywhere snow is melting and the watersheds are beginning to flow. The sound of trickling snow melt is like silver bells to my ears.

We never did come across those power lines but by now we are enchanted by the mystery of the forest. No need for a clear path, we've got a brooke to follow. Up ahead massive rock formations heave themselves from the surrounding forest with geologic rapidity. Bands of sediment remind us of ancient forces involved with the sculpting of the land. Jason points out a unique icicle that appears to "platform" before touching the rock face it hangs above. No explanation available.

Moving onwards and upwards. We summit the crest to find perfect flats for pitching tents. This area reminds me a bit of my Camp Perfecto at Khuvsguul Nuur. Some large creature has left traces of its passing in the form of prints in the snow. Surely some large carnivore. A cougar? Jason tells me a tale of a Fisher Cat that stalks the land. Most intriguing. Out of nowhere my foot plunges deep, up to my thigh in snow. On the way down my bastard knee scrapes against a boulder. And it begins again, the pain. I like it. It's how I know I'm mortal.

Jason spots a few flurries blowing about. We realize the risk of possible snow storms and, acknowledging our lack of preparedness, decide to head back. Footprints, human this time, lead down toward civilization. We find the power lines we were looking for, only to realize they span a deep cleft in the mountain's face. We find ourselves against insurmountable odds as we attempt to make our way out. The slope proves too slippery, we're careening desperately for the icy stream below! Cold, fresh water tumbles down rapidly. Ice forms from spray where water strikes stone. This stream bears some the queerest ice forms I've ever witnessed. I'm convinced a life of adventure will continue to yield new discoveries. Raise a glass to human curiosity! May the spirit of inquiry last eternal!

Back to the road and I'm hobbling now. Sliding down icy slopes, digging in for purchase in futile attempts to avoid a frigid drenching, crouching low to find the best camera angles. These activities have worked a number on my ailing joint. We'll have to take it easy for a bit. The following day we laid low, taking a walking tour of the nearby town and catching a show at The Perfect Wife (great name for a pub.) The Po Boyz from Boston rocked a light crowd with their bayou inspired funk. An invigorating show followed by star lit walk back to the crib. It's good to be here. As I write this I anticipate seeing the Easy Star All Stars rock some dub reggae at a show south of here tonight. I hope we can get in the door. One way or the other Jason has the next five days off. I see some winter camping in our near future. Stay tuned.