Day 19 – Clarendon Gorge
Hike North______________The Long Trail______________Hike South
The Long Trail End-to-End Journal (Southbound)
October 14, 2007
Cooper Lodge to Minerva Hinchey Shelter
LT Miles – 13.8
Total LT Miles – 188.6
Extra Miles – 1.6
My fingers are numb as I pack my things. No snow fell overnight, but it’s a frigid morning nonetheless. “Hey look, it’s the superman palace!” Frog says, pointing into his water bottle.
I hike out shortly after him, and plunge into a frosty world.
The frost disappears at a lower elevation, and I catch up with Frog. We walk as he tells me about his bicycle trip from Greece to France last summer, among other discussions.
The trees are listening.
Governor Clement Shelter is home to the first snack break of day – a snickers bar dipped in peanut butter for me. Despite its old charm, this shelter has a reputation as a party spot for locals, and a place for hikers to avoid. It would be interesting to spend the night here and see if it lives up to the hype.
A stream runs adjacent to the shelter.
An old stone wall serves as a reminder that this wasn’t always forestland.
I let Frog hike ahead, and turn off the trail to search for the “secret shelter.”
It’s said to be on private land, and unlisted in the maps and guides.
I attempt to record a soothing nature clip at Sargent Brook.
Don’t miss the next page! (This day continued)
