Once again, Kay’s hikers, twenty-four ladies age 15 to 70-something, took to the woods of Vermont for some challenging and beautiful hikes. The first day took us to a beautiful shelter in the woods, and then to Stratton Pond. The entire hike was about eight miles with gentle elevation but rough trails full of roots and rocks. Our hiking poles were helpful in preventing spills and twisted joints. We were a little early for more than a touch of color to the foliage, but the weather, in the 70’s, brought out the best in everyone.
Our weekend accommodations were at Blue Gentian Lodge in Londonderry, VT. The proprietors serve up marvelous meals, prepared from their garden out back.
The morning was misty when we started out on Saturday.
Hikers on the trail, including twins from NYC, Danielle and Samantha.
Kay, our leader, at the shelter which was our lunch destination.
Along the trail we encountered mossy vignettes like this one.
A local day hiker and her dog at Stratton Pond.
Stratton Pond.
Stratton Pond through the trees.
At the end of our eight miles, we could look back through the forest at where we had been.
A short trip from Stratton to Weston took us to the Vermont Country Store where you can buy a remedy for every complaint.
Main Street in Weston,VT.
After a meal in the lodge dining room, we pay rapt attention to Kay’s description of the next day’s hike.
From the trail at Lowell Lake.
Mother and daughter share a trail snack during a break on Lowell Lake.
Mossy rocks near Lowell Lake.
Looking north from the dam at Lowell Lake, the end of our 3.7 mile trail walk.
Bev and my roommate, Monica, pose on the dam.
A Vermont woodcarver’s rendition of a lion and a lamb.
Cartoon carvings.
A bear emerges from a tree stump.
