Distance Covered: 58.5 miles
Distance to Finish: 1267.2 miles
A 5 hour drive from Long Island to Williamstown, CT ensued. There was much sleeping and grumpiness in the car, though we passed through a small town by the name of Gaylordsville, which somewhat lifted our spirits.
Before we knew it we'd arrived backed on the trail after a lovely week off. We could hear a storm brewing nearby and that, coupled with the knowledge that a 2,000 foot climb beckoned was enough to render the sunshine and leisure of Long Island a distant memory.
A little where's Wally competition for you guys.
Only 1 mile into the trail Tom and Simon got lost. With Simon leading the way they took a wrong turn and duly walked about 20 minutes in the wrong direction, on a different trail. This led to a 45 minute delay which, considering it was already 6 o'clock, was the last thing we needed. With the shelter still 7 miles away and the 2,000 foot climb still looming over us, it looked ominous to say the least.
A night hike for Simon's first night in 'Vermud' (the nickname for Vermont due to the obscene amount of rainfall) was something we were trying to avoid, but now there was no choice. No matter how fast we walked, we'd be nighthiking.
We climbed to the top of the first mountain, which was to be the toughest climb of Simon's 5 day hike. Within 10 minutes of being on top, the heavens opened and it rained by the bucketload. Not only that but cracks of lighting were not far off. Within minutes the threat of bolts of lightning hitting our immediate vicinity was a real possibility. We walked faster than we ever had to get off the exposed peak, with lightning cracks merely 100 yards behind us, coming close to deafening us with each strike.
Thankfully it was a passing storm that didn't last too long. It was slightly irritating as all our packs were heavier and chaffing becomes a problem when one's shorts and skin are wet too.
So on we marched into the night to find that on top of the ridgeline there were areas of thick mud completely covering the trail. The trail becomes more tricky when one walks at night, when you can't see your step so well, as well all the rocks in the trail being moist and slippy. For young athletes in their prime this would only be a minor inconvenience. However, we had a certain massive 'Wally' with us this week.
After about a half hour of nighthiking, 'Wally' pipes up and says 'wow, its amazing I haven't fallen yet'. Tom and Charlie were walking behind and shared a knowing laugh. They seemed to know it was only a matter of time now that he'd tempted fate.
And so, merely 10 minutes later, Tom looked up to see his father teetering on the brink of falling, and time itself seemed to slow right down as he teetered, then slipped. He proceeded to slip backwards and fall, about as majestically as a baby rhino would, onto his right hip with a loud thud, like the proverbial sack of potatoes. He rolled over once, all the while remaining deathly silent, before he grinded to a halt on some roots, whereupon he let out an incoherent sentence that is best not repeated.
There was genuine concern at first, but it soon became apparent that it was only a bruising to the hip that was sustained, by Wally's own admission, nothing too severe. So on we marched to the shelter, traipsing through the mud for at least another hour. Wally had a surprise in store for us when we got to the shelter. A pot of Foie Gras de Canard and some crackers. A delicacy one couldn't possibly dream of having on the trail, but Simon had made this dream a reality. Thanks again Simon, it provided a much needed laugh at the time and will obviously be remembered as one of the best snacks we ate on the trail.
Needless to say Wally's first night in the sleeping bag in a shelter was a terrible experience. Due to one hip being badly bruised he could only sleep on one side. It often takes people a few nights, sometimes weeks before they get used to sleeping in the woods, let alone if you've badly hurt your hip, so in the case of Wally there was to be no exception.
So we were up at 6 to hike into Bennington, where we would celebrate Charlie's birthday and much to Wally's relief, get a bed for the night. A simple 11 miles that day was all we walked, with the afternoon being cool and sunny, it was a stroll. A wave of happiness swept over us as we knew we weren't hiking in the searing heat of Virginia, but instead in the cooler mountains of Vermont. The leapfrog seemed a better idea by the minute.
Tom, always the team player, looking delighted at being given washing up duty. Also giving away the fact he's just taken over a week off, put that lower tyre away Thomas!
Tom and Paul arrived at the road where one hitches into Bennington to find Wally and Charlie picking raspberry's for a lift. Reason being it was difficult to get a lift from the road and there were a couple of people picking raspberry's who said that when they got the amount they needed they'd be leaving. Enter Wally and Charlie to help out, to speed up the process and get a lift sooner. It was a fun sight for young Tom, who would normally on a Tuesday see his father at this time of day in a suit in the decadent city of Hong Kong. Here, he picks raspberry's if we wants a lift into town.
Bennington on a Tuesday night isn't the liveliest of places, so despite our best intentions to celebrate Charlie's birthday in style, we were tucked up in bed by 11 o'clock. Wally was almost crying with relief to be given a bed for the night.
Above: The group descending upon the bustling metropolis of Bennington for a night out. Far right is the 2nd Englishman we've met on the trail, Charlie from London.
Back to reality the next day, a swift trip to the launderette to wash the mud ridden clothes and then onto the grocery store for food. There was much complaint from Wally about the amount of food he was given to carry, saying that all we do is stuff ourselves and walk around bloated. He was adamant he'd go back home fatter than when he'd started.
On a sad note Paul's ankle had flared up badly again. He thought he'd be able to manage with the ankle support but after a month off it had flared up within 2 half day's hiking and it was impossible to walk on again. It was now a certainty he'd not be able to carry on with us. He was understandably a bit gutted, having walked for so long only to go over on his ankle and end the trip prematurely. We arranged to meet up with him in Manchester on Friday.
Paul's final day on the trail.
In our opinion food is essential to enjoying the trail , because unless you're super fit you'll just be struggling along and not sleeping well. Its worth the extra weight if it means we can enjoy ourselves a bit more, so we make sure we've got plenty of food. Often we carry too much, still not learning what the right amount of food to carry is, despite having walked over 900 miles now!
We didn't make it to the shelter we aimed for, instead staying at one 5 miles short. We were told the firetower 0.3 miles after the shelter provided spectacular 360 degree views. We went up it for sunset and were not dissapointed. The spring next to the shelter provided that unique fresh and even sweet water that one only seems to sample up in the mountains. It was a cold night and Wally didn't at all sleep well again, this time because his sleeping bag wasn't quite thick enough. In fairness to him there wasn't any complaint, only a few laughs in the morning at how things just keep getting better eh!
Our late start yesterday meant we'd have to walk 20 miles to get to the shelter, leaving us only 11 miles the next day into Manchester, where Paul would be waiting for us with Simon's hire car. Simon's flight was on Saturday at 10 a.m. so it was imperative we made it to the shelter so that he could have enough time to get back to New York.
We set off at 7 and slow progress was made in the morning to where we breaked for lunch at 2. We'd only done 9 miles leaving us with another 11 miles. Wally's favourite type of hike, the night-hike, was on the cards again. So Simon pushed on whilst the others slept for a bit. Tom left first to catch up with his old man leaving the other 2 snoring loudly at the shelter. He walked for a good while before he caught up with Simon, slowly clawing his way up another 2,000 foot climb. This was a fair few miles after the shelter, evidence that Simon can walk like a thru-hiker if he puts his mind to it. The young Westy was impressed at his pace and they duly took a well earned d break at the top of the mountain to appreciate the views on offer. Another firetower once again offered stunning views of the surrounding forests and lakes.
The spectacular views at the firetower.
This time the night hike only lasted for about half n hour, and Wally who was now used to the trail managed it with ease. A 20 mile day on his 4th day on the trail is not someting to be sniffed at, especially as his fitness training before the trail consisted of taking a buggy round a golf course, smoking 20 fags on his way round.
Wally's final day proved to be fairly easy, though with Wally being Wally, he couldn't help but get lost thus delaying him a couple of hours. He got there in the end though, with just under 60 miles in 5 days done, 3 of which were half days. A very good effort by the old un. Plenty of laughs were had along the way too, all in all we had a rollicking time.
Distance to Finish: 1267.2 miles
Matt and Nick at the send off.
Despite Tom's Birthday celebrations the day before, we departed at 7.am. due to Tom's Dad acting the slave driver, demanding we left in order to get hiking that day. Not too unreasonable considering he'd flown half way around to come hiking, not sitting in the pub. We understood his desire to go hiking, but Simon 'Wally' Westbrook acting the rooster at 6.a.m still went down like a lead balloon.
A 5 hour drive from Long Island to Williamstown, CT ensued. There was much sleeping and grumpiness in the car, though we passed through a small town by the name of Gaylordsville, which somewhat lifted our spirits.
Before we knew it we'd arrived backed on the trail after a lovely week off. We could hear a storm brewing nearby and that, coupled with the knowledge that a 2,000 foot climb beckoned was enough to render the sunshine and leisure of Long Island a distant memory.
A little where's Wally competition for you guys.
Only 1 mile into the trail Tom and Simon got lost. With Simon leading the way they took a wrong turn and duly walked about 20 minutes in the wrong direction, on a different trail. This led to a 45 minute delay which, considering it was already 6 o'clock, was the last thing we needed. With the shelter still 7 miles away and the 2,000 foot climb still looming over us, it looked ominous to say the least.
A night hike for Simon's first night in 'Vermud' (the nickname for Vermont due to the obscene amount of rainfall) was something we were trying to avoid, but now there was no choice. No matter how fast we walked, we'd be nighthiking.
We climbed to the top of the first mountain, which was to be the toughest climb of Simon's 5 day hike. Within 10 minutes of being on top, the heavens opened and it rained by the bucketload. Not only that but cracks of lighting were not far off. Within minutes the threat of bolts of lightning hitting our immediate vicinity was a real possibility. We walked faster than we ever had to get off the exposed peak, with lightning cracks merely 100 yards behind us, coming close to deafening us with each strike.
Thankfully it was a passing storm that didn't last too long. It was slightly irritating as all our packs were heavier and chaffing becomes a problem when one's shorts and skin are wet too.
So on we marched into the night to find that on top of the ridgeline there were areas of thick mud completely covering the trail. The trail becomes more tricky when one walks at night, when you can't see your step so well, as well all the rocks in the trail being moist and slippy. For young athletes in their prime this would only be a minor inconvenience. However, we had a certain massive 'Wally' with us this week.
After about a half hour of nighthiking, 'Wally' pipes up and says 'wow, its amazing I haven't fallen yet'. Tom and Charlie were walking behind and shared a knowing laugh. They seemed to know it was only a matter of time now that he'd tempted fate.
And so, merely 10 minutes later, Tom looked up to see his father teetering on the brink of falling, and time itself seemed to slow right down as he teetered, then slipped. He proceeded to slip backwards and fall, about as majestically as a baby rhino would, onto his right hip with a loud thud, like the proverbial sack of potatoes. He rolled over once, all the while remaining deathly silent, before he grinded to a halt on some roots, whereupon he let out an incoherent sentence that is best not repeated.
There was genuine concern at first, but it soon became apparent that it was only a bruising to the hip that was sustained, by Wally's own admission, nothing too severe. So on we marched to the shelter, traipsing through the mud for at least another hour. Wally had a surprise in store for us when we got to the shelter. A pot of Foie Gras de Canard and some crackers. A delicacy one couldn't possibly dream of having on the trail, but Simon had made this dream a reality. Thanks again Simon, it provided a much needed laugh at the time and will obviously be remembered as one of the best snacks we ate on the trail.
Needless to say Wally's first night in the sleeping bag in a shelter was a terrible experience. Due to one hip being badly bruised he could only sleep on one side. It often takes people a few nights, sometimes weeks before they get used to sleeping in the woods, let alone if you've badly hurt your hip, so in the case of Wally there was to be no exception.
So we were up at 6 to hike into Bennington, where we would celebrate Charlie's birthday and much to Wally's relief, get a bed for the night. A simple 11 miles that day was all we walked, with the afternoon being cool and sunny, it was a stroll. A wave of happiness swept over us as we knew we weren't hiking in the searing heat of Virginia, but instead in the cooler mountains of Vermont. The leapfrog seemed a better idea by the minute.
Tom, always the team player, looking delighted at being given washing up duty. Also giving away the fact he's just taken over a week off, put that lower tyre away Thomas!
Tom and Paul arrived at the road where one hitches into Bennington to find Wally and Charlie picking raspberry's for a lift. Reason being it was difficult to get a lift from the road and there were a couple of people picking raspberry's who said that when they got the amount they needed they'd be leaving. Enter Wally and Charlie to help out, to speed up the process and get a lift sooner. It was a fun sight for young Tom, who would normally on a Tuesday see his father at this time of day in a suit in the decadent city of Hong Kong. Here, he picks raspberry's if we wants a lift into town.
Bennington on a Tuesday night isn't the liveliest of places, so despite our best intentions to celebrate Charlie's birthday in style, we were tucked up in bed by 11 o'clock. Wally was almost crying with relief to be given a bed for the night.
Above: The group descending upon the bustling metropolis of Bennington for a night out. Far right is the 2nd Englishman we've met on the trail, Charlie from London.Back to reality the next day, a swift trip to the launderette to wash the mud ridden clothes and then onto the grocery store for food. There was much complaint from Wally about the amount of food he was given to carry, saying that all we do is stuff ourselves and walk around bloated. He was adamant he'd go back home fatter than when he'd started.
On a sad note Paul's ankle had flared up badly again. He thought he'd be able to manage with the ankle support but after a month off it had flared up within 2 half day's hiking and it was impossible to walk on again. It was now a certainty he'd not be able to carry on with us. He was understandably a bit gutted, having walked for so long only to go over on his ankle and end the trip prematurely. We arranged to meet up with him in Manchester on Friday.
Paul's final day on the trail.
In our opinion food is essential to enjoying the trail , because unless you're super fit you'll just be struggling along and not sleeping well. Its worth the extra weight if it means we can enjoy ourselves a bit more, so we make sure we've got plenty of food. Often we carry too much, still not learning what the right amount of food to carry is, despite having walked over 900 miles now!
We didn't make it to the shelter we aimed for, instead staying at one 5 miles short. We were told the firetower 0.3 miles after the shelter provided spectacular 360 degree views. We went up it for sunset and were not dissapointed. The spring next to the shelter provided that unique fresh and even sweet water that one only seems to sample up in the mountains. It was a cold night and Wally didn't at all sleep well again, this time because his sleeping bag wasn't quite thick enough. In fairness to him there wasn't any complaint, only a few laughs in the morning at how things just keep getting better eh!
Our late start yesterday meant we'd have to walk 20 miles to get to the shelter, leaving us only 11 miles the next day into Manchester, where Paul would be waiting for us with Simon's hire car. Simon's flight was on Saturday at 10 a.m. so it was imperative we made it to the shelter so that he could have enough time to get back to New York.
We set off at 7 and slow progress was made in the morning to where we breaked for lunch at 2. We'd only done 9 miles leaving us with another 11 miles. Wally's favourite type of hike, the night-hike, was on the cards again. So Simon pushed on whilst the others slept for a bit. Tom left first to catch up with his old man leaving the other 2 snoring loudly at the shelter. He walked for a good while before he caught up with Simon, slowly clawing his way up another 2,000 foot climb. This was a fair few miles after the shelter, evidence that Simon can walk like a thru-hiker if he puts his mind to it. The young Westy was impressed at his pace and they duly took a well earned d break at the top of the mountain to appreciate the views on offer. Another firetower once again offered stunning views of the surrounding forests and lakes.
The spectacular views at the firetower.
This time the night hike only lasted for about half n hour, and Wally who was now used to the trail managed it with ease. A 20 mile day on his 4th day on the trail is not someting to be sniffed at, especially as his fitness training before the trail consisted of taking a buggy round a golf course, smoking 20 fags on his way round.
Wally's final day proved to be fairly easy, though with Wally being Wally, he couldn't help but get lost thus delaying him a couple of hours. He got there in the end though, with just under 60 miles in 5 days done, 3 of which were half days. A very good effort by the old un. Plenty of laughs were had along the way too, all in all we had a rollicking time.
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