January 1, 2022
Start/End: Jay Peak Trailhead
Miles: 5.64
Elevation gain: 2595′
After driving a few hours from New Hampshire, I started up the Long Trail less than an hour before sunset. It was terrible conditions. It was mid 30s, lightly raining, and in the clouds. All of the lightly packed snow had turned to loose slush, so uphill and downhill movement was tricky. Near to the summit, the wind was howling and pushed me around a bit. I was delighted to find that the summit house kept the heated vestibule unlocked even at night. I gratefully used it twice to stop for a snack, drink, and change of gloves. The bushwhack over to Big Jay had seen some traffic so I had tracks to follow, which made things easier. I made quick work of the descent, though there was 6 inches of water underneath the snow so I slowed down a bit to try and avoid splashing my way down the mountain. I was glad to see my car, and carefully head south towards my next trailhead, stopping in Burlington on the way for a takeout dinner.
Transcending Mountains 