chapter 513

12/1/2018

Green Mountain Showshoeing

always an adventure

TV said that 2 foot of snow was dumped on Woodford, VT. Woodford has the highest elevation above sea level of any town in Vermont. With 35 degrees and grass showing at home it was hard to believe that an hour away conditions could be that good. Thought I'd try an exploratory adventure anyway. This mountain appeared on my drive just before Bennington.

As I entered the Green Mountain National Forest I found this stream near Appalachian Trail crossing.

A fine camp on this Big Pond was quite inviting just near the Prospect Mountain X-C ski center (highest elevation base lodge 2250 feet for any ski area in Vermont). Very popular on the second day over there.

Things were pretty snowed in alright. A front end loader was just clearing the parking lot for the trail to Little Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest so opted for that. I'm hiking blind because my original destination seemed to be snowed in and closed. Had my portable GPS however. Going thru 2 feet of snow is near impossible even with my larger flotation shoes. I knew that but attempted anyway. Help, I've fallen and can't get up. Trying to take a picture I merely fell over and was stuck in the deep powder. I immediately felt like I was 5 years old again in my snow suit playing in snow back in Virgil. After the laughter, I struggled for 5 minutes trying to get my shoes unstuck and down hill so I could somehow push off on my ski pole to right myself. Success finally, but didn't venture too far now.

I reminisce about running the muskrat trap line in winter with snowshoes. It was such a laborious effort. But now I can pick and choose appropriate locations and conditions. 

After talking with some cross country skiers and some hot chocolate to settle down, I took the path more travelled and it made all the difference. The equipment operator had indicated it was a private road, which it was not. All part of the fact finding mission. Did a few miles following their alternate path but still not all the way to Little Pond.

Next day I had re-researched the information on Woodford State Park . OK, it is closed for winter but the unmarked lot across the road does allow for parking and access to the park. Just a few skiers and shoe-ers had been in there. This the road to campsites. Great log cabins for rent in summer.

The Perimeter Trail through the woods was just magical. I felt like poet Robert Frost (Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening) was right there with me. Really. He is buried in nearby Bennington.

At the far end of the trail it loops down by the south end of Adams Reservoir for this scene. As I started back the stainless steel rod on my snowshoes under my foot broke. Now limping, I used an extra strap I had to make the shoe work reasonably well. Negotiations have begun with LL Bean but they are reluctant to help.

I had so many beautiful images, too numerous to mention, but guess I just mentioned them. So glad I explored and found this treasure near home. Will be doing more there including some Appalachian Trail sections. Do I want to advocate everyone getting out in the snow. Yes, but remember your mileage may vary.

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