+KBer Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 Quoddy is ready to commence a trek on the Long Trail in Vermont. The Long Trail is 270 miles that stretches from Canada to Vermont. You can follow his adventures at Trail Journals. Good luck Quoddy ! Quote Link to comment
+trail hound Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 Happy Trails, John You're Da Man ! I wonder how many caches are along the way??? Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 Go for it, John! The lower half if probably easier, being also the AT. The only problem we had with that section was a nasty thunderstorm on Glastonbury Mountain. Great shelter, but it only sleeps six. Must have been fifteen or more of us sleeping there that night. (Don't nobody check out Harry Dolphin's 1995 Until I'm Done page! I quit after 1024 miles and ten years. Mount Madison did me in. I just wasn't having fun anymore.) Good luck, John, and post lots of pictures! Quote Link to comment
+Team DEMP Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Good luck John!! If anyone uses RSS, you can follow John's entries adding the following feed to your RSS reader: http://www.trailjournals.com/rss/index.cfm?jid=5503 Quote Link to comment
+Quoddy Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Thanks everyone. Note that I'll be hitting the trail at the Quebec border very late in the day on July 30th or at first light on the 31st. I decided to do the trail North to South instead of normal South to North. This will give the bulk of the early August AT thru hikers the chance to clear the area. I'd originally wanted to do it South to North since the southern portion has fewer really high mountains and it would give me the opportunity to build up to the spectacular north. Anyway, I'm hitting the very frequent and difficult "biggies" early in the trek. It will be "make or break" time. BTW, Harry, you might see in the journal that I've already done the area you mentioned. I'll be re-doing all the stretches in the south that I've previously done. I live only 15 to 20 minutes from the southern terminus of the LT (AT), so will be close to home at the finish. Starting right at the Quebec border marker and ending in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Getting to, and exiting from these points adds almost 10 miles to the hike. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Would you be interested in company for a few days along the route? Quote Link to comment
+Quoddy Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Would you be interested in company for a few days along the route? I sure would. Moral support in the north would be especially welcome. Any particular spot in mind... like Camel's Hump? Here's part of an email I received today: "Quoddy, A friend & I just hiked from Jay Pass to Journey's End. He was doing his last section of the LT, I was doing my first. All I can say is: Wow! That trail is tough. When the guide says "steep," it means it." Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Would you be interested in company for a few days along the route? I sure would. Moral support in the north would be especially welcome. Any particular spot in mind... like Camel's Hump? Here's part of an email I received today: "Quoddy, A friend & I just hiked from Jay Pass to Journey's End. He was doing his last section of the LT, I was doing my first. All I can say is: Wow! That trail is tough. When the guide says "steep," it means it." I was thinking more like the southern end. Maybe from Stratton to Rt 9 or something like that. I have no idea if I can, but depending on the dates perhaps I can do it. Quote Link to comment
+Quoddy Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 I was thinking more like the southern end. Maybe from Stratton to Rt 9 or something like that. I have no idea if I can, but depending on the dates perhaps I can do it. Ahhh... you picked a relatively easy stretch (done most of it before). It is a nice, remote area though. My best guess for arrival at Stratton is sometime close to August 21st or 22nd, but it's a bit early to tell. Lots of variables, i.e., weather, me, and if I make a major stop off at Rutland to enjoy the first annual "Long Trail Festival", which just happens to coincide with the time I'm passing closest. (email coming your way) Quote Link to comment
magellan315 Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Quoddy, do you pass anywheres in Southeastern PA? Let me know, I can meet up with you for a portion of the trail. Quote Link to comment
+Quoddy Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Quoddy, do you pass anywheres in Southeastern PA? Let me know, I can meet up with you for a portion of the trail. The Long Trail runs from Quebec to Williamstown, Massachusetts (near the Vermont Border). That's where I'm stopping. Thanks for the offer, though. Quote Link to comment
+Team Rampant Lion Posted July 8, 2007 Share Posted July 8, 2007 Go John Go! What an awesome experience. I'll try to follow along virtually. All the best! TRL Quote Link to comment
+JoiseyGirl Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Good Luck, Have fun and be careful. Will be watching your progress! Quote Link to comment
+Jan and the Man Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 Hey John, What a great adventure! Will you be alone, or with a 4-legged friend? We wish you the best -- weather and smooth trails. We'll be keeping track of your adventure. Best, Jan and Ron Quote Link to comment
+Quoddy Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 Will you be alone, or with a 4-legged friend? I'll be alone. This will be the first time, ever, that the REAL Quoddy and I have been separated for more than two days. It's going to be a real difficulty. Here's a couple of photos that show some of the obsticles that a dog would face. A few have done it, but in the north it isn't easy. Quote Link to comment
+Packanack Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 God Speed. With that said, I have to ask--Just What the hell is that bottom picture, I got vertigo just looking at it. Quote Link to comment
+Quoddy Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 God Speed. With that said, I have to ask--Just What the hell is that bottom picture, I got vertigo just looking at it. That's part of the trail which is (normally) the decent off of the "forehead" of Mount Mansfield (elevation 4393'). In my case heading southbound, I'll be going up this portion. A photo from up on top of Mount Mansfield: Quote Link to comment
avroair Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 Looks like an adventure John, all the best. I will follow along. Quote Link to comment
+GerIRL Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 Best of luck John - I'll be following along. Be safe! Quote Link to comment
+ramapo Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 Those "obstacles" look somewhat terrifying. I'd like to meet the dog that can climb the ladder, that is some special animal. But at least the ladder gives you something to cling to. Are you scrambling up or down the rocky incline in the top picture? Or going horizontal? Does it get any worse than this? These pictures make our Saturday climb seem pretty tame. Best of luck and be careful. I'll be following your travels vicariously. Quote Link to comment
+Old Navy Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 John, all your Geo- friends are with you in spirit on this very cool adventure. Good Luck, be safe, we'll all be watching and routing you on. Regards. John Quote Link to comment
+macatac1961 Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 John, all your Geo- friends are with you in spirit on this very cool adventure. Good Luck, be safe, we'll all be watching and routing you on. Regards. John Same here John, have a great hike. Quote Link to comment
+Quoddy Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 Are you scrambling up or down the rocky incline in the top picture? Or going horizontal? Does it get any worse than this? The incline in the top picture is the climb (going southbound) to the top of Camel's Hump which I hope to reach by day nine or ten. The other is the climb up toward the top of Mount Manfield (highest mountain in Vermont) which I should reach around day seven. From what I've gathered there are some very scary narrow ledges and other obsticles in the same area. I had my first disappointment today when I weighed the five day food supplies and fuel needed for three stretches (the other resupplies are for three days and are for several spots in the high mountains). It was almost three pounds above my original highest estimate which may mean that I'll have to switch packs. The weight with my gear, food, fuel, and water will put me just above the 22 pounds I was hoping for. The other pack will handle the weight much better, but on it's own is 2 pounds heavier than the original. I will be leaving home on the 30th and be dropped off at the access trail. I'll then hike the couple of miles and 2000' elevation gain to near the starting point on the Quebec border late that afternoon. The next morning I'll be starting the actual Long Trail. Whenever service is available from on top of the mountains I'll be sending journal entries and photos via Blackberry. My biggest concern of the entire hike is blisters. I've got to take it really slow in the northern half, stay rested, alert, and strong... and most of all have fun. Quote Link to comment
+weathernowcast Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 For goodness sake be safe!! And more importantly! DO NOT CALL HOME UNLESS you have good cellphone reception! perhaps even more importantly don't show anyone at home that ladder picture. Good grief. God's speed. Quote Link to comment
+Katydid & Miles Stone Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 This is awesome! I just had to wish you the best of luck on your journey! I dream about long distance hiking one day. Right now, work beckons, kids need me, and I'm too far away from retirement, not to mention way out of shape. Will definitely be following your trail journey. Last year while doing the CT portion of the AT, I met thru hikers whose trail journal I also lived vicariously through...all the way to Katahdin. Remember, your family and friends will be watching your TJ with bated breath. katydid Also, when is the Long Trail Festival, that sounds like fun, too. Quote Link to comment
+lakelady Posted July 20, 2007 Share Posted July 20, 2007 Its getting close to step off John. Have fun and watch your steps and remember, no bushwhacking!! Quote Link to comment
+GPS Guy Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 Best of luck! I'll follow along on the RSS feed and my Long Trail map. Quote Link to comment
+Team MM Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 Holy Crow John! You never cease to amaze us. We're coming in late on this so enjoy and please be careful. Meg & Mike Quote Link to comment
+Quoddy Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 Thanks for your encouragement and kind words. I'll be heading for the start very early in the morning. Looks like good weather for the first week, but a bit hotter than I'd hoped. In the meantime I'm listening to Go the Distance, by Walter Trout. Quote Link to comment
+Team DEMP Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 Looks like John is 1/4 through, according to his latest post at http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=198569 Quote Link to comment
+tadpole379 Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Looks like quite the trip!! Good Luck for the rest of the hike!! Quote Link to comment
+Quoddy Posted August 19, 2007 Share Posted August 19, 2007 Went over Camel's Hump today. I'm now in Jonesville with about 190 miles down and 88 to go. The trail is brutal and beating me up, but I'll make it. Last 3 days of the journal should be posted by tomorrow. Quote Link to comment
+dhenninger Posted August 19, 2007 Share Posted August 19, 2007 Glad to hear from you! Hope the next 88 miles go well Quote Link to comment
+GPS Guy Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 17 miles to go. Looks like he'll finish on Wednesday. It'd be nice to greet Quoddy at Trails End, but perhaps it would be wiser to wait until after he's had a good long shower. Quote Link to comment
+Quoddy Posted August 29, 2007 Share Posted August 29, 2007 Reached "Journey's End" at 2:00pm today. What an adventure, but glad to be done. Hope you've benn following the Trail Journal. Quote Link to comment
+KBer Posted August 29, 2007 Author Share Posted August 29, 2007 Congratulations, outstanding accomplishment! I have been following your progress every morning on Trail Journal. Take tomorrow off, you deserve it. Quote Link to comment
+Straatmaker 5 Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Congratulations! I loved reading you're journal! I bet the Real Quoddy is glad to see you. Quote Link to comment
+Team DEMP Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Congratulations John! I followed the journal each day. It was great to read. A tremendous accomplishment! Quote Link to comment
+macatac1961 Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Nice job John! Quote Link to comment
+GPS Guy Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Congrats! It's been a good journal read, and map study. Well done! Quote Link to comment
+Packanack Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Thanks for sharing your achievment with us, it is inspirational and an affirmation. Quote Link to comment
+Old Navy Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 CONGRATULATIONS!!! John, I enjoyed following the journal and great pictures too.!!! Quote Link to comment
+ScoutingWV Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Congratulations! Thanks for sharing! Quote Link to comment
+ramapo Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Also my congratulations. I enjoyed following your progress. Great pictures! ... an impressive, inspiring accomplishment. Quote Link to comment
+lakelady Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Congratulations and welcome home John. Enjoyed reading your journal and the pictures. Looking forward to hearing tales at the next event we both attend. Quote Link to comment
+vanm Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 A truly great achievement! I feel achy just reading about the journey. I feel that I could do about 2 days worth of this hike. I guess the real Quoddy won't be getting too many long hikes for the next week? Quote Link to comment
+Walkin' Ed Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Congratulations John, great job. As I'm sure you know, a lot of people use the LT as a shake-down hike for the Appalachian trail. SpringerMountain in March? Quote Link to comment
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