Archives
| ||
LTN vv n is used as an abbreviation for The Long Trail News Volume vv Number n; The Long Trail News is published by The Green Mountain Club.
1955 The Montpelier Section is established|
LTN XV 2 May 1955 (from a report of the Trustees Meeting) "... Fred Field, Chairman of the Section Service Committee ... assisted the Barre Section with the program for their Annual Meeting by showing the Club's slides. It was at this meeting that he made contacts to develop a new Section in Montpelier. After a great deal of preliminary work, and with the cooperation of a few interested Montpelier people, a meeting was arranged, to show The Green Mountain Club slides and to talk about the Club. At another meeting, a week later, thirty-eight people signed a paper requesting permission from The Green Mountain Club to form a Montpelier Section." The Barre Section reports a full schedule; their Annual Meeting was in January. Their officers are Pauline Calcagni, Madeline Tomasi, Rena Gusmai, and Mildred Halvasa. |  April 16, 1955: The GMC formally accepts the Montpelier Section |  May 28: The Charter is presented at the Annual Meeting |
1956
LTN XVI 1 February 1956
"We received from Harlan Farnsworth, president of the
Montpelier Section, a splendid report of the activities of the Section for the
year 1955. Because of a lack of space, we are forced to condense part of
it. Other parts will be reported in detail, for many GMC members will be
interested to hear what Montpelier has been doing.
"The activities of the newly organized Montpelier Section
opened up April 2, 1955 with twenty-five adults and children participating in a
Sugar-on-snow party at the Morse's Sugar House on the Country Road in
Montpelier.
"At a meeting on April 27th, the following officers were
elected: President, Harlan R. Farnsworth; Secretary, Ellen Hebblethwaite;
Treasurer, Frances Holmes. A planning committee was also appointed to make
up a program of hikes for the summer.
"On May 7th, sixteen hikers in two groups climbed up toward
Appalachian Gap. One group hiked in the Molly Stark Mt., Baby Stark, and
Beaver Meadow area, and the second group followed the Long Trail south.
The day was crisp, clear, and warm when in the direct sun. Several
pictures were taken.
"Starting at Lincoln Gap on May 21st, thirteen hikers went in
to Battell Shelter and found the going rather rough. (We understand this has
been cleaned up.) Three hikers stayed at the shelter and the rest of the party
went on to Mt. Abraham.
"For a pleasant afternoon hike, on June 5th, thirty members
came at their own leisure to the top of Mt. Elmore. Picnic suppers were
enjoyed at the State Park picnic grounds.
"A Mystery Hike to the lower slopes of the east side of
Camel's Hump was another June hike enjoyed by the members. Walking through
farm land as well as wooded areas, resting by fast flowing streams,
investigating an old farm site, and following old roads all added up to a very
pleasant day.
"In July, eleven members hiked up to the lookout tower on
Scragg Mountain. It was a beautiful, clear day and the ranger pointed out
many places of interest we could see from the tower.
"August 6. There were only four hikers for this
memorable hike up to Jay Peak. The first part of the hike followed the old
Montgomery Center road from the east side to Jay camp. For the most part,
we were ankle deep in mud and three to five feet deep in nettles. The
water at the spring was very scarce and not at all clear. After lunch at
Jay camp, which is a very complete and closed shelter, we hiked along the Long
Trail to the Old Camp turn off, where we left our pack while we went up to Jay
Peak. The trail up from the camp was clear, dry, and shady.
Unfortunately, there was more haze on this hike than we had had to date, and we
could just barely make out Mt. Mansfield's chin only twenty-five miles
south. Even the immediate valleys were fuzzy. The hike down to the
Old Camp was from 60 to 30 degrees and the lower we descended, the wetter the
trail became. We followed an old logging road from the Old Camp site back
to where we left the car.
"
Harlan R. Farnsworth"
LTN XVI 2 May 1956
Barre Section officers are Pauline Calcagni, Eleanor Fraser, Rena Gusmai, and
Dorothy Puente.
The Barre Section Annual Meeting was held February 4; attendees includes guests
from the Burlington, Killington, and Montpelier Sections.
LTN XVI 3 August 1956
(Montpelier Section report)
"We started off the year by joining Burlington Section on
their Oyster-bake at Taylor Lodge. Four of our members were fortunate enough to
locate snow shoes in time for the hike. A very pleasant time was enjoyed.
"On March 18th, 8 of us had found snow shoes and so went for a
Saturday afternoon hike in the warm Spring sun. We went along an old
wooded road off of the Worcester-Elmore road, for about a mile before turning
back. There were several deep, deer runs and one snow-shoe rabbit track
crossing at intervals along the 3-plus foot depth of snow.
"For our second annual Sugar Party on Saturday, April 7th,
nearly 40 members, guests and children collected again at the Sidney Morse Sugar
House on the County Road of Montpelier. The syrup was at its best in spite
of the late start this season, and a pleasant afternoon was enjoyed by all.
"We held election of officers at our 2nd annual meeting on the
evening of April 10th.
"We discussed plans for the immediate future and accepted
Burlington's invitation to join them April 22 for an afternoon hike to French
Camp. We also planned a hike up Spruce Mountain near Plainfield on
Saturday the 28th. A special meeting will be made in the near future to plan the
Spring-Summer schedule. After the business of the evening, we saw some
slides our various members had taken of last season's hikes and then turned the
program over to Prof. Roy Buchanan and the Adirondacks. Needless to say,
the evening went all too fast and was most entertaining in both pictures and
prose.
"
Phyllis Adams Murray"
LTN XVI 4 November 1956
(Montpelier Section report)
"We started off the summer with a well-attended outing to
Allis State Park on Bear Mountain on Sunday, May 20th. The afternoon was
spent in taking short hikes around the area and soaking up the warm sunshine.
"There were seven adults and four children out in the rain on
the 30th of May, but we enjoyed every minute of it. Due to the weather, we
went to Montclair Glen Lodge for our lunch. We were all fascinated by the
beaver dams and the terrace effect on the way back as we first saw the smallest
and then looked on down to the biggest. It was beautiful, with the mist
hanging in the air over the water in scattered puffs. As the rain didn't
let up during the afternoon, we didn't try going up onto Camel's Hump.
"We were represented at the GMC Annual Meeting by four of our
members. Miss Doris Newton reported for our Section and accepted the
charter for us.
"On the Fourth of July three members and a guest enjoyed a
quiet holiday in the Bolton Notch area.
"Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Farnsworth joined the Burling Section on
July 14th and 15th on their overnight to the Adirondacks. The week end was
fine weatherwise, and the whole group got plenty of hiking in, with the men
covering fifteen miles to the women's twelve miles.
"During August, five members went north for a look off
Belvidere Mountain. The Fire Ranger pointed out all of the views including
the asbestos operations on Belvidere itself.
"There were about thirty members and guests at Mad River Glen
for our Annual Corn Roast. Those who went up the new road to the
Appalachian Gap found it well graded up to the Gap, but not much work had been
done beyond. The day was very nippy, and the fires cooking the corn and
suppers, were very welcome.
"Three adults and two small girls went up the chair lift to
the Octagon of Mt. Mansfield and from there hiked over the South link around the
nose and forehead to the Long Trail junction at Butler Lodge. We dropped
down to check in at Butler but came right back up to the Long Trail and followed
it south to the Nebraska Notch where we met two of the five members who came up
to Taylor from the Lake Mansfield area. At this point three of us went
through the notch and the remaining four went along the Long Trail section and
met the others at the Taylor end junction where we then continued on to the
Lodge for lunch. (Sounds rather complicated.) Mr. and Mrs. Brown
from the Burlington Section were there and joined us for lunch. We then
returned home by way of the Lake Mansfield Trail for a round trip of nearly
seven miles.
"
Montpelier Section's Fall Schedule
"October 6 - Sterling Pond atop Spruce Peak
"October 20 - Camel's Hump for another try for the top
"November 3 - Nichols Ledge
"November 17 - Mt. Roosevelt, up Clark Brook Trail off route 100
"For the first of December we are to have a pit-luck outing at
Wiley Lodge and invite Burlington and Barre Sections to join us as our
guests. Please let us know by the 28th of November that you will be with
us so we can have plenty of fixin's. Contact either by phoning CA 3-.... or
dropping a card to: Phyllis A. Murphy ... This could easily turn into an annual
affair.
"Let's have a good turn out for our hikes! Meeting place is as
usual, in front of the Kellogg Hubbard Library. Bring your friends.
Guests are always Welcome.
"
Phyllis A. Murphy"
1957
LTN XVII 1 February 1957
David Otis is Outing Chair of the Burlington Section; he was president of the
Montpelier Section in 1963.
The M-Section invites the Burlington Section to Beef Stew at Wiley Lodge in November.
LTN XVII 3 August 1967
The Barre and Montpelier Sections submitted reports by letter to the GMC Annual
Meeting; the Barre Section reported that there was not much activity. The
Montpelier Section report was:
"The Montpelier Section has tried to plan activities about
every other weekend, but we have not had very good attendance. We
entertained the Burlington Section and were entertained by them once. We
have tried to vary our activities between climbs and road walks, with the usual
sugar party and corn roast. Camel's Hump, Belvidere, Clark Brook, and
Wiley Lodge attracted the largest crowds.
"I feel that we should do our share of Trail work, and if a
portion of the Trail is assigned to us, I will try to get our able-bodied
members together.
"
Frances E. Holmes, President"
LTN XVII 4 November 1957
The Trustees Meeting noted
"... The Montpelier Section keeps active with a planned
program of hikes."
1958
LTN XVIII 1 February 1958
A letter from Howard and Edith Bloom of Montpelier appears, opposing commercial
development of the National Forests, specifically the projected development of
the Lincoln Mountain ski area in the Green Mountain NF. Howard Bloom was
president of the Montpelier Section in 1958.
LTN XVIII 2 May 1958
The Burlington Section reports that 13 members of the Montpelier Section were
guests at their 7th annual Oyster Stew at Taylor Lodge in Nebraska Notch. Dr.
and Mrs. Bryant of the Montpelier Section donated brownies and doughnuts; after
supper, Dr. Bryant lead group singing.
LTN XVIII 4 November 1958
(Montpelier Section report)
"We had a good work trip on May 30th, covering the Trail from Smuggler's
Notch to Sterling Pond, with five Club members going. We found the Trail
in very good condition, and probably had to cut up and remove no more than
a dozen trees.
"Our Camel's Hump hike turned out to be quite an affair, even
though a dozen people at most came out. My wife and I went up the Callahan
Trail on Saturday, June 14th, and reached the top to find a veritable gale
blowing. It was a beautiful sunny day, but our cheeks and hands turned
numb in a very few minutes. We lost no time in getting back into the
shelter of the trees. The mountain was alive with people that day.
Boy Scouts, families, lone hikes, all kinds of walkers kept appearing up and
down the Trail. It was amusing to see everyone crossing the peak, on their
hands and knees in many cases. We returned that day, but learned later
that some friends of the Club had spent the weekend on the mountain, and on Sunday
five other Club members had gone up the mountain.
"Fifteen members attended the corn roast at the Bloom farm in
East Calais on Sunday, September 28th. A bushel of corn was roasted over
an open fire. The corn was then eaten and heartily enjoyed by the group.
"The Mount Hunger trip had four club members going, but we
enjoyed it immensely. It was a raw, overcast day with all kinds of
weather, and when we made the top, the weather changed by the minute, but all
the time blowing like mad. To add to the fun, we discovered a very well marked
white-paint blazed trail all the way to the summit. A real mystery - who
did it? Not our Section. Could it have been the Burlington Section
? It wasn't there last spring. No reward, but our thanks to any
reader who will let us know.
"The remaining fall schedule includes a hike October 26th to
Nichols Ledge in the Hardwick-Cabot area, and a hike to Wiley Lodge on December
7th.
"
Howard Bloom"
1959
LTN XIX 2 May 1959
Ann and David Otis were elected to lead the Burlington Section; David Otis was
president of the Montpelier section in 1963.
(Montpelier Section report)
"Our annual oyster stew party held in conjunction with the
Burlington Section was a very successful affair; sixteen of our Section, and
twenty-seven Burlingtonians met and had a very pleasant evening.
"Our annual meeting will take place in Montpelier on April
22nd.
"
Howard Bloom"
1960
LTN XX 3 August 1960
(Montpelier Section report)
"No news is good news. A look at the Montpelier summer
schedule would indicate that everyone is enjoying the wide variety of
activities too much to write. The movies of Alaska; the trail clearing and
shelter repair work; the overnights and the family picnics all sound like
fun. Exploring caves near Bristol and the flower tour of the Alpine
flowers on the Presidential Range should be especially interesting. The
rewarding views from Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Mt. are well worth any effort
involved and of course should be good preparation for the Intersectional,
too."
Section membership for May 1960 is reported as 28.
LTN XX 4 November 1960
Clyde Smith of the Burlington Section reports discovery of "Cantilever
Rock." He plans a B-Section excursion to open a trail to it.
1961
LTN XXI 2 May 1961
The GMC Bylaws are being changed (effective 1 January 1962) to apportion Trustees
to Sections. The apportionment includes 1 for Montpelier, 3 for Burlington, 2
for Members-at-Large, and 1 for the Green Mountain National Forest.
LTN XXI 4 November 1961
Seven Montpelier Section members attended the Intersectional at Echo Lake.
1962
LTN XXII 1 February 1962
"The Wilderness Act, S.174, was passed by the Senate last
summer. In the House, however, it is expected to meet vigorous opposition
from commercial mining, lumbering and livestock interests.
[send letters in support of the legislation to Rep. Wayne Aspinall, Chairman of
the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.]"
(Montpelier Section report -------- Roioli Schweiker, reporter)
"Last fall there were trips to Taylor Lodge, to see what it
looked like without snow; to Spruce Peak, to see the fall foliage, and to Prospect
Rock up near the Lamoille. Five of us (in pouring rain) walked from
Beaver Meadow over Whiteface Mt. to meet them at the highway.
"The winter schedule of outings includes Hancock Brook; Oyster
Stew at Taylor Lodge; Owl's Head, children invited; Mt. Moosilauke; Moonlight
Hike?; Mt. Hunger; Stew Party at Glen Ellen Lodge; Moonlight Hike to Lord's
Hill; Mt. Knox and Camel's Hump.
LTN XXII 2 May 1962
At the April 7th Trustees Meeting, Harlan Farnsworth reported from the
Montpelier Section that they had joint outings with the Burlington and Sterling
Sections to the delight of both groups. Their full moon snow shoe hike was
also popular.
LTN XXII 3 August 1962
(Montpelier Section report)
"At the G.M.C., Inc. Annual Meeting at Long Trail Lodge Harlan
Farnsworth reported on activities of the winter season and introduced the new
officers: Wayne Cliff and Marion Gorham. Harlan also reported on the
vandalism at Sterling Lodge. Upper bunks and table had been ripped
out and burned for firewood, the stove had been smashed, and the insides was a
shambles Section members on a trail-clearing hike cleaned it out the best
they could without a broom and on their return from trail clearing found it
already occupied by a small group of overnight hikers, who despite the snow on
the banks were "enjoying" a swim in Sterling Pond. The date was
May 19.
"Besides the above, spring activities have included a
moonlight snowshoe walk near Plainfield, a short bushwhack up Knox Mountain near
Orange, a Sunday afternoon walk along Hancock Brook in the Worcester area, two
trips to Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, our annual
pilgrimage to Camel's Hump, and a chicken barbecue at Allis State Park.
"Plans for the summer include trips to Laraway Mountain,
Cantilever Rock, Breadloaf Mountain, Groton Pond, the Intersectional, Mt.
Washington in N.H., and Elephant's Head. Also planned is a lobster and
corn cookout at a yet unannounced spot. Copies of our schedule have been
sent to secretaries of all other sections and it is hoped that members
vacationing or visiting in this area might join our activities.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXII 4 November 1962
Two Montpelier Section members attended the Intersectional at Stratton Mountain
(Montpelier Section report)
"On June 30th seven of our members, including myself, enjoyed
a very delightful hike up Laraway Mountain near Belvedere Junction. It was
a warm day and we ate our lunch under the coolness of the striking cliffs.
Shortly thereafter, despite the cloudy weather, we marveled at the really
remarkable view at such low elevation, 2620 feet, at Laraway Lookout.
"On July 15th the Section had a Hawaiian steak cookout at
Underhill State Park catered by President Wayne Cliff and his wife,
Margot. Almost twenty-five members attended and after the repast the more
ambitious ones hiked up to Cantilever Rock.
"Two of our scheduled summer activities were cancelled and we
scheduled nothing during the Intersectional, which several of our members
attended. Some of us who planned to attend were unable to do so and we
hope for a larger attendance next year.
"On the weekend of September 18th we deserted the Green Mountains
for the White Mountains and six of our members climbed Mt. Washington; four of
us n Saturday via the Amanoosuc Ravine Trail and two o Sunday via the Tuckerman
Ravine Trail. At the Lakes-of-the-Clouds Hut we made ourselves known as
G.M.C. members and were informed that another member, Margaret Ponds, had been
there a preceding week end. We also pitched in and helped: shucking corn,
making salad and doing dishes.
"On September 16th we held a corn cookout at Owls Head View in
Groton State Forest with twenty-four attending, most of whom took a short walk
to the top to enjoy another lovely view at low elevation.
"On September 22nd two of our members upheld the honor of the
Section by hiking to Elephants Head in Smugglers Notch despite the threatening
weather, which proved kind to them. On the way down we met two boys from
Montreal, who are frequent users of Sterling Lodge and had stayed there last
Christmas with a group. They took half hour watches during the night to
keep the fire going and said at that time there had been no damage to the
cabin. They were hoping to do the same this Christmas and were
disappointed to hear that we planned to remove the stove this winter. They
said the new stove does not work as well as the old one. One of the boys
said he would like to work on the trails so we referred him to the main club.
"Our new schedule will be out this week and we have planned
frequent hikes to take advantage of the fall foliage and to get in as much
hiking as possible before the deer season. At one of our executive board
meetings we had wondered about the possibility of a composite schedule such as
the A.M.C Bulletin.
"We now have thirty-five paid-up members, which is more than
we had last year or any previous year.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
1963
LTN XXIII 2 May 1963
(Montpelier Section report)
"Our fall schedule included hikes to Mt. Hunger, Texas Falls,
Butler Lodge (an overnight), Scragg Mt., Scrabble Hill, and Mt. Jefferson (White
Mountains).
"Our winter schedule started with a "moonlight"
snowshoe hike in Hubbard Park followed by cocoa and slides. The moon made
a very brief appearance. Several of our members attended the Burlington
Section's Oyster Stew Party at Taylor Lodge. On Lincoln's Birthday we went
for a walk on the hill near National Life. Feb 16th found us in Smuggler's
Notch. On March 3rd we enjoyed a cocoa party at Wiley Lodge. We had
another "moonlight" snowshoe hike on March 10th and again the moon
condescended to peek out for a moment. A beefstew at Glen Ellen Lodge, at
which members of the Burlington Section joined us, completed our winter
activities. The Para-Ski Races at Mad River Glen coincided with this last
activity an made the day even more interesting.
"Our spring schedule starts with a sugar-on-snow party April
7th. Other planned activities are a pot luck stew at Montclair Glen, our
annual meeting, a canoe trip, a walk to Nichol's Ledge, a ski trip to Tuckerman
Ravine, another trip to the White Mountains, a two or three day hike on the
northern section of the Long Trail, our annual pilgrimage to Camel's Hump, and a
trail-clearing trip.
"Our membership is now thirty-nine. Attendance on our
hikes is usually from six to twelve and we often have guests.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXIII 3 August 1963
(Montpelier Section report)
"Since my last report we have had a sugar-on-snow party at the
Joslin Farm in Montpelier on April 7th. This was a family event and 27
persons attended. Some of us had never seen a sugar house and boiling sap
before, so this was an interesting experience - and it smelled so good.
"We held our annual meeting on April 24th - a covered dish
supper at the Vermont College Student Center - with 23 persons attending.
Our guest speaker was Clyde Smith of the Burlington Section; he entertained with
some beautiful slides of the White, Green and Adirondack Mts., and accompanying
tales. New officers were elected: Dave Otis, President; Marion Gorham,
Secretary; Harlan Farnsworth, Treasurer. We ended the year with an
all-time high paid-up membership of 39 persons as compared with 25 last year.
"On April 27 Roioli Schweiker led a canoe trip on the Winooski
River. Two members of the Burlington Section and five members of the
Vermont College Outing Club participated.
"On May 8, Dave Otis led a hike to Nichols Ledge in Cabot
where eight of us cooked-out and enjoyed the indescribably beautiful view.
On this hike we found patches of new-fallen snow.
"On June 8, we held an all day hike and work party led by
Harlan Farnsworth. Ten members participated and we split into two parties,
one clearing Elephants Head Trail and one clearing our section of the Long
Trail. We also cleaned Sterling Pond Lodge, which we found in good
condition this year.
"On Sunday, June 23, Dave Morse led a group of ten -
predominantly Morses and Otises - to Mt/ Elmore for a picnic supper.
"Future plans include hiking a section of the Long Trail with
the Albany Section of the Adirondack Mt. Club on Sat., July 13 with Dick Babcock
leading; an outing at Groton State Park on Sun., July 28, with Ann Otis as
leader; an all day hike up Belvidere Mt. on Sat., Aug. 10, Dave Otis leading;
our annual pilgrimage to Camel's Hump on Aug. 17, with Don Wallace leading; our
annual corn roast this year at Underhill State Park on Sat., Sept. 14, with Ann
Otis and myself in charge - we hope the Sterling Section will join us; and on
Sept. 21, an overnight to the Pemigewasset Wilderness in the White Mts., Dick
Babcock leading. members of other sections are invited to join any of our activities.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXIII 4 November 1963
Four Montpelier Section members attended the Intersectional at Tamarack Notch
Girl Scout Camp.
(Montpelier Section report)
"Our summer activities included a ten mile hike on July 13,
led by Dick Babcock, beginning at the Lake Mansfield Trout Club, going up to
Taylor Lodge, through Nebraska Notch, over the Forehead, by the Nose, over the Chin
and down into Smuggler's Notch. We were accompanied by five members of the
Adirondack Mt. Club; in fact they outnumbered us. On July 28 we enjoyed an
outing at Groton State Forest beginning with a swim party and ending with a
chicken barbecue at Owl's Head; 30 persons attended. The blueberries were
delicious on top of Owl's Head and so was the view. Ann Otis was in charge
of this event. I think I'd better not mention what happened on Aug.
10th. On Aug 17th a small group led by Dave Otis climbed Camel's Hump. On
Sept 14th we held a corn roast at Underhill State Park and climbed to Cantilever
Rock. We can legitimately call it a corn roast because two of the nineteen
persons attending roasted their corn; the rest ate it boiled. On Sept.
18th we met at Dick Babcock's house to plan our fall schedule, which is as
follows:
"Sat. Sept. 28 - Mt. Lafayette - Leader: Dick Babcock.
Same night - slides at Farnsworths at 8 P.M.
"Sun. Oct. 13 - Robbins Mt. near Jonesville to hike a new
section of the Long Trail - Leader: Don Wallace.
"Sat. Oct. 26 - Mt. Hunger - a hike and wiener roast - in
charge of hike, Dave Otis - in charge of wiener roast, Dave Morse.
"Sun. Nov. 3 - Berlin Pond - Leader: Dot Babcock.
"Sat. Nov. 16 - Sterling Pond Lodge - Leader: Harlan
Farnsworth.
"Sat. Dec. 7 - Ritterbush Camp - a chowder party - Leaders:
Ann Otis and Marion Gorham.
"Sun. Jan. 5 - Hardwood Flats - a snowshoe walk - Leader:
Frances Holmes.
"We welcome members of other sections on any of our
hikes. If you happen to be in our area give us a call and join us.
We're all in the phone book.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
1964
LTN XXIV 4 February 1964
(Montpelier Section report)
"On Sept. 28th we crossed over the border into New Hampshire
for our first hike of the fall season when twelve of our members climbed Mt.
Lafayette. We ascended via the Old Bridle Path Trail, traversed Franconia
Ridge Trail and descended via the beautiful Falling Waters Trail. Dick
Babcock led this hike. That evening we met at the Vermont College Student
Center for refreshments and slides.
"On Oct. 11th Governor Hoff closed the woods, which were
not reopened until Nov. 2nd. This cancelled two of our scheduled hikes.
However, on Nov. 3rd nine of us were back in the woods for a snowy hike in the
Berlin area. The previous weekend it had been warm enough to water ski.
"On Nov. 16 a rather reluctant leader, Harlan Farnsworth, and
three others left Montpelier in the rain for Smuggler's Notch where we found it
snowing (just like I said we would). We drove as far as the Big Spring on
the "closed" snow-covered road and hiked to Sterling Pond Lodge via
the Long Trail from there. At the Lodge we popped corn left by some kind
soul and enjoyed our lunch.
"On Dec. 10th six of us led by Dave Otis and myself hiked into
Ritterbush Camp where we made corn chowder. And finally, on Jan. 5th nine
of us led by Frances Holmes snowshoed the Hancock Brook Road in Worcester.
Next on our agenda is a new schedule planning meeting. We are thinking
abut a moonlight snowshoe hike, a skating party, a sliding party, a ski party,
an overnight and a stew party. At this point we're full of ideas. We
have yet to work and out them into action.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXIV 2 May 1964
(Montpelier Section report)
"We had a good winter.
"On January 25, despite the rain two diehards hiked to Glen
Ellen Lodge from the top of the Mad River Glen chair lift. We had a
variety of weather that day; as Dave Otis said, "all nasty." After
eating our lunch and perusing the log book at Glen Ellen, we returned to the Mad
River Ski Area, soaked to the skin, and descended the Catamount and Palomino ski
trails on snowshoes; there were very few skiers that day. We returned to
Montpelier, satisfied that we had upheld the honor of the Club by not canceling
the hike.
"On Tuesday, January 29, nine persons and one dog participated
in Jerry Dix's moonlight snowshoe hike in Middlesex. It was a beautiful
night, clear and cold and bright. Al Eldred had brought his traverse and
we rode that part of the way back. On the way we hit a low-flying owl, but
he and we survived. At Jerry's we enjoyed pizza and slides and nobody got
home until after midnight.
"On February 9, twenty-two of us snowshoed up to Taylor Lodge
for an Oyster Stew party. It was a beautiful day, sunny, clear, and cold
but not unpleasant, and the snow was just right for snowshoeing. We had
representatives form the Vermont College Outing Club and the Norwich University
Outing Club, plus a group of high-school boys who call themselves Magilla's
Gorillas - after a TV program, I'm told. They formed an advance party,
helped us carry supplies, had the fire going when we arrived, and chopped more
wood to replace what we used.
"On February 16, we held a pancake supper at the Desilets'
Camp at Groton Pond. Juelia Desilets was our hostess. Before supper,
we snowshoed through the woods and over the lake for exercise. Twenty-six
persons attended. Strange how food attracts.
"On February 26, we held another moonlight snowshoe
hike. This one, in East Montpelier, was led by Put Clayton. Again,
the moon cooperated. Nine persons participated. After the hike, Put
entertained with cocoa, crackers and cheese, and organ music.
"On March 7, Frances Holmes led a road walk to Dowesville in
Duxbury. The route was circular on roads not kept open during the
winter. The weather was beautiful, the walk was scenic, and it was
thoroughly enjoyable.
"On the week end of March 14, twelve persons, including
representatives from the V.C. Outing Club, and the Burlington Section, took part
in an overnight hike to the Adirondacks, led by Dick Babcock who is a member of
the ADK as well as the GMC. The group stayed at Johns Brook Lodge.
Part of the group climbed Giant Mountain, two climbed Lower Wolf Jaws, and
others explored the Johns Brook Valley.
"Our last hike, as of this writing, was on March 21, when five
members, led by Dave Otis, snowshoed up to Butler Lodge via the Stevensville
Trail. There we enjoyed our lunch, had a snowball fight, hiked on up the
Rock Garden Trail to the Maple Ridge Trail, digressed to climb to the Forehead
via the Wampahoofus, and then descended via the Maple Ridge and Frost Trails.
"Still to go at this writing are a Sugar-on-Snow party April
5; a hike up Mount Elmore on April 19, and our Annual Meeting in May.
Somewhere in between there will have to be a schedule-planning meeting.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXIV 4 November 1964
(Montpelier Section report)
"My apologies to the Montpelier Section for not getting the
news for the August issue in on time due to a misunderstanding but here it is -
and more. Our last reported hike was to Butler Lodge and the
Forehead on March 21 with still-to-go on our spring schedule a sugar-on-snow
party, a hike up Mt. Elmore and our Annual meeting. Well, since then we've
had all those activities and many more. I'm told the sugar-on-snow party
with Doris Farnsworth as leader drew 50 people, including Ben Rolston; I was
unable to attend. Seven of us led by Dave Morse climbed Mt. Elmore on
April 19 and enjoyed a wiener roast after the climb. Over 50 people
attended our annual meeting and it looks as though we may have to look for
bigger quarters next year. Our paid-up membership is now 45.
Re-elected president at the annual meeting was Dave Otis; treasurer Harlan
Farnsworth; and secretary Marion Gorham. Fred Larson was our speaker,
following the covered dish supper.
"On May 3 twenty-four persons showed up for a mystery hike led
by Frances Holmes. This hike was unscheduled and had no advance publicity
except being announced at our annual meeting. Only two persons
participated in our next scheduled trip on May 10 to Tuckerman Ravine; it's a
rough climb carrying skis, poles and boots but the experience is worth it - and
the skiing was good.
"On Sunday May 17 twenty-three persons with Ann Otis as leader
participated in the short climb to Nichol's Ledge. Although not much of a
hike the view is as good as one could ever hope to see. On May 25 five of
us participated in the work party clearing trail from Smuggler's Notch to
Chilcoot Pass and making minor repairs to Sterling Pond Lodge. We reblazed
the Madonna Mountain area where the ski trails cut across or follow the Long
Trail.
"Nine of our members attended the GMC, Inc. Annual Meeting at
the Long Trail Lodge on May 30.
"On Sunday, June 14 five of us hiked the 9.3 mile section of
the Long Trail between Jay-Richford and Jay-Montgomery Center highways, which
was led by Dave Otis. On June 27 four persons led by Dave Morse hiked from
Ithiel Falls Campground to Prospect Rock and Barrows Camp.
"Twenty-six enjoyed a chicken barbecue and an afternoon of
boating, swimming and water skiing at the Desilets Camp on Groton Pond on Sunday
July 12. Juelia Desilets was our hostess and Jerry Dix the chef.
"On Sunday, July 19 seven of us led by Dick Babcock hiked the
Clark Brook Trail from Granville and the Long Trail to Lincoln Gap on a very
warm summer day; and Sunday July 26 four of us led by Doris Washburn climbed Mt.
Moosilauke in New Hampshire via the steep and scenic Beaver Brook Trail.
"On Saturday, August 15, a rainy day, three members climbed
Mt/ Hunger with Dave Otis and were rewarded after lunch when the clouds rolled
away and it became a beautiful day.
"Over 30 members and guests attended our Corn Roast at Hubbard
Park on August 23; Bill Doyle was chairman of that event.
"Eleven of us attended and enjoyed the Intersectional at Lake
Eden the week of August 30.
"Five hiked the new section of the Long Trail and climbed
Robbins Mountain with Dace Otis on September 12.
"Nine of us climbed Camel's Hump on Saturday, September 26 and
two on Sunday, September 27 via the Forestry to the Dean to the Long Trail and
down via the Alpine and Callahan Trails. Our climbing time for the four
miles on Saturday was three hours and on Sunday two hours. We wonder if we
set some kind of record on Sunday.
"Coming up we have a leisurely Sunday afternoon walk in
Middlesex Notch on October 11, a trip to New Hampshire to climb Webster and
Jackson on October 25, the Adams Apple via the Bear Pond Trail and down the Hell
Brook Trail on November 7, Mt. Horrid on November 21, corn chowder at Bolton
Lodge on December 5, a mystery moonlight snowshoe hike on December 16, an
in-town Sunday afternoon snowshoe hike on January 10, oyster stew at Taylor
Lodge on January 16, and on January 30 or 31 depending on the group, a ride up
the gondolas at Sugarbush and a hike over to Glen Ellen. If anybody from
any of the other sections would like to join us on any of the hikes just contact
Dave Otis or myself and we'll see that you're included.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
1965
LTN XXV 1 February 1965
On July 17, 1964 205 campers and counselors from Keewaydin Camps (Lake Dunmore,
Salisbury Vermont), in 31 groups, performed a 1-day End-to-End hike of the Long
Trail.
(Montpelier Section report)
"Although still small our section is consistently
growing. We now have fifty-three paid-up members as compared with
thirty-eight at the time of our annual meeting last April, thirty-seven two
years ago, and twenty-five three years ago. Our hiking attendance has
varied from four to twenty-three recently.
"On October 11 twenty-three persons led by Juelia Desilets
enjoyed a Sunday afternoon walk along an old abandoned woods road past numerous
beaver dams in Middlesex Notch.
"On October 25 four of us crossed the border into New
Hampshire where we were joined by a fifth to climb Mounts Webster and
Jackson. At that time we found eight to ten inches of snow near the top
with knee deep drifts in places. Dave Morse was our leader.
"On November 7 eight of us led by our intrepid president, Dave
Otis, climbed to the Adam's Apple of Mt. Mansfield via the Bear Pond Trail, ate
our lunch at Taft Lodge, where we met a couple from the Sterling Section, and
descended via the Hell Brook Trail.
"On November 21 four of us climbed Mt. Horrid, Cape Lookoff
Mountain and White Rocks Mountain in Brandon Gap. We were joined in the Great
Cliff by a lone hiker from Connecticut whose destination was Middlebury
Gap. Harlan Farnsworth led this hike.
"On December 5 five of us hiked into Bolton Lodge where we
feasted on corn chowder. Incidentally, Lipton's Potato Soup Mix makes an
excellent base. Add water, milk, creamed corn, potatoes, a small can of
mushrooms, onion flakes, parsley flakes, butter or margarine, and crumbled
bacon. It's good!
"On December 16 nine of us led by Frances Holmes participated
in a "moonlightless snowshoeless" hike up the Jones Brook Road in
Middlesex, which we followed with cocoa, coffee cake and cookies at the Holmeses.
"Yesterday, January 16, seventeen of us snowshoed for two
hours in the wilds of Terrace Street in Montpelier. Dick, Dot, and Larry
Babcock led the hike. The rest of us were amazed at this "wilderness"
right in the center of Montpelier. Following the hike, Dot served a
delicious homemade cheese and tomato chowder (which also contained potatoes,
celery, onions and flavoring including mustard), sandwiches, cookies, tea and
coffee. After the meal we enjoyed slides of previous hikes and of the
Bryants' cross country trip.
"At this writing we have two more hikes on our current
schedule which we will have had by the time the News is out: Oyster Stew at
Taylor Lodge on January 23, and a ride up the gondola at Sugarbush and a hike
over to Glen Ellen on January 30 or 32.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXV 2 May 1965
(Montpelier Section report)
"On January 16th fifteen of us hiked up to Taylor Lodge from
the Mt. Mansfield Trout Club for oyster stew prepared by Ann Otis and Doris
Washburn. We started out on snowshoes but found them unnecessary so some
of us shed them along the way. Before feasting, several of us hiked into
Nebraska Notch to explore the "cave." Back at the Lodge it
seemed warmed outside than inside and we found our stew cooled before we could
eat it. Nevertheless we enjoyed the outing.
"On January 27th we met at Dave Otis's to plan a new schedule
and our mission was accomplished despite our tendency to digress. We're a
"chatty" group as well as an "eating" group.
"The following Sunday, six members with Dave Otis as leader,
rode the Sagebrush gondola to Lincoln Peak and snowshoed on the Long Trail over
to Mount Ellen, eating on the Trail and descending via one of the Glen Ellen ski
trails.
"On Valentine's Day eleven of us with Al Eldred and Jerry Dix
as leaders snowshoed in to East Long Pond, dragging an ice cream freezer and
provisions on a toboggan. At "This Is It", Al's camp, the men dug the
fireplace from under the snow and built a fire while the women made ice
cream. Dave Hine chopped a hole in the ice for water to make coffee and Al
Eldred brushed the fireplace grate with balsam before cooking the hot dogs and
hamburgs. Incidentally we heated chocolate sauce for the ice cream.
Dave Otis made the comment that it made it interesting to have a couple of
"crackpots" in the Club who would haul in an ice cream freezer to make
ice cream in the middle of winter to eat out-of-doors around an open fire.
We agreed.
"On February 27th Dave Otis and Dave Morse upheld the honor of
the Club, which never cancels a hike, when despite icy conditions they climbed
Mt/ Mansfield via the Haselton Trail, hiked on up to the Chin, then down to Taft
Lodge where they ate lunch, and down the Long Trail to 108 and back to the
parking lot. They were not the same two who hauled in the ice cream
freezer.
"Our next hike was St. Patrick's Day. Dave Morse was
unable to lead it as scheduled so I took over. It was supposed to have been a
moonlight hike but it might have been more appropriately called a flash-light
hike. Fourteen of us hiked an unplowed road in Berlin and climbed a small
hill to look for the moon. On our way back we almost caught a glimpse of
it. Refreshments followed per usual.
"Yesterday, March 28th, nine of us climbed Mt. Hunger.
We reached the area by means of Howard Bloom's Jeep truck which plowed right through
the drifts. We began hiking about 10:15 A.M. Most of us shod our
snowshoes at the rocky summit which we reached about 1:00 P.M. but Dave Otis
wore his to the very top. It was an unusually clear day and we were able
to identify various peaks of the White Mountains. The ski trails at Sugar bush,
Glen Ellen, Mad River Glen, Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak were easily
identifiable. Camel's Hump was prominent against the skyline as was
Vermont's Whiteface. It was also possible to see Lake Champlain and the
Adirondacks beyond through Nebraska Notch. The view from the 3554 foot Mt.
Hunger surpasses that from the 4083 foot Camel's Hump and 4393 foot Mt.
Mansfield. It is less obstructed and affords a wide range of vision.
After eating lunch and enjoying the view we left the summit about 2:30 P.M. and
were back to the Jeep by 4:00. Dave Morse led the hike.
"On April 11th we have a road walk in Moretown scheduled; our
annual meeting is April 23; and on May 2nd we are climbing Worcester
Mountain. All of these will be gone by the time the News is out but copy
is due April 1st so the details will appear in the next issue.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXV 3 August 1965
At the Annual Meeting of the GMC, the Montpelier Section reported that
membership is on the increase. Trails were reported in good shape with
work planned for trail marking and shelter repairs.
The Green Mountain Parkway reared its head as a proposed Scenic Highway; the idea received much opposition.
(Montpelier Section report)
"Since my last report Frances Holmes led a well-attended
Sunday afternoon walk on an old road off the Moretown road between 100 and 100B
on April [?]1. Frances reported that no spring flowers were in evidence at
that time but that views of beaver ponds and water falls were enjoyed by the
group.
"On April 23 we held our annual meeting at the East Montpelier
Center Grange Hall where the ladies of the community put on an excellent
repast. David P. Morse was elected president; Doris Washburn, secretary
and Jerry Dix, treasurer. Entertainment included a song fest led by Harlan
Farnsworth and movies shown by Dave Otis.
"A climb up Worcester Mountain by a small group of seven on
May 8, concluded our winter schedule. Spring flowers were in evidence at the
bottom and deep snow in wooded areas near the top. Dave Otis led this
hike.
"Members met at Dave Morse's home on May 5, to plan a new
schedule which begins on Sunday, May 23, with an afternoon walk on a partially
abandoned road in Middlesex. Thirteen members participated in the hike led
by myself, pinch hitting for Juelia Desilets. Highlight of the hike were
the apple blossoms in the old orchards along the way.
"Seven of our members attended the GMC, Inc. Annual Meeting at
the Long Trail Lodge on May 29. Doris Washburn and I manned the
registration desk.
"Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6, were trail clearing
days. On Saturday four members led by Dave Otis cleared and reblazed
Elephant's Head Trail and on Sunday, ten members cleared and reblazed the Long
Trail from Smuggler's Notch to Chilcoot Pass. Some additional work is
needed on Sterling Pond Lodge and this will be done at a later date.
"On Sunday, June 20, eight members led by Dick Babcock
participated in a 9 1/2 mile hike on a hot humid day up the Hedgehog Brook Trail
in North Fayston to the Long Trail. We ate our lunch on Burnt Rock Mt. and
then continued on the trail over the east slope of Ira Allen to Montclair Glen
Lodge where we enjoyed "iced" tea and coffee, then on to the Dean
Trail and Couching Lion Farm where we had spotted cars. Mauri Winturi of
the Worcester Section joined us on this hike. He had hiked with Gene
Bamforth the previous day.
"On June 27, nineteen members led by Dave Hine, enjoyed a
Sunday afternoon walk of about four miles on an old logging road off the Elmore
Road in the Worcester area.
"We have a family supper cookout at Underhill State Park
scheduled for July 11, with hikes to Cantilever Rock and the Chin; an overnight
starting at the Lake Mansfield Trout Club to Puffer Lodge and continuing the
next day to Bolton Lodge and Skylight Pond Trail to the Long Trail over
Breadloaf Mt. and down the Clark Brook Trail on August 8; a blueberry hike up
Mt. Hunger on August 21; and a hike up Giant Mt. in New York State on September
12.
"In conclusion, here's something I came across in a magazine
recently: "A pedestrian is a man in danger of his life. A walker is a
man in possession of his soul." (David McCord in "The English
Digest.")
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXV 4 November 1965
Six adults and one child attended the Intersectional.
(Montpelier Section report)
"At this writing our summer activities have ended and our fall
activities begun. Seemed like an awfully short summer.
"Way back July 11 the Bryants, Otises, Wallaces and Warburtons
(sounds like an investment firm, doesn't it?) enjoyed a family cookout and hike
to Cantilever Rock. Doris Washburn managed the affair.
"On July 24 several members (three to be exact) participated
in an 11 mile overnight from the Lake Mansfield Trout Club to Bolton Lodge and
Route 2. We lunched at Taylor Lodge and spent the night at Puffer Lodge
where we were entertained during the night by porcupines and "fog
horns," at least that's what they sounded like. The next day we
lunched at Bolton Lodge. A swim in Joiner Brook and a race to Route 2
completed the trip. Dave Norse was our leader.
"On August 8 we hiked from Middlebury Gap to the Clark Brook
Trail and down in the rain. Originally scheduled as an 8 1/2 mile hike we lengthened
it to 13. We found the Long Trail in this area very overgrown.
"Young Brad Warburton (assisted by Doris Washburn) substituted
for his father as leader of our blueberry hike up (and down) Mt. Hunger on
Sunday, August 22. The reason for the substitution was an addition to the
Warburton family.
"Seven of our section attended the intersectional. Gene
Bamforth, Doris Washburn and I were there for the entire week. Our
president, Dave Morse, was there for the first weekend and our past-president
Dave Otis with Ann and Mary Ellen came for the second weekend. Doris and I
covered about 60 miles of the Long Trail during the week.
"On Sunday, September 12 we ended our summer schedule with a
hike in the Adirondacks led by Dick Babcock. We were joined in New York
State by Mauri Winturri and climbed 4627 foot Giant Mountain. Dave Morse
and I also climbed Rocky Peak Ridge, also known as Giant's Wife, since it
happened to be there.
"We held a schedule planning meeting at Juelia Desilets on
September 13 and started our fall schedule that very weekend with a corn roast
at the Montpelier Fish and Game Picnic Area at Shady Rill. Harlan Farnsworth
engineered the affair by borrowing a rig from the Recreation Department and we
roasted corn over charcoal in a large concrete mixing tray covered by what
looked like a wire gate.
"On Saturday, September 25 the Burlington Section was
surprised to find us on the road ahead of them on the way up Spruce Mountain and
walking - they were driving. However, we shamed them into abandoning their
cars. Our scheduling the hike on the same day was a pleasant coincidence.
On top of the mountain we had a pleasant visit with the Rogers family who live
there during the fire danger period. Neil is the ranger and a member of
our section.
"This brings us up to date. Coming up this weekend is an
11 mile hike from Lincoln Gap to Appalachian which I hope to lead if I can shake
a sore throat which is plaguing me. The remainder of our fall schedule
follows: Sunday, Oct. 10 - an afternoon walk from upper Terrace Street to Route
2; Frances Holmes, Leader. Sunday, Oct. 17 - White Mountains (Liberty) up
Falling Waters and down the Flume Slide; Dave Morse, Leader. Saturday,
Oct. 30 - Halloween Mystery Hike - "Marshmallows at Midnight"; Dave
Otis, Leader. Saturday, November 6 - Brandon Gap to Middlebury Gap with
chowder at Voter-White Lodge; King Warburton, Leader; Jerry Dix, Cook.
Sunday, Nov. 14 - Smuggler's Notch to the Chin; Dave Otis, Leader.
Saturday, Dec. 4 - Ithiel Falls Campground to Barrows Camp for baked beans and
hot dogs; Marion Gorham, Leader; Doris Washburn and Ann Otis, Cooks.
Wednesday, Dec. 8 - Moonlight hike; Dave Norse, Leader. Join us if you
can. We'd like to make our hikes intersectional.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
1966
LTN XXVI 1 February 1966
The New York Section celebrates its 50th anniversary.
"The members of the New York Section will celebrate their 50th
Anniversary with a gala banquet at the Sterling Forest Gardens in Tuxedo, New
York, at 12 noon on Saturday, April 16, 1966. We would like to invite
Green Mt. Club members of other sections, as well as members-at-large to join us
as we celebrate a half century of sharing the pleasures of the great outdoors.
"Reservations, at five dollars each, may be made by sending
your check payable to Mrs. Lincoln Lodge, Chairman, 50th Anniversary Committee,
700 Balsam Way, Union, New Jersey 07083. Mrs. Lodge must have your
reservation no later than April 5, 1966. Driving directions will be sent
with acknowledgement of reservations.
"For the convenience of those coming from a distance, the New
York Section's Cam Thendara in the Palisade Interstate Park will be open on
Friday, April 15th. Camp, with a house fee of $1.50 per night, provides
beds, blankets and pillows but each must provide own sheets and
pillowcase. Sleeping bags would be more comfortable as 20 of the 47 beds
are in the bunk house. The host plans meals, purchases food, the cost of
which is divided among participants, and prepares a work schedule for all to
share. No meal will be planned for Saturday noon.
"For Camp Thendara accommodations please register by April 1,
1966 with Mrs. Julianna Irelan, 26 Crest Drive South, Cresskill, New Jersey
...stating which night and meals you plan to be at Thendara. driving
directions will be sent with acknowledgement of reservations.
(Montpelier Section report)
"This is being written after a hard day of skiing (?day of
hard skiing) at Mr. Mansfield and a sprained ankle which I hope will not deter
me from leading our annual Oyster Stew Hike to Taylor Lodge tomorrow.
However, I figure an ace bandage and a couple of aspirin should take care of it.
"Since my last report we have had a number of long hikes
starting with an 11 1/2 mile hike from Lincoln Gap to Appalachian Gap on Oct. 3.
We were surprised and pleased to have Irving and Eric White and a friend, all
from the Worcester Section, catch up with us at the upper station of the
Sugarbush Gondola where we were eating lunch to escape the cold, wind and
mist. They joined us for the rest of the hike and we made Glen Ellen Lodge
just in time to escape a hail storm but weren't that lucky when we were caught
in the pouring rain while descending Stark's Wall.
"We simmered down a bit on Oct. 10 for s short road walk in
Berlin led by Frances Holmes, but Oct. 17 found us on a 9 1/2 mile hike in the
Franconia Range of the White Mountains. Dave Morse led us up the scenic
Falling Waters Trail past Shining Rock Cliff, a 200 feet high 800 feet long
unbroken piece of granite, covered with ice that day so that it really
shone. We ate our lunch on Little Haystack, then continued on the
Franconia Ridge and Appalachian Trails over Liberty and Flume Mountains down the
Flume Slide Trail - that was an experience!
"On Halloween night Dave Otis led us on a Mystery Hike to a
hill near Taylor Lodge where we built a bonfire, toasted marshmallows, and drank
cider while Dave entertained us with an exposition of the historical background
of Halloween, gleaned from an encyclopedia. It was nearly midnight when we
doused the fire with snow and headed back to Montpelier.
"On Nov. 6 we were back on the Long Trail for a 10 mile hike
from Brandon Gap to Middlebury Gap. A second group walked up from
Middlebury Gap to join us at Voter-White Lodge for a delicious corn chowder
prepared by Juelia Desilets. King Warburton led the long hike and Dave
Morse the short one. We found Voter-White Lodge and nearby Worth Mountain
Lodge both in poor condition.
"We climbed Mt. Mansfield on Nov. 14 via the Long Trail from
Smuggler's Notch to Taft Lodge, where we ate lunch, and continued up the
Profanity Trail - me on my hands and knees - to the Chin. Although it was
icy and windy on top it was a clear day and the view was worth the
endeavor. Dave Otis led the way.
"On Sat. Dec 4 we hiked from Ithiel Falls to Barrows Camp for
a baked beans and hot dogs supper. We were behind schedule all the way
that day, if any of you folks from the Sterling Section looked for us, but we
made it. That was a rainy day also.
"Dec. 7 Dave Morse led a Moonlight Hike up in his
neighborhood followed by refreshments at his house. On the 19th Frances
Holmes led a Sun. afternoon snowshoe hike on the old Elmore Road. That
brings us up to date at the moment. As aforementioned tomorrow is our
annual Oyster Stew Hike to Taylor Lodge. The rest of our winter schedule
follows: Sat. Jan 22 - Stevensville Brook Trail to Butler Lodge, up Mt.
Mansfield, down Frost Trail, with Dave Otis. Sun. Feb. 2 - Chicken and
biscuit supper at the A.A. Desilets camp, Groton Pond, with Juelia Desilets.
Sun. Feb 20 - Camel's Hump or Montclair Glen depending on weather, with Dave
Morse. Weekend Mar. 4 - Weekend trip to Adirondacks with Dick
Babcock. Thurs. Mar. 10 - Moonlight snowshoe hike in East Montpelier
followed by slides and refreshments, with Doris Washburn. Sun. Mar. 20 -
Family Ski Party at Glen Ellen Ski Area, with Marion Gorham. Sun. Mar. 27
- Sugar-on-Snow Party at Joslin Farm in Montpelier with Doris Farnsworth.
Fri. Apr. 15 - Annual Meeting at Old Brick Church Sunday School in East
Montpelier with a covered-dish supper; leader Doris Washburn.
"Join us if you can!
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXVI 2 May 1966
Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin introduced S.622 " to facilitate the
management, use, and public benefits from the Appalachian Trail"
(Montpelier Section report)
"My last report ended with a forecast of our Oyster Stew Hike
which I was scheduled to lead on January 9th. I didn't lead it. A
ski injury incapacitated me and ended my skiing and hiking for six weeks.
However, I passed on my recipe to Dave Otis and he took over. Fourteen
persons enjoyed the stew and the hike to Taylor Lodge.
"On January 22 Dave led a party of four up to Butler Lodge via
the Stevensville Brook Trail - after he found it - and up to Needle's Eye.
"Twenty-five gourmets turned out on February 6th for a chicken
and biscuit supper at the A.A.Desilets Camp at Groton Pond. Doris Washburn
and I assisted Juelia Desilets with the supper. Snowshoeing was enjoyed by
those able to snowshoe; I wasn't one of them and it sure seemed strange to hang
around the camp while everybody else was hiking.
"Next on our agenda was a snowshoe hike scheduled for Camel's
Hump or Montclair Glen Lodge. It turned out to be the latter. Eight
participated in the hike which, because of where the group was forced to leave
their cars, turned out to be a seven-mile hike. Dave Morse led the group.
"An overnight hike to the Adirondacks led by Dick Babcock
followed on the weekend of March 4th. The six participants left Montpelier
at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night, arrived in the Adirondacks about 9:00 p.m. and
snowshoed to Grace Camp, arriving about midnight. The following day they
climbed Lower Wolf Jaws, returning to the camp again that night and driving back
to Montpelier the following day.
"Our moonlight snowshoe hike on March 10th turned out to be a
starlight hike sans snowshoes. Fourteen persons participated in the evening's
activities which, in addition to hiking, included tobogganing, sledding, slides
and eating. Doris Washburn served as leader and hostess.
"On March 20th we changed the site of our Family Ski Party
from Glen Ellen to Mt. Mansfield, in order to watch the U.S. Alpine and
International Races. Our party consisted of five skiers and two hikers,
and some of us combined both. We met at the Octagon for lunch.
"At this writing we have three activities coming up and must
plan a new schedule. We're having a Sugar-on-Snow party on March 27th, a
hike up Worcester Mountain on April 3rd, and our Annual Meeting on April 15th.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXVI 3 August 1966
The GMC Annual Meeting was organized by the Montpelier Section, especially
Marion Gorham.
Highlighted report: Montpelier needs assistance on roof repairs and toilet facilities.
Seven Montpelier Section members attended the GMC Annual Meeting.
(Montpelier Section report)
"More than 80 persons attended our Sugar-on-Snow Party at the
Joslin Farm on March 27th, and 6 persons climbed Worcester Mountain on April
3rd. At our Annual Meeting, held April 15th at the Old Brick Church in
East Montpelier, a covered-dish supper was enjoyed, our officers were reelected
and Fred Larson spoke and showed slides on his far-western trip. We had a
Mystery Hike on April 17th, and the 30th of April found us hiking the Bamforth
Ridge Trail and enjoying a Spaghetti Supper at Buchanan Lodge. May 15th
found us at Tuckerman Ravine, and on May 21st after a breakfast cooked and
served on the State Picnic Area, we cleared trail from Smuggler's Notch to
Sterling Pond Lodge despite hip-deep snow. We attended the GMC, Inc.
Annual Meeting on May 28th, and on June 5th a handful of our members joined the
Killington Section at Cantilever Rock. On June 26th we have scheduled a 10
1/2 mile hike up the Callahan Trail on Camel's Hump to the Long Trail and on to
Jonesville. July events will include a trip to the White Mountains with a
hike up Carrigan on the 10th and a Chicken Barbecue at the Desilets Camp at
Groton Pond on the 24th.
"Our late summer-early fall schedule will be planned later this month.
Call Dave Morse at 223-7126, Doris Washburn at 476-4264 or myself at 223-2674
(area code 802), if you would like to join us in any of our activities.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXVI 4 November 1966
(Montpelier Section report)
"Our summer activities began with a hike up Camel's Hump and
on to Jonesville via the Long Trail on June 26th. The temperature was over
90º. It was a long, hot hike! Dave Morse was our leader and Dave
Otis and I the followers.
"A somewhat larger group led by Dick Babcock climbed Carrigain
in the White Mts. on July 10th, and larger yet was the group which gathered at
the Desilets' camp at Groton Pond on July 24th for a chicken barbecue and an
afternoon of swimming, boating and water skiing.
"August 7th found 20 hikers, led by George Brady and Cynthia
Mix, hiking up Spruce Mt. in Plainfield to visit forest ranger Neil Rogers and
his family. Actually the hikers arrived in shifts. On August 21st
seven members led by Dave Otis enjoyed a hike on top of Mt. Mansfield (they
drove up) hiking the Lake View Trail loop and the Long Trail to the Chin and
back.
"Ten Monpelierites attended the Intersectional. Gene
Bamforth, Doris Washburn and I stayed the entire week. Although Doris and
I packed up and went to her brother's Sunday night, we didn't leave the
neighborhood until early Monday morning. On the way home we hiked the Long
Trail from Brandon Gap to Carmel Mt. and down the New Boston Trail to Chittendon
or thereabouts. The road leading to the New Boston Trail was so badly
washed out, we could only drive in part way.
"On Saturday, Sept 10th, eight of us, led my myself, hiked up
Scragg Mt. in Waitsfield, and on Sept. 18th the same number, with Dave Morse
leading, hiked up Carter Dome in the White Mts. And that completes our
activities as of this writing.
"Scheduled for this weekend is a hike from Appalachian Gap to
Burnt Rock Mountain, (which, if all goes well, will complete the Long Trail for
me) and also a shorter hike up the Hedgehog Brook Trail to the Long Trail and
Burnt Rock.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
1967
LTN XXVII 1 February 1967
(Montpelier Section report)
Readers will have to excuse a very hastily written bit of news. Perhaps it
will even be too late, but here goes.
"Beginning with October 2nd, four members assisted me in
finishing the Long Trail by hiking from Appalachian Gap to the Hedgehog Brook
Trail while four more hiked up the Hedgehog Brook Trail timing it perfectly to
meet the rest of us as we approached the intersection. We all continued up
to Burnt Rock Mountain where we celebrated with sherry and cheese and
crackers. It was a beautify day.
"Then on October 8th, five of us hiked over the Long Trail
from Jonesville to Bolton Lodge where we were joined by more of our Section for
a bean supper. Juelia Desilets was in charge. The weekend of October
14th, we spend in the Adirondacks leaving Montpelier Friday night, hiking to
Grace and Winter Camps in the dark, climbing Marcy and Haystack on Saturday, and
Big Slide on Sunday. Dick and Dot Babcock, both 46ers, acted as leaders of
this outing.
"On October 22nd, Frances Holmes led us on a very enjoyable
Mystery Walk on an old road in Putnamville, and on October 30th, we climbed
Killington via the Juggernaut Trail. We were impressed by the well kept
trails but not by the new L.T. relocation past the garbage dump of the Long
Trail Lodge, at least not favorably.
"On November 13th, we held a trail clearing hike, clearing and
blazing that portion of the Trail between Sterling Pond Lodge and Chilcoot
Pass. We eliminated one small section of the Trail which seemed to confuse
people so that for the most part the Long Trail follows the Drifter and Chilcoot
ski trails over Madonna Mountain. I should say the ski trails follow the
Long Trail since the Long Trail was there first.
"On November 27th, the Section hiked up Mt. Mansfield via the
Haselton Trail but that's one I missed so I don't know any of the details.
On December 11th, we held a Christmas party at my place with 26 in
attendance. It was supposed to be preceded by tobogganing, skiing and
snowshoeing but there wasn't any snow. A few hardy souls went for a walk
in the fields but most just enjoyed hot buttered rum, food and conversation.
"Finally the snow came, and on December 27th, we held a
Moonlight Snowshoe Hike over the Barre Country Club ending at Doris Washburn's
for refreshments. Coming up this weekend is our Annual Oyster Stew.
"And that's all for now, folks.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXVII 2 May 1967
(Montpelier Section report)
"Spring is here and it seems strange to be recounting January
activities in April knowing the material won't be published until May but here
goes.
"On Saturday, January 14, we held our Oyster Stew Hike to
Taylor Lodge. This year we made it an overnight.
"On Tuesday, January 24, we had a moonlight snowshoe hike in
Waterbury and for once the moon cooperated. Dave Otis led the hike.
"On Sunday, February 5, we had a Corn Chowder Hike to French
Camp, which gave me an opportunity to use my new cross-country skis. Waxed
just right and it was delightful. Cynthia Mix and George Brady were the
hike leaders. Sunday, February 19, found us at the Desilets' Camp at
Groton Pond for a beef stew supper prepared by Dot Babcock. We hiked up
(or down) the lake (some on skis) and back via the old railroad bed. On
Wednesday, February 22, we had another moonlight hike using snowshoes and skis
followed by slides and refreshments at Dave Morse's.
"The weekend of March 10, Dick Babcock led an overnight hike
in the Adirondacks. On March 19 we snowshoed a section of the Bayley-Hazen
Military Road in Greensboro with Cynthia and George leading.
"On April 2, we had our Annual Sugar-on-Snow party, attended
by over 40, at the Joslin Farm in Montpelier. Doris Farnsworth coordinated
the affair. We have a hike and hot dog roast in Allis State Park scheduled
for April 9. Our Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 14.. Dave Otis is
leading a hike up Mount Hunger on April 23. On May 7, we plan to go over
to Tuckerman Ravine, and on May 21 we have scheduled a day hike into Skyline
Lodge via the Skylight Pond Trail from Ripton and back via the Long Trail to
Middlebury Gap.
"Our section though small is active - and note the amount of
eating we do.
"
Marion Gorham, Reporter"
LTN XXVII 3 August 1967
(Montpelier Section report)
"Summer has come in with a bang, but these notes go back to
April 9, when we hiked up Bear Mt. in Allis State Park in Brookfield, and
roasted hot dogs in the fireplace. April 14 was our Annual Meeting and the
following officers were elected: President, Marion Gorham; Secretary and
Reporter, Marion Holmes; Treasurer, David Hine; Trustee, David Otis. The
election was followed with colorful slides shown by Virginia Johnson, a recently
returned AFS student, who had been to New Zealand, and John Goller who had traveled
in Europe.
"April 23, a few hardy souls climbed Mt. Hunger and were
greeted with a blizzard on top. May 7, three members plus some boys from
the High School ski team spent the day in Tuckerman Ravine where the skiing was
fine. May 21, five members hiked from Middlebury Gap to the Clark Brook
Trail and then down to Route 100. There was still plenty of snow in the
woods and the brooks were overflowing.
"May 27, eleven members attended the Annual Meeting in
Castleton and one of our number - Dave Otis - was elected Vice President.
"June 11 was trail clearing day and six members cleared and
blazed the Elephant's Head Trail up to Sterling Pond. Returning down the
Long Trail to Smuggler's Notch they were caught in a severe thunderstorm and
postponed further work. Much work has to be done on Sterling Pond Lodge as
the result of winter vandalism. We plan to build an outhouse there in the
near future.
"June 18, only two showed up for a short woodsy hike on the
Eagle Ledge Road in Worcester. June 25, a canoe trip on the Lamoille
River, led by Dick Babcock, attracted nine adults and three boys, who paddled
from Johnson to Jeffersonville. Getting hung up on a stump and caught in
the rain were part of the fun.
"Footnote to the trail clearing: Two members who went to
Sterling to work on the outhouse, June 17, found the cabin nearly as messy as it
was when they had cleaned it out the week before. What's the use?
"We are now anticipating a day on Mansfield and our annual
cook-out at Groton Pond, plus another picnic at Wheeler Mt. in Barton.
"
Frances Holmes, Reporter"
LTN XXVII 4 November 1967
(Montpelier Section report)
"Since our last report, we have encountered more foul than
fair weather. July 9 we hiked from the summit of Mansfield to Taylor Lodge
and down to Lake Mansfield. There was fog on the summit, and rain before
the day ended. The Weatherman favored the annual picnic at Groton Pond,
where we swam, canoed, water-skied and ATE. We also had fine weather for a
climb up Wheeler Mt. in Barton followed by swimming in Crystal Lake.
"This mountain offers fine views and plenty of
blueberries. August 19 a group of 8 climbed Camel's Hump to Gorham Lodge
in the rain. They found it already occupied by Boy Scouts. However,
the scouts were cooperative and congenial. In the morning they came down
by the Alpine Trail, picking blueberries as they came.
"September 9 we had a short hike on some back roads, and were
blessed with pleasant weather. The following day we had scheduled a long
hike from Smuggler's Notch to Route 15, and followed through with it in spite of
cold wet weather (only 3 brave souls ventured out). September 16 four
members camped at Passaconway, N.H. and climbed Oseola the following day.
September 24 we scheduled a "foliage hike" to Taylor Lodge. In
spite of rain and little foliage, 8 adults and 3 children took part and enjoyed
a spaghetti supper.
"Future events are: weekend camping trip to the Adirondacks,
climbs up Camel's Hump and Jay Peak, combination long-and-short hikes, a
moonlight (?) hike and a Christmas party.
"
Frances Holmes, Reporter"
1968
LTN XXVIII 1 February 1968
(Montpelier Section report)
"There are two big events since our last report. First,
our President, Marion Gorham, is moving to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she
will head the nursing department of a Community College. She has held a
similar position for four years at Vermont College. Need I say we'll miss
here? Her term of office will be finished by Doris Washburn, who is also
involved in our other piece of news. She has become our Section's 4th
End-to-Ender! She finished her stint October 28, and 9 of us met her at
Parker Camp to celebrate with a baked bean supper prepared by Dave Otis.
"In September, 8 members went to the Adirondacks for hiking
and canoeing - Camping at Lake Harris. October featured the following: A
back-road hike near home; a climb up Camel's Hump; and a double feature made up
of Jay Peak and Journey's End. (Three went this-a-way and two went
that-a-way.) This was the day a plane crashed on Jay, but we didn't see
it. We ended October with the End-to-End celebration.
"November brought a snowy hike to Sterling Pond, where the
cabin was found to be in good shape. Later in the month a
"moonlight" hike to Butler for cider and doughnuts was held, minus the
moon, and footing hampered by snow. December 3rd brought a snowstorm, but,
like the postman, we didn't let it keep us from walking up a country road and
having a fine afternoon. Our annual Christmas party was at Marion
Gorham's. By that time the snow was about gone, but the party was fun just
the same, and four folks went out for a really moonlight hike.
"We now look forward to oyster stew at Taylor, a climb up
Worcester Mt., another trip to the Adirondacks, and so on until Spring.
"
Frances Holmes, Reporter"
LTN XXVIII 2 May 1968
(Montpelier Section report)
"As an experiment, we scheduled a New Year's Eve party, but
nobody was interested. The weather was bitterly cold, anyway.
January 21 we held our oyster stew supper at Taylor Lodge. Weather was
ideal, and 16 were there. Also in January we held a farewell party for our
President, Marion Gorham. Dick and Dot Babcock were hosts, pictures and
food were enjoyed, and Marion was presented with a pack-frame. A party of
4 climbed Worcester Mountain on snowshoes on another bitter January day.
In February, 8 hikers spent a weekend at the caretaker's camp at Adirondak Loj
in the Adirondacks. They hiked into Indian Pass, and did some
climbing. March 3 saw 8 members out for a short Sunday afternoon hike,
ending up at a camp and consuming tomato soup. Later in March we scheduled
a moonlight hike, but, as usual, the moon failed us and we snowshoed for two
hours in a steady snowstorm. On March 24 we planned to have sugar-on-snow
at Parker camp on the trail. However, a spring blizzard caught us, and
drifting on the back roads made us decide that discretion was the better part of
valor. We went back to Doris Washburn's in E. Montpelier, and had a party
in her kitchen. There was no dearth of fresh snow! We have a hike to
Bolton Lodge scheduled for April, and then our Annual Meeting. Considering
that the weather has been one of the most severe in many years, we haven't done
so badly.
"
Frances Holmes, Reporter"
LTN XXVIII 3 August 1968
(Montpelier Section report)
"April 7 was a lovely spring day, and 10 members took to the
trail between Jonesville and Bolton Lodge, finding very little snow. April
19 was out annual meeting and all principal officers were re-elected: Doris
Washburn, President; Frances Holmes, Secretary and David Hine, Treasurer.
April 21 a large number turned out for a Sunday afternoon hike, on an old road
in Worcester. Various members turned back when they felt like it, but some
of us penetrated to Eagle Ledge, where we could get a glimpse through to the
further side. Spring flowers were just beginning to appear.
"In May, 15 canoeists had an outing at the Otter Creek,
observing many birds, coons, woodchucks, etc. Also in May a hike up
Camel's Hump was substituted for a trip to the Adirondacks because of bad
weather. Six members attended the annual meeting in Proctorsville.
In June, a day of trail clearing was held in the Sterling Pond area. Work
on the cabin will be done later.
"June 23 an all-day hike was held over Mt. Belvidere and down
to Hazen's Notch. In July we had a climb up Wheeler Mt. in Barton and a
picnic at Crystal Lake. Later in July repair work was done the
interior of Sterling Pond Lodge. A trail blazing party is planned for
early August. July closed with an overnight trip to Jefferson, N.H. and a
climb up Jefferson and Adams. (Beautiful weather!) Future events include
blueberrying on a nearby mountain, and mountains near and far to be climbed.
"
Frances Holmes, Reporter"
LTN XXVIII 4 November 1968
18 Montpelier Section members attended the Intersectional
The New York Section honored their long time member Gene Bamforth
(Montpelier Section report)
"This has been a busy summer for the Montpelier Section.
We finished the trail work between Madonna and Whiteface, then later in August
went blueberrying on Mt. Hunger. There was plenty of competition for
berries and nobody got very many. In September six members got up early
and drove to Gore Mt. in the Northeast Kingdom. The views were unlimited
from the fire tower and the trail not too steep.
"Our next hike was on a back road and we had an unexpected
bonus in being joined by an engineer from Australia who was passing through and
asked at the information booth what was going on in the way of hikes. He
had been traveling by bus and intended to explore a few miles of the Long Trail
before returning home. He was a pleasant companion - sixtyish, I should
say.
"September 22, eleven ambitious members went to the Adirondacks,
climbed Dix and Hough and made it back the same day. Finally we finished
up September with a hike to Cantilever Rock and/or up the Chin. Many other
hikers were on the Mountain that last Sunday. The Adirondack buffs have an
overnight planned for October and the White Mt. addicts will climb Mt. Hale.
"
Frances Holmes, Reporter"
1969
LTN XXIX 1 February 1969
(From the President's Message)
"Now that the National Trails Bill has passed the Government
is starting to move quickly. They have already put into action a plan to
map the entire Appalachian Trail be aerial photography. The section from
the Massachusetts line south to Georgia is well along. Maine, New
Hampshire and Vermont were scheduled to be done first, but early snow prevented
this. Best conditions are when both leaves and snow are gone. During
this relatively short period we must get many 20-foot plastic X's out on the
Trail. Volunteers should contact your section or the Special Projects
Committee.
"
Robert W. Attenborough, President"
( Montpelier Section report)
"Six Adirondack enthusiasts camped out at Lake Eaton on a weekend in
October. They explored the lake by canoe and watched a beaver at
work. They next day they canoed on Forked Lake, finding more beaver
dams. All were impressed by a large stand of native White Pine in the
Adirondack Forest Preserve. The weather was beautiful, but it had gone
downhill fast since then. A trip to Mt. Hale in the White Mountains was
called off because of weather. In November two members hiked in the fog
from the Jay-Montgomery road to Hazen's Notch. Later in the month four
members visited the Audubon Nature Center in Huntington. They were so
pleased that they want to do it again in better weather when more people will
turn out. December brought a hike to Blue Ridge Mt. near Rutland, weather
still not cooperative. Finally, we scheduled a spaghetti supper at Parker
Camp, and wouldn't you know? - It rained! This was the same day that a
party of 22 got benighted in the southern part of the state. Parker Camp
must have a jinx on us, because we tried to have a sugar party there last spring
and ran into an awful blizzard. Both times our President, Doris Washburn
came to the rescue by inviting us to her house. We have some snowshoeing
coming up, one trip at least, by moonlight (?).
"
Frances Holmes, Reporter"
LTN XXIX 2 May 1969
The Montpelier Section is the host for the Intersectional; the Committee
consists of
Dave Otis, Chairman
Dave Morse, Hike
Doris Washburn, Program
Seven hikes are scheduled covering the 55 miles of the Long Trail from Lincoln
Gap to Smuggler's Notch: Lincoln Gap to Appalachian Gap; to Wind Gap; to Camel's
Hump; to Jonesville; to Bolton Lodge; to Taylor Lodge; and to Smuggler's
Notch. Shorter hikes are planned to Scrag Mountain, Spruce Mountain, and exploration
of Mt. Mansfield.
(Montpelier Section report)
"We finally have had one genuine moonlight hike and one where
the moon didn't cooperate. Going back to January 4, four of us joined the
Burlington Section in a hike north from Middlebury Gap, circling round to come
out by Breadloaf Inn. They reported a very cold day and very deep snow. A
bonfire was built for warmth and cooking of hot-dogs.
"Later in the month we had oyster stew at Taylor, and cleaned
up the cabin which was full of snow because previous hikers had left the window
open. The stove also had to be set on its legs.
"February brought a climb of Mt. Elmore, on a day which was
cloudy but not too cold. Our moonless hike brought out eleven, and of
course we had fun anyway. In February seven members went to Grace Camp in
the Adirondacks for a weekend of snowshoeing. The pictures they brought
back are beautiful. They said there was less snow there than in Vermont.
"Our full-moon hike in March was the real thing - bright as
day, and cold. March ninth we climbed Scrag Mountain in Waitsfield, cooked
lunch and enjoyed a grand view. Don Wallace brought his dog along.
We have a hike to Birch Glen Camp in the offing, and an afternoon road walk - if
the snow ever goes.
"Our annual meeting will be too late to get the new officers
into the News. It will be April 18, and we are trying to get Dr. Ora
Phelps to speak to us. The next day we plan for a return visit to the
Audubon Center at Huntington. More camping and canoeing in store for
summer, if it ever comes.
"
Frances Holmes, Reporter"
LTN XXIX 3 August 1969
(Montpelier Section report)
"In this period of time the events have included winter and
summer activities. From a snowshoe hike with a steak dinner to an
overnight camping and canoeing outing.
"There were two hikes to the Birch Glen Camp for the steak
dinner with sugar on snow for dessert. A short hike up the Beane trail for
some but hardier souls snowshoed in up from Appalachian Gap. The snow was
so deep up on top that there were several places where the snow depth was more
than the trail blazes. (Hint: Hereafter have only a long-armed painter at work
on the blazing!)
"The verdict of the hikers on an afternoon walk of April 5 in
the Middlesex area was that there was "snow enough to last all
summer."
"Dr. Ora Phelps, a naturalist at Adirondack Loj, Heart Lake,
New York, was our speaker for the annual meeting held on April 18. She
showed lovely slides of wild flowers that we all would soon be seeing in the
woods. Considerable interest was sparked in our learning what we are
looking at! New officers elected are listed in Who's Who in the Section.
"The first canoe trip of the season was enjoyed on the fast
and high water of the Black River, south of Albany, Vermont, by 12 members in 6
canoes.
"An all day hike on the Long Trail from Jonesville over
Robbins Mountain to Wiley Lodge and return was the first hike of the season
without need of snowshoes. This was May 4.
"An afternoon at the Audubon Nature Center in Huntington,
Vermont, wandering around discovering the first wild flowers was participated in
by 7 members of the section.
"Overnight camping at Maidstone Lake preceded a canoe trip by
14 members down the Connecticut River in what could only be called inclement
weather. Just great, though.
"The section has spent two Sundays clearing and blazing
trail. The area from Route 15 in Johnson south to Whiteface Mountain has
been tended to, as has the Elephant's Head Trail to Sterling Pond Lodge.
We hope to continue the job on the Long Trail north to White Face. The
cabin at Sterling Pond was in excellent condition. It had last been used
by 6 Future Farmers of America from Craftsbury, Vermont, and they surely left it
much better than they found it. It fairly gleamed from picking up and
sweeping and every essential supply was carefully there.
"
Leah Ruth Denton, Reporter"
LTN XXIX 4 November 1969
18 members of the Montpelier Section attended the Intersectional
(Montpelier Section report)
"The Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain Club camped,
canoed, and hiked on the weekend of July 4 on the New Hampshire - Maine
border. Eight adults and 3 children camped on Papoose Pond, canoed on the
Saco River and hiked Caribou Mountain.
"The next hike was attended by the greatest number of the
year, 19 persons. However, the particular bog on Grandview Mountain in
Addison that was to be investigated and enjoyed was never found. It was a
rainy, fogged in day, also.
"Then there followed two out-of-state trips. The first
was enjoyed by 6 members who climbed Mount Hale in New Hampshire and the other
one was a hike in the Adirondack Mountains near Heart Lake.
"More trail clearing was done on September 7 when David Otis
worked the area of Smuggler's Notch to Chilcoot Pass. Doris Washburn,
Marion Codling and David Morse worked from Chilcoot Pass north almost to the
Whiteface Shelter.
"On the weekend of September 13 and 14, 3 adults and 3
children camped at Brighton State Park at Island Pond and climbed Bald Mountain
in the Town of Westmore.
"On Saturday afternoon, September 20 there was an afternoon
walk on Hampshire Hill in the Worcester area with 5 adults and 2 children on the
hike.
"
Leah Ruth Denton, Reporter"
© 2011 Montpelier Section of The Green Mountain Club, Inc. Top Mon 14 Mar 2011