GMC Montpelier Section - News 1980

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.

Andrew Nuquist is on the Search Committee for a new Executive Director as Steve Rice resigns.

Thomas J. Watson, Jr., chairman of the board of IBM, donates his Sterling Pond camp to the GMC. The committee to recommend how the property might best be used consists of Paul Wallace-Brodeur, Sally Sairs and Dave Morse, plus non-Montpelier Section member Corky Magoon.

(Montpelier Section report)
   "One of the most interesting hikes of the fall season was led by Andy Nuquist in early November to the summit of Camel's Hump. This trip certainly proved untrue the belief that Vermont's November is drab. As we approached the summit in thirty-degree weather under overcast skies we found every tree coated with hoarfrost. Needles of rime pointed west from the scrub balsam, making every tree a sculpture. As we crested the summit, winds gusted, making the chill-factor well below zero. Puffs of cloud swirled past and patches of sunlight illuminated frosty balsam near the top and spots of the amber brown forest below. We crouched behind rocks for shelter to watch a constantly changing panorama of light and billowing cloud.
   "Maintenance on the Long Trail between Smuggler's Notch and Chilcoot Pass was included in the Section's fall activities. This stretch of trail is now in reasonably good shape but the Elephant's Head Trail will need major work next year.
   "Other autumn outings included an exploration of Lord's Hill in Marshfield. Now a State natural area, it is one of Vermont's last remaining stands of virgin hardwood forest. The traditional November slide shows and Duck Brook Christmas party marked the holidays. At this New Year's writing there had been no snow and prospects looked dim for trying out that new Christmas cross-country ski equipment on next week's planned outing.
   "                                                          George Longenecker, Reporter"

(Montpelier Section report)
   "The Montpelier Section has continued to enjoy a wide range of regularly scheduled activities. Hikes, canoe trips, skiing, snow-shoeing, meals and slide shows have occurred about every other week. In addition, two of our section members are helping to take and compile photographs for a slide show on the Green Mountain Club.
   "Membership stands at 42 seniors and five juniors with little change in numbers since last year. Ten is about the average number on outings, although some are sparsely attended. At this year's nominating committee we discussed the need for outreach to prospective new members. While we have no expansionary dreams, we feel that it would be nice to have new faces to lead us on new hikes. With a larger number of active members we could do better maintenance on our trails and shelter.
   "One possibility that we have discussed is to show the GMC slide show (when completed) to community groups and to encourage people to join at that time. The show should be done by fall and could be similarly used by other sections.
   "                                                         George Longenecker , Reporter"

The Connecticut Section cancelled a planned week long backpack trip in southeastern Pennsylvania because of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant accident.

(Montpelier Section report)
   "Late spring brings trail work. On a Sunday in June we met at Smuggler's Notch for our traditional work-day breakfast feast. A light drizzle didn't deter a hungry group. As that drizzle turned to serious rain we began our trail work from Smuggler's Notch to Chilcoot Pass.
   "We found that some sections of the trail, particularly the very heavily used stretch of the Long Trail just above Smuggler's Notch, will need extensive work in a few years due to erosion. The group split up with some working on the Elephant's Head Trail. A cool, pouring rain that soaked through several layers to the skin by mid-day didn't keep us from completing the day's work. The following week several of us hiked the Mt. Hunger and White Rocks trails to clear brush and blowdowns. As a summer outing I plan to bushwhack in the Mt. Hunger area to scout out a possible locale for a new trail. This project is entirely in the speculative stages at this time.
   "Other spring hikes included a bushwhack up the back side of Spruce Mountain in Groton and Plainfield led by Doris Washburn and a Mother's Day hike on the Appalachian Trail near Norwich led by Sally Sairs. The Appalachian Trail hike with its numerous abandoned hill farms, orchards and stone foundations made a good spring outing.
   "                                                          George Longenecker, Reporter"

Montpelier Section membership is reported as 42, an increase of 13 from the previous year.

(Montpelier Section report)
"The Montpelier Section has been busy refurbishing the newest addition to the Green Mountain Club shelters. Earlier this year Thomas J. Watson, Jr. of Armonk, N.Y. donated a one-room cabin with a quarter acre of land on Sterling Pond to the GMC. Our new "resort property" is in Stowe, just off the Long Trail and close enough to be used as an adjunct to Sterling Pond Shelter. The yet-to-be-named frame camp has a front porch high over the pond and has been converted to an open face shelter. This conversion was made because of the prevalence of vandalism - an increasing problem in this easily accessible area. Other repairs were needed due to porcupines gnawing away various parts of the building. Montpelier Section members with the help of the Long Trail Patrol did the work on the shelter and access trail.
" George Longenecker, Reporter"

LTN XLI 1 February 1981
(Montpelier Section report)
   "Our first outing in 1981 was billed as a "Happy New Year Snowshoe Hike". This climb of Mt. Worcester (3263') took place in genuine arctic conditions as temperatures the Sunday after New Year's day plunged to record lows. Temperatures in the Montpelier area were -32 degrees as I arrived to lead the hike. Fully expecting to have nobody join me, I arrived at our meeting place to find three hardy and well-equipped souls already waiting. Upon departing we learned that the temperature in other parts of the region was close to forty below. Knowing that we would probably have to turn back if there was any wind at all, we set out for the base of Worcester Mountain.
   "Once out of the car and moving up the trail on snowshoes we were able to keep warm. Layers of wool, face masks, scarves and felt-lined boots kept us comfortable as the breeze at 2,500 feet picked up, bringing the chill factor down to around fifty below. Two downy woodpeckers were the only creatures besides ourselves moving as we climbed through powdery snow up out of the white birch and into the balsam. Miraculously the wind died down and stopped as we neared the top. The climb had warmed us beyond any danger and we ascended onto Worcester's ledges with confidence. Talk was of sweaty, easy summer blueberry walks onto these ridges. It was still too cold to linger, so after taking a few photos, we descended into the shelter of the balsam for hot tea from the thermos and a few bites of frozen lunches. The descent was easy and quick, with 18-year-old Abby Holms leading us in snowy slides down the slopes we had picked our way up a short while before.
   "Even at mid-afternoon the thermometer in the side pocket of my pack showed a chilly ten below. We returned without mishap, knowing that most any thing we did in the future would be warmer.
   "                                                          George Longenecker, Reporter"

LTN XLI 2 May 1981
(Montpelier Section report)
   "Montpelier section members led a fairly sedate winter following George Longenecker's ascent of Worcester Mountain in record-breaking low temperatures in early January, as described in the last issue.
   "Cross-country ski outings took place regularly in January as temperatures moderated and snow cover accumulated, with good touring in Woodbury, Brookfield, and the capitol city. However, icy conditions in early February followed by rapid thawing around Washington's Birthday raised havoc with the schedule in February, forcing cancellation of most expeditions. In March, the schedule resumed in earnest when four hearty souls, led by President Longenecker, hiked to the summit of Camel's Hump - sans snowshoes! On March 8 about one dozen strong turned out for an expedition to Groton State Park, with a chili lunch served at the New Discovery lean-to. An afternoon circuit loop to Osmore Pond topped the day's activities.
   "At the section's annual meeting, April 3, Reidun Nuquist was elected President and Sue Longenecker, Secretary, with Dick Babcock re-elected as treasurer. Outgoing President George Longenecker gave a report of highlights of the past year, citing the Club's addition of the new Watson Camp shelter on Sterling Pond and exploration of a new trail on the side of Mt. Hunger. He said use of the trail will depend on securing rights-of-way.
   "Andy Nuquist reported on the last of his six-year stint as Club director and was thanked for a job well done. He will be replaced by David Morse. Reidun Nuquist said she hoped to boost section membership with a push on press relations and some possible presentations to civic organizations with a slide show of Club activities now in the works.
   "A superb slide show of a one-month wilderness canoe trip in the Northwest Territory of Canada, presented by Chip Stone of East Montpelier and Stephen Sease of Waitsfield, concluded the annual meeting.
   "                                                          Ed Janeway, Jr., Reporter"

Montpelier Section membership is reported as 77, an increase of 21 from the previous year.

(Montpelier Section report)
   "A great variety of activities has highlighted the Club's Spring and Summer agenda.
   "Members greeted the Spring with a bird watch canoe expedition in the Deadman's Creek Waterfowl area in Addison County. A large flock a Canada Geese was spotted on its return flight north, gracefully moving in the customary V formation.
   "Two Spring work parties did yeoman jobs on the Smuggler's Notch to Chilcoot Pass section of the Long Trail, laying down water bars to control trail erosion. Of a less pleasant nature was the task of cleaning up the debris left by thoughtless sportsmen who had been using the two Club shelters at Sterling Pond over the winter. Fold down tables had been ripped from the walls and all manner of bottles, cans and paper had been strewn about - enough to fill about six plastic bags in one shelter alone. Hopefully, the Club will launch a concerted public education campaign to alleviate this recurring problem of vandalism and littering.
   "Summer expeditions included a marathon trek into the Lonesome Lake area of the White Mountains and an overnight to a private camp in the Ausable Lakes area of the Adirondack High Peaks.
   "Canoeing expeditions included the Lake Champlain Islands, the Saco River in Maine, and Maidstone Lake in the Northeast Kingdom. Another outing was a bike trip in the Craftsbury area.
   "Not all Club activity has been focused on the trails and lakes. Section officers have been increasingly busy taking the message of the GMC to the general public. Club exec Harry Peet was joined by Section President Reidun Nuquist and Ed Janeway as guest speakers at the Rotary Club of Montpelier. Mrs. Nuquist has also initiated a Section newsletter, "Trail Talk", for increased communication among the membership. Club agendas have also been issued to all area newspapers and radio stations.
   "The effort is helping attract new members with 60 members at last report, and increase of ten according to our President who took office last April.
   "                                                          Ed Janeway, Reporter"

                                             Bamforth Ridge Trail: Hike and Memories
                                                       by David P. Morse, Sr.
   "For forty-five years I had worked five and a half days a week and had to hope that good weather would coincide with Sunday, the one day I had for a hike. But this summer, things have changed, and when a day starts out like today I go hiking. The temperature at 6 a.m. is in the low fifties. The air is clear and fresh and there is still mist in the valley.
   "For the past several weeks I have been on Camel's Hump and plan to cover each of the approach trails.
   "The first trip was the Forestry Trail, which was rebuilt several years ago to stand the ever-increasing day traffic, with water bars and steps to minimize the erosion. On that trip I came down the abandoned Callahan Trail, which had been blocked off due to heavy use and erosion. I hope that it may someday be put in condition to be reopened.
   "The second trip was via the Dean Trail to the Long Trail and the approach to Camel's Hump from the south. It provides an almost continuous view of the Hump as one climbs over successive rock ledges. This is probably the most exciting approach.
   "Today it will be the Bamforth Ridge Trail. This was originally the Long Trail, but due to problems of crossing the Winooski River, the Long Trail was rerouted through Honey Hollow, over Robbins Mountain to the bridge in Jonesville. This trail was renamed in memory of Eugene L. Bamforth at that time. Gene had spent many years in trail work and was especially fond of Camel's Hump. He often attended our Montpelier Section planning meetings with suggestions for hikes to be made and things that needed to be done, but he preferred to hike alone, and we would often meet him coming the other way on one of our trips. If we had an overnight at one of the shelters, we would find that he had been there before us and the shelter would be spotless. Especially in the Camel's Hump area he made sure there were trail signs at the intersections.
   "Starting off at 7:30 on a relocation of the first mile of the trail (which I had not been on since its completion), I found the trail excellent, with substantial water bars and bridges over the streams. It joined the old trail just below the site of the former Buchanan Lodge at a lovely spot on Gleason Brook. The relocation had eliminated a dangerous crossing of the brook where it tumbled over a cascade.
   "Here I paused to reflect on memories of several trips to Buchanan Lodge. It burned down a few years ago. Nothing remains but the foundation stones, and it will probably not be rebuilt, since this is no longer the Long Trail.
   "I remember one winter trip we found a sizeable igloo had been built against the side of the Lodge. This was a social and eating trip, and it was cold and very windy. We set up a charcoal grill in the entrance to the igloo and cooked a steak for this Montpelier Section's outing. We had our Christmas party there, but indecent years have changed the location to Duck Brook Shelter.
   "I feel fortunate to have met Roy Buchanan for whom the lodge was named. He was the founder of the Long Trail Patrol and for 36 years its active leader. When our log cabin at Sterling Pond burned down in 1972, it was his plans that were used for the open shelter that the Montpelier Section built to replace it. Prof. Buchanan came up to give his help and advice, although he was then in his eighties.
   "Leaving this spot, the trail climbs through open woods for .7 miles. In the lower elevations the vireos are abundant, shouting their demands. Occasionally an ovenbird or a thrush is heard. The warblers are silent for the most part, although I have seen a few. Higher up I hear the clear notes of the white-throated sparrow. I have them at home, but it seems that only at the high elevation are their notes so clear.
   "There are many mushrooms. Big yellow and orange ones. Someday I am going to learn to identify at least a few of the edible ones.
   "Here there is a look-out called Duxbury Window. It is closed in somewhat and should have a few trees trimmed out to keep the view of the Worcester Range and the valley between.
   "As I continue to climb, the next lookout is to the west, over the Winooski Valley and Lake Champlain. White Face Mountain, Giant, and the cone of Mt. Marcy can be seen in the Adirondacks across the lake.
   "The trail climbs steeply at points, but continues to come out on open rock outcroppings where Camel's Hump is seen, closer each time. Several times it descends into ravines between cliffs and climbs to a new height on the further side. It must be remembered that although the difference in height from the Winooski River to the top of the Hump is about 3600 feet, the climb down into the ravines and up again must add another 500 feet to the vertical ascent, and that it will not be all down hill coming back.
   "The trail is nearly dry with just a few mucky spots. The blazes are not fresh, especially on the open rocks, but can be followed.
   "Again a memory of a past trip. It was early spring. My son, David, and several friends had spent the night at Buchanan Lodge (it was then Wiley Lodge.) I joined them to climb the Hump. Much of the trail was clear of snow, but there were pockets waist deep in each ravine. On the way back we were running and jumping as far across the snow pockets as we could. My knee hit a sharp rock under the snow, and when I climbed out the lower part of my pants leg was turning red. Fortunately I had not hit the kneecap square on, but had opened quite a gash. By the time I had walked the four miles back to the road, my leg and foot were starting to swell. I went straight to the hospital and had eight stitches.
   "Today, being alone, I am careful. It is apparent from the register that this trail is not getting much use. It could be a while before someone comes along. I do leave at home a plan of my intended trip and sign in at the registers, so that if I am overdue it should not be hard to find me.
   "I remember another trip of the Montpelier Section, an overnight in Gorham Lodge. It was August, very hot and humid, and there was no water on the Bamforth Ridge Trail. Some of our party turned back. There is little today from Gleason Brook to Gorham Lodge, but at Gorham the water is cold and "so good", as it was that day.
   "The trail crew has cut and skinned large trees to rebuild the base logs of the lodge which are giving way. It looks like quite a task and a delicate one, to jack up the log building on the ledge that it sits on and install new logs.
   "Another memory comes to mind: an overnight at Gorham. The rain began about half-way up the Callahan Trail, and our party of eight were pretty wet by the time we reached the lodge. It was already occupied by six or seven people. While we were getting supper, just after dark, another party of eight arrived, severely taxing the normal bunk space for 14. Wet clothes were hung everywhere. The table had to be moved out to make room for sleeping bags lined up like cordwood on the floor.
   "I continue on to the top of the Hump and visit with Dave Hooke, the caretaker at Gorham Lodge. He tells me that he will be painting new blazes on the Bamforth Ridge Trail and adding some cairns. They are especially helpful in the winter when blazes on the rocks are covered with snow.
   "The Ranger-Naturalist, Julie, has the day off. The other Ranger, Holly, had the previous day off but is expected at the top shortly. At least one of these three is on the top each day to advise people of the delicate and fragile flora on the mountain, and to walk only on the rocks. They are also helpful in advice to hikers on the trails and information on the mountains. They are employed by the Green Mountain Club and the Vermont Department of Forests and Parks.
   "After a snack, I head back the way I came, again enjoying the views from each rock outcropping.
   "This trail is an outstanding one and should be used often as an approach to Camel's Hump.
"Length of trail: 5.9 miles (11.8 round trip)
"Time up: 4-4 1/2 hours Down: 3-3 1/2 hours.
"By spotting cars at the Couching Lion Farm parking lot, about 2 hours down via the Forestry Trail."

                                                                And further south
   "I want to express our appreciation to the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain Club. This past weekend eleven of their members helped Rick Robinson move about 700 lbs. of asphalt shingles to Battel Shelter.
   "Without their help we might not have been able to re-roof the shelter. I would like to especially thank Mark Houghwout, the adopter of the shelter, who made arrangements for the project.
   "Thanks again. I hope this letter gets passed on to those that helped; we really appreciated it.
   "                                                                                            Thomas A. Striker, District Ranger"

The Green Mountain National Forest - established April 25, 1932 - celebrates its 50th anniversary with a variety of events:
   - A picnic at the Hapgood Pond Recreation Area in Peru
   - A special supplement about the GMNF in the Times Argus, in June 1982
   - special article about the GMNF in Vermont Life
   - A photo contest among employees
   - Vermont will supply the 1982 National Christmas Tree

LTN XLII 3 August 1982
(Section report at the GMC Annual Meeting)
"Montpelier has forty-one events, five meetings and five work parties. They emphasize new members and have been quite successful in getting them. They try to get potential members to commit to coming out for a specific activity - not "why don't you join us sometime". They also treat members the way a magazine treats an expiring subscription - with reminders, renewal letters, etc. This sales approach works: Montpelier went from 56 members last year to 88 this year.

LTN XLIII 2 May 1983
(Montpelier Section report)
   "The Montpelier section held its annual meeting on april 1st at the Bethany church meeting room with approximately forty-five people in attendance. The first part of the program was highlighted by a potluck supper.
   "During the business meeting portion of the evening, the following facts and figures for the year 1982 were cited:
   "1. Membership in the Montpelier section remained stable - 83 adults and 3 children.
   "2. There were 54 scheduled outings (1981-41 events)
   "    Hikes 16
   "    Meetings/Slide-shows-10
   "    Cross-country skiing-8
   "    Work parties-6
   "    Canoeing-4
   "    Biking-1
   "    Snowshoeing-1
   "    Auction-1
   "    Cancelled events-7
   "3. Average attendance in 1982
   "    Hikes-10 (1981-8-6)
   "    Work parties-13 (1981-9)
   "    Meetings/slide shows-15 (1981-13)
   "4. Most active new members - Joe and Emily Gosselin - Most active member (26 events) Andrew Nuquist
   "Outgoing president Reidun Nuquist made a surprise presentation (an EMS gift certificate) to Paul Ohlman and Jean Peterson, who were wed on January 22.
   "New officers are:
   "    President: Joe Gosselin
   "    Secretary: Esther Farnsworth
   "    Treasurer: Sally Sairs
   "    Trails/Shelters: Paul Ohlman
   "Entertainment for the evening was provided by Monty and Cheryl Fisher, members of the Lake Champlain Islands Trust, who gave an exceptionally wonderful slide lecture on the Lake Champlain Islands.
   "                                                          Pete Fournier, Montpelier Section"

LTN XLIII 3 August 1983
(Section report at the GMC Annual Meeting)
"Montpelier scheduled 54 events and only canned seven. There were six work parties, sixteen hikes and a wide variety of other things to do. Andy Nuquist was saluted as "most active" of the current 95 members. This year there were two end-to-enders.

Ben Rose, Admin. Director of the Catamount Trail Association, reports that he (and others) completed a cross country ski trip from Massachusetts to Quebec on March 19, 1984. The association hopes to create a permanent x-c trail along he route they explored.

   "Greetings from Bethel, Alaska:
   "Winter is trying to slip into spring but is not yet succeeding. In February the mean temperature was minus 13 degrees F, and that's not figuring in the chill factor. Today, for example, is 24 degrees with 24 MPH winds; it's cold. When the snow flurries aren't coming horizontally, it's sand. Still the tundra is beautiful, and while I'm eating last year's freeze-dried berries I'm looking forward to this year's crop. The river is still a runway and highway, breakup comes sometimes in May. Looking at my topo maps, there is the main river plus miles of sloughs to explore nearby. I also have a couple of outings planned which will involve a plane trip. That is why I have a kayak on order.
   "Winter has been fine, and because Bethel had almost no snow, I flew up river for a couple of days where there was a lot and skied. There is a lot more sunshine up here to even things out. Right now sunset is at 9:15 pm and we're gaining six minutes almost every day. I've eaten reindeer, moose meat and fried pike livers. They're all delicious. I've also been introduced to steam baths. Building a steam house will be the first thing I'll want to do when I get back to Vermont.
   "I'm waiting for the weather to warm up a bit so that I can go down to the coast for trout and salmon fishing. I would also like to watch the sealing. There is plenty to do in Bethel.
   "                                                          Sally Sairs"

Reidun and Andrew Nuquist head up the GMC 75th Anniversary Celebration. The contest for a logo was won by high school junior Neal Noble of West Brattleboro, with the walking hiker.

LTN XLV 2 May 1985
(Contributions to the 75th anniversary celebration of the GMC)
"A set of six historic postcards is the Montpelier Section's contribution to our 75th Anniversary memorabilia. The black and white postcards, featuring photographs from the Club's archives, measure 4½" x 6". They appear throughout this issue of the LTN, identified by an asterisk (*) after the caption. They may be purchased individually at 15¢ each, or as a complete set of six for 75¢. Please order these postcards directly from the Club office (checks payable to Green Mountain Club) and include 22¢ for postage. Remember to specify which postcard(s).
"Montpelier Section is donating 50% of the proceeds from the sale of these postcards to the Club.

LTN XLVI 1 February 1986
(Montpelier Section report)
"Montpelier's Annual Meeting will be held Friday, April 4th at 6:00 p.m. in Montpelier. Exact location has not been confirmed. The evening will start with a potluck dinner at 6:00 followed by the meeting at 7:30 and a special program at 8:00. If anyone has any questions, please call Esther Farnsworth at 223-2240."

Protection of the Long Trail received support from prominent figures. (Click on an image to see a larger view.)

The Long Trail south of River Road in Jonesville had been closed by the land owner. A temporary relocation will be established in the spring. (Click on an image to see a larger view.)

LTN XLVII 2 May 1987
(Montpelier Section report)
   "Wings on his feet: Dave Morse becomes forty-sixer.
   "David P. Morse, Sr. has become a legend in his own time in the Green Mountain Club. He hikes, skis, paddles, snowshoes, bicycles, and swims with more grace and speed than members half his age. He polished off the Long Trail years ago, and now at age seventy-two he has become an Adirondack Forty-Sixer.
   "Dave climbed Lower Wolf Jaw, his first Adirondack peak over 4000 feet, in 1946 in the company of Larry Babcock. He was to climb more in the company of the Babcock family and members of the Montpelier Section. Dot, Dick, and Larry Babcock completed all forty-six peaks many years ago and obtained the coveted yellow and green "ADK 46-R" patch. Dave continued his climbing as time permitted, sometimes alone, often with friends.
   "About five years ago, he became an Aspiring Forty-Sixer, meaning a hiker who has ascended thirty of the mountains, and he decided to go for it. Having retired as a business manager for Hooker's Wayside Furniture, he could schedule longer forays into the Adirondacks. As twenty of the peaks are trail-less, time, orienteering skills and careful planning are essential to successful ascents.
   "All Aspiring Forty-Sixers keep in close contact with Grace L. Hudowalski, historian of the ADK. Mrs. Hudowalski, now eighty, was the first woman and ninth person to become a forty-sixer. All trip reports are mailed to her, and she keeps track of all progress made by aspirants. Five hundred personal letters a year, filled with encouragement, flow from her typewriter. At one point she wrote to Dave: "I'm rooting for you and I think it's great that you are able to climb from the base of Panther to Couchsachraga in three hours. Did you have wings on your feet!" Those of us who have seen him do the two-mile dash at the Montpelier Fun Run, know exactly what she means.
   "In October 1986 Dave finished his forty-sixth peak, Redfield, in "rain and good black muck." He wrote, " I slept good that night with the rain on the shelter roof but had time to think about all of the 46 mountains, of the climbs I had made, the people I had met and knew that this was not an end for there was not a climb I would not repeat...." He hopes to introduce friends "to the Adirondacks and share with [them] as Dick and Dot Babcock did some 20 years ago with me." Dave's forty-sixer number is 2293.
   "We all know that this is not an end for the born athlete and outdoors man. He may decide to do all the Adirondack peaks in the winter, he has already climbed many on skis and snowshoes. And, as usual, his name appears frequently as trip leader on the current outing schedule of the Montpelier Section. Good climbing, Dave!
   "                                                          Reidun D. Nuquist"

Major contributions for Long Trail Protection are provided by the federal government, the Norcross Wildlife Foundation, and Anonymous.

(Montpelier Section report)
   "The Montpelier Section tried something new this fall: a rehearsal Thanksgiving Dinner al fresco. On 8 November ten members left the capital laden with roast turkey, gravy, potatoes, cranberries, salads, rolls, and dessert.
   "The dining room was to be the shelter on Osmore Pond in Groton State Park. To build up their appetites, the diners first hiked around a bit in light sleet. (The "official" purpose of the trip was to survey possible cross country ski trails as proposed by the state.) The meat was heated in the big shelter fireplace and consumed around a picnic table as darkness fell. A bit early for Thanksgiving Dinner perhaps, but what a warm-up for the real occasion!
[The accompanying photo is by Andrew Nuquist and shows Ben and Jean Coello, Dave Morse, Ken Kidd, Judy Illingworth, Cassie Major, Shirley Schillhammer and Peggy Hammond.]
   "                                                          Reidun Nuquist, Reporter"

The Montpelier Section will sponsor a trail work day as part of the Green Mountain Club Day, July 16.

No Montpelier Section report. However, there is an extended report on the Lake Champlain End to End canoe trip. The trip started July 23 at Whitehall and ended July 31 at West Swanton, a distance of over 120 miles. Twenty two people participated; fourteen went the whole distance. Andrew Nuquist conceived and led the trip. (Click on the image to read the report.)

Canapés and Cake on Camel's Hump
or
Eating Well to Support the Long Trail
by Reidun Nuquist

   "On Sunday, July 10, a warm summer's day, two parties of hikers, one from the Burlington Section and the other from the Montpelier Section, met in the old hut clearing on Camel's Hump at noon. The first arty which had come up the Burrows Trails, traveled light. The second party, climbing from the east on the Forestry Trail, was heavily laden with full packs. One of the hikers was even carrying chairs. Chairs on Camel's Hump?
   "To explain what was about to happen, we must go back to the fall of 1987, to the auction to benefit the Long Trail Protection Fund (LTPF.) Among many interesting items, auctioneer Dick Hathaway sold a gourmet luncheon for four atop Camel's Hump. The buyers were Susan and Peter Alden of Burlington. The donors were Andrew and Reidun Nuquist of Montpelier.
   "So to get back to our story, the Aldens and invited friends Wilbur and Barbara Bull had come to the mountain to have their lunch, and the Nuquists were there to cook and serve. Andrew and Reidun were accompanied by Montpelier Section members David Morse, Priscilla Page, Barbara Slayton, and James McMartin who had volunteered to help carry table linen, stem glasses, flowers, ice, a two-burner Coleman stove - and chairs. They jokingly referred to themselves as "the coolies."
   "After greetings and introductions the Aldens and Bulls were sent off to climb the peak. The Nuquists remained below to prepare the luncheon which was set for 1:00 p.m.
   "At the appointed hour the guests arrived in their best shorts and tee-shirts and sat down to a six-course meal. As the appetizers were served, the air was filled with the sound of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos from a hidden portable cassette player.
   "The menu consisted of:
   "    Assorted Scandinavian Canapés
   "    Chilled Cascadilla Soup
   "    Parsleyed Rice
   "    Rhubarb Chutney
   "    Cheese and Fruit in Season
   "    Apple Tart with Marzipan Filling
   "    Vermont Apple Wine
   "    Mocha Java Coffee
   "Not a few hikers who happened to pass by on the Long Trail wondered what was happening in the old hut clearing. On being told that the lunch was a benefit for the LTPF, some wondered if they could come too. The Aldens had to tell them that their reservations had been made half a year in advance.
   "At the end of the long, leisure meal "the coolies" and the cooks joined the guests and finished off the last remains of tart and coffee. No one wanted to carry leftovers down the mountain.
   "After a communal rest in the shade, the Burlington and Montpelier contingents parted ways to descend the same trails they had come up. All had added an episode to their store of hiking memories. And all knew that along with the fun they had done their bit to help protect the Long Trail for future hikers."

Ten Sections now in the Adopt-a-Shelter Program
"The Montpelier Section and Sterling Section have recently joined the club wide Adopt-a-Shelter program. Pioneer Valley, Brattleboro, Worcester and Killington Sections continue to run their own programs."

Camel's Hump to Bolton Mountain: The Long Trail Across the Winooski Valley
   "Among the Green Mountain Club's highest priorities is identifying and building a permanent Long Trail route across the rapidly changing face of the Winooski Valley.
   "The Long Trail route now in use descends from Gorham Lodge into Honey Hollow to Wiley Lodge. From Wiley the trail drops via logging roads and a portion of the Catamount Trail to the River Road. From Gorham to the River Road the trail is entirely on Camel's Hump State Forest. The Long Trail follows the River Road for tow miles to the Winooski River crossing at Jonesville.
   [Discussion of route north of the Winooski River and across Bolton Notch]
   "Over the winter, the GMC Trails & Shelters Committee followed progress on developments in the Winooski Valley. After several meetings the Committee recognized,
   "The preferred route for the Long Trail across the Winooski Valley is to descend Bamforth Ridge to the east, cross the River, railway, and Interstate in the vicinity of Pinneo Brook, ascend to Woodward Mtn., and cross Ricker Mt. to rejoin the Long Trail on Bolton Mt.
   "Adopted by the GMC Board of Directors on March 11, 1989."

Montpelier Section members continue to provide extensive support for the GMC office, now in Montpelier.

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