Oct 05: Taft Lodge   Miles Today : 14.4 Total Miles : 102.4

The weather did just not go in my favor today, and neither did Bear's attitude. The entire day was cloudy and overcast and cold -but at least the rain held off. Still, that didn't help me enjoy the views from the biggest peak in Vermont. Oh well, you take what Mother Nature gives you out here, there is not too much that you can do to change that.

Climbing up the Forehead of Mansfield was extremely difficult. Steep rock scrambles, hand over hand in places, ladders! Poor Bear took a beating, and at one point I actually had to carry him up a ladder because he could not find a way around it.

The mountain itself, Mt Mansfield, is a dump. There are radio towers, hoards of buildings, several roads, a ski area - the place is pretty much trashed. Supposedly the is a mile or so of above treeline ridge-walking, but all I saw were clouds on this day. After going over the Nose and the Chin, I made my way down to Taft Lodge, a sweet place that can hold over 24 people. I got here early and quickly cooked an extra large dinner and gave Bear some extra food.

After handing out here by myself for most of the afternoon, Pappy finally showed up, followed shortly thereafter by Brandon, the caretaker of the lodge. This is my last night with Pappy, and it is too bad, I have really enjoyed his company. I hope to be able to keep in touch with him after he has finished his journey to Canada and gets back to Myrtle Beach. Bear has pretty much been unconscience the whole time here at Taft, which reminds me….

-Chomp

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