Hiking near the Lodge

Columbus Day weekend at the Lodge - October 8,9,10, 11th, 2004

There were twelve (Mike & Marilyn McCabe, Scott & Christa Foster, Jack & Chris Lancette, Jim & Cheryl Maloney, Len & Mary Marrone, and Dave & Diane Clark) who hiked Clark's Brook to reach the summit of Mt. Roosevelt in the Presidential range. It was a slow and steady uphill climb. The scenery was beautiful, weather perfect and the brook was sparkling. We shared many laughs and many comments about the trail, rocks and view. We met a couple of native Vermonters at the intersection with the Long Trail who had hiked from Bread Loaf, and they graciously delivered lunch to a few gals who decided to rest and take in the sights below us. At the top of Mt. Roosevelt it was a little windy and chilly but a beautiful sight of mountains across the way. We decided to descend back down to the intersection to enjoy our lunch where it was a little warmer. Jack Lancette had his trusty watch that told us the elevation and that we had climbed over 2000 feet. Going down the mountain was quick and lovely as we checked all the interesting rocks along the way.

Saturday night we dined at the lodge sharing great food, laughs, friendship and jokes of the day's activities. Unfortunately, we were unable to have the Phase 10 competition this year but be ready for next year folksЕЕ..

Sunday, October 10, 2004 we decided to drive to Woodstock and climb Mt. Tom. We stopped at the Barnard General Store along the way and checked out the art display across the road. It was another great day and easy climb to the top of Mt. Tom with a wonderful view of the town below. Much discussion about a spot across the valley - we were trying to figure out if it was a driveway; building roof; water; or a rock wall. ???? Alas, along came someone from the area and solved our dilemma - it turned out to be a supporting rock wall! Woodstock had an Arts & Crafts & Apple festival going on so we decided to skip that and drive to Quechee to tour Simon Pierce Glass. We enjoyed watching the glass blower, potter and of course, looking at the beautiful glassware and pottery. We had chosen to go out to dinner to the Waybury Inn that evening which was excellent and lots of fun! Chris, Marilyn and Diane all needed a glass of milk to cool the spicy Fra Diablo pasta Е..oooooo hot!

Monday we enjoyed breakfast and then started to do our packing and cleaning and saying goodbye to each other and another fun weekend at the lodge. We loved the new window in the dining area and new sink in the kitchen. The window brightens the dining room and it is great to be able to look out at the woods. Great job, lodge committee.

By Diane Clark