On Top

I’ve dug back into the 50-year-old folder again to choose a photo for today’s post. A peek into history, one single moment in time and place.

After arriving in Stowe, Vermont, I wanted to get some exercise, so I hiked to the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak at 4,393 feet. One early morning, I set out to tackle the Mt. Mansfield Long Trail. The trail was steep, featuring rocky natural staircases, exposed rock scrambles near the summit, and fragile alpine plant communities above the tree line. Hours later, when I finally reached the top, my legs and knees felt like they were about to give out. At the summit, I spotted a young woman sitting on the edge of the rocky outcrop.

She was a member of the Green Mountain Club, watching over the mountain’s protected Alpine Region and offering assistance to hikers as needed. After some rest and enjoyable conversation, I started back down an easier route she suggested.

Sorry for the poor image quality. I scanned it from an old print.