Journal 243-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!

Posted on October 20, 2021 by nimblewillnomad

Wednesday–October 20, 2021
Trail Day–243
Trail Mile–10.5/2430
Remaining Miles–187.8
Location–USFS-71 (558.6) to Goddard Shelter (569.1)

Although only 10+ miles, today is shaping to be long and difficult. So, we’re up and over for the breakfast-included (with the room deal) at six. A long drive to the trailhead, but Barry has us (Kitchen Sink, Slim Jim, and me) back on trail by eight-thirty.

Ahead of us we’ve got 2,800 feet of ascent and 1,600 feet of descent to deal with, all of it through rocks, boulders, roots, and the Vermont mud. Most of the climbing involves getting up and over Glastenbury Mountain, which stands at 3,750 feet. It’s a struggle, going on five by the time I finish the climb. There’s an old fire tower on the summit and I take that climb. Delightful evening views–well worth the extra effort.

Goddard Shelter is a short distance down the other side of the mountain–a blessing, as I’m completely wore down from this day. Slim Jim prepares a nourishing hot supper for me. On my pad, under my quilt, in a very short while the rain comes, rattling the tin roof. I’m gone…