Now that the first rounds of resupply visits have been completed and I bring you updates from both the Quester groups!
On July 2, I left SAM Camp and drove down to see the Long Trail Questers at Story Spring Shelter. After some awesome rain showers we were able to get all the fresh food and some clean clothes from the van to the campsite (a 2.4 mile hike, one way!) and enjoy a dinner of burritos with fresh lime, cilantro, and avocado! The following day was filled of stories as we hiked. I heard about the Appalachian Trail through-hikers they had met along the trail and a silent time that ended with breakfast on top of a fire tower in the morning fog. Everyone’s spirits were high when we got a chance to take a dip in a chilly stream that crossed the path. Showers were improvised and songs were sung in cool waters. Before we set back on the trail, we had our Silent Meeting along the babbling brook.
More thunderstorms lulled us to sleep that night, but we awoke eager to hike up Stratton Mountain, the highest peak in southern Vermont. The Questers made excellent time up the mountain, arriving at the misty summit a whole three hours before we were scheduled to meet back up with Devin, the Long Trail trip leader, who was coming back to the group from her day off. We took advantage of the free time by playing games, tossing a Frisbee, and chatting away. I left the Long Trail Questers once Devin had arrived with their next food resupply, assured of their trail skills and eagerness to take on the next section of their journey.
Next, I traveled up to the banks of the Androscoggin River to meet up with the Classic Questers, who do the half summer trips, who had just completed their canoeing section. I was immediately regaled with tails of immense portages, exciting rapids, and legendary mosquitoes. It sounds like although their canoe trip was challenging, it was an incredible experience and one that they were proud to have accomplished.
We drove with our field specialist, Tim, to the Sugarloaf Campgrounds, which we used as our base camp for our rock climbing adventures over the next two days. Our first day of climbing was on Bald Mountain in New Hampshire, specifically on Artist’s Bluff, where I was impressed at the bravery and drive of many of the Questers who had never climbed before. The next day, as they climbed on Elephant’s Head Cliff, the Questers continued to push themselves to new heights, tackling a difficult route that yielded spectacular views.
Next, they will hike through the White Mountains, which will culminate with summiting Mount Washington. Given their grit and determination, I’m sure they will rise to the challenge.
Please be sure to check back here soon for more updates from the trail, as our Questers keep on “questing” this summer!
Emily
Questers Coordinator
