Adventures as a family
Someday is today
Day 15 on the Vermont Long Trail
We woke up to heavy rain this morning. Everyone stayed in the shelter hoping the rain would ease up a little. It finally did around 8:30. We hit the trail around 10. It was a very late start but we knew the trail would be very wet plus we had to climb Mt. Horrid today.
We were making good time. It was very wet and slick as expected. The fog was thick so we did not get any views after climbing the mountain. That was a little disappointing but again expected. The climb was not as bad as anticipated. It had some rock scrambling but nothing too strenuous in comparison to what we already have done. The trail to Sucker Brook Shelter had the typical roots and rocks but easy walking for the most part. The trail had spots that were not maintained as much as the rest of the trail but still passable.
After 6.5 miles we made it to Sucker Brook Shelter. This shelter is off the trail but not far. It is a platform shelter which sleeps 5-6 hikers. It has a fire area in front. No picnic tables at this shelter. It does have lots of good camping spots all around it. The water source is very good. One of the best camping spots is just past the water source. It is a little tucked away area, which I recommend if you want some privacy. Family Mule found it while looking at the water source. He let a group of 6 hike have the spot because they had 3 tents.
When we initially arrived at the shelter, a couple with their dog was already there. The dog barked nonstop and the couple bickered between themselves! Yikes! We planned to stay at this shelter because our next resupply was only about 4.5 miles away and we would be a day early if we continued. No reason to leave the woods a day early. We went ahead and stayed in-spite of the extremely noisy dog and the bickering couple. They had a tent set up, so we decided just to use the shelter.
The couple was having a really hard time making a fire so Family Mule and Tiny Turtle helped out and made the fire. A warm fire calms people and apparently dogs. About an hour after we set up, MaGyver showed up to the campsite, which made the dog bark continuously again! Then Happy Feet showed up! We were happy to see her. We worried about her on the trail today. I hope her feet heal up, they look extremely painful.
Happy Feet gave the kids a deck of cards and Tiny Turtle a green bandanna. They played cards all evening. Happy Feet taught Dreamer how to play Solitaire. A total of 17 hikers stayed at that shelter. Everyone tent/hammock camped, so we had the shelter to ourselves. Luckily the couple was able to keep the dog from barking all night so people could sleep! It ended up being a good night and everyone was able to get some sleep.
Adventures as a family 
Sounds like you are all old trail hands now. Glad that everyone’s spirits are still high. You are the first family that I personally know that has taken on such an adventure. Hope your knee gets better. You all look trim and healthy. I look forward to each one of your posts.
Love
GF/GGF
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Thank you. Hiking is a great way to get in shape. The kids are doing wonderful. They just know what needs to be done and they make it happen without being told. We are lucky parents.
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I remember that couple! I stopped in around 11am I think, and they were throwing some weird vibes. They were arguing when I got there too, and the dog kept trying to charge me lol
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That dog was crazy!!
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