Long Traverse

Today began with an early morning to get out to the trail for our 12.7 mile hike over three “4000 footers.” First we began at Galehead trail and it was 4.6 miles to the hut. The terrain started out relatively flat and the first 3 miles and we crossed a few rivers along the way. Along the flat first few miles we came along a new path because the bridges that held the old trail together had been swept away by storms earlier in the year. It was very interesting to look at all the work that is put into a new trail! All the trees must first be cleared from the path and then the rocks must be made to harden the path. This path had just recently been opened as of August 11^th and so I also noticed that the soil was very soft. Despite being new you realize how much work it takes to maintain a trail as far as clearing a path and then laying down stones and even the wooden stairs and support you only get from a trail that is walked frequently. After that we carried on and caught up to Professor Zorn to learn about the trees and plants which is so interesting. We ended up reaching Galehead Mountain, South twin, and North twin in a very reasonable time to some absolutely stunning views of the mountain ranges that just go on for miles and miles. We had a few minutes at each of the summits to take it all in and relax to eat a granola bar and rehydrate. We headed down for the day and saw three amazing river crossings that I very much enjoyed. Crossing a river on just stones was something you read about in a book and it was very fun to cross the river. After finally making it to van we found out that the trail is going to be closed for the hurricane and had our last big climb. We headed to Professor Arion’s new property to take a look and it was awfully beautiful and even had its own pond built through a beaver’s hard work on some very nifty dam’s. Then back to the Highland lodge for a wonderful buffet dinner and a great night’s sleep.