mardi 16 mars 2021

Stony Pond, VWMWF, 16 Mar, 2021

Today was a great day for Tredhed and I to re-visit Stony Pond in the Vanderwhacker Mt. Wild Forest. Our last trip here was way back in the late fall of 2012, way too long ago. Since this isn't a terribly long or strenuous hike, we arrived at the Rt. 28N trailhead in mid-morning; uncharacteristically late for us.

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We figured micro-spikes would be good for todays walk and after suiting up, we headed up the trail. There was a slight skiff of snow on the ground and fresh tracks from a solo hiker over the weekend. We made note of the deliberate gait and masculine stride of said hiker. Much to our surprise, the last entry in the register was by a long-time Forum member and esteemed trail guide author. No doubt researching his next masterpiece.

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The trail was in great condition today. Hard packed snow made it feel like we were walking on concrete; we made good time.

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The trail did have a slight identity crisis though. There were multiple styles of markers throughout the 2 mile route to the pond. The DECinfo Locator lists this as a multipurpose trail.

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We also noticed, snowmobile markers, foot trail markers and old aluminum disks from the 1960's. Of course, we saw every permutation of the markers along the way.

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After a few ups and downs, we crossed several solid bridges and began the final push to the pond.

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Arriving at the old lean-to site, we weren't shocked to see the old boats still poking up from under the snow.

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We checked out the "new" lean-to and were impressed. It was re-located up the hill from the old site and is in great shape. Sure, there was a little trash around, but it was easily cleaned up.

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The view down to the pond and Green Mt. is superb.

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We took advantage of a good picnic table and fired up the stove to have some hot soup for lunch. It was a beautiful, late winter day, but nothing improves morale like a cup of hot soup.

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Soon enough, we finished lunch and walked back down the trail to Rt. 28N. It was an absolutely glorious day to be in the woods. One of these days, we'll get back here in soft water season and see what things look like. Until then, we have some good memories from 2012 and today.

Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1a TH (2).jpg (146.7 KB)
File Type: jpg 1c register.jpg (117.7 KB)
File Type: jpg 1h1 trail.jpg (113.6 KB)
File Type: jpg 1q1 trail.jpg (139.9 KB)
File Type: jpg 2a SP.jpg (55.0 KB)
File Type: jpg 2h LT.jpg (97.0 KB)
File Type: jpg 2j LT view.jpg (106.2 KB)
File Type: jpg 2m stove.jpg (76.6 KB)
File Type: jpg 1r1 trail.jpg (148.2 KB)
File Type: jpg 1d2 trail.jpg (147.0 KB)


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