South Pomfret, VT (USA)

After failing to access the AT on Chateauguay Road from the north, I decided to try again from the south.  This time, I drove west on US-4 until I reached the western edge of the town of Bridgewater (near Long Trail Brewing Company).  From there, I drove on a nice gravel road to the north, hoping to find the trailhead.  Along the way, I passed pretty farms and saw lots of people out in their yards (barbecuing) - everyone waved to me.  Unfortunately, the road turned into mud before I located it...  Strike 2...  Backtracked to the blacktop and drove east again.  In Woodstock, I switched over to VT-12 and made my way to Pomfret Road.  Left the AT Trailhead (NOBO) at 1015 - the weather was pleasant (it was partly sunny and the temps were in the low 70s).  There was a steep climb to the ridge but, once I reached it, the trail smoothed out nicely.  A tall stone wall paralleled the path - it looked like something out of a Robert Frost poem.  I was also treated to some amazing views from the tops of the balds I crossed along the way.  Butterflies were everywhere...  I passed an older couple, out for a stroll, and later met up with two younger ladies and their dogs.  At the end of the section, I had to climb down from the ridge to reach the crossing at Cloudland Road.  The parking lot there was full (glad I hiked in from the other side).  I started my backtrack immediately and enjoyed the trip back to my car.  Despite the shorter length of the section, I spent almost the same amount of time hiking today (finished my four miles at 1200).  Like yesterday, I didn’t feel tired or sore - only a bit disappointed that I’d been unable to get more miles over the long weekend (due to lack of trail access).  I’m going to have to hire some shuttle drivers soon!  AT Today = 1.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1599.26 miles