Naked hikers, moose, and icicles

Got your attention there I am sure! Haha. 

Well, blogging hasn't happened quite as often as I planned... Turns out my phone battery dies quickly in the cold weather and my solar charger requires SUN to charge, which is in short supply these short fall days! Hahaha

Anyhoo, last Wednesday as I was packing in to the pond (carrying in my week's supply of food and tools, because I leave most of my stuff at the tent when I go on my days off), I was stopped by multiple people wanting to know if I had seen the "naked hiker". First, no, I didn't see him... And second, I wouldn't be too surprised if I did! For some reason people like to hike naked. I don't get it either. My pack in trail is the Sterling Pond Trail, a 1.4 mile trail that gains nearly 950 feet in elevation. It's easier than most people's pack in so I'm not complaining... But it is also a REALLY popular day hike to come up to the pond... So I was a bit surprised to hear someone would hike naked on that trail... But hike your own hike as they say!! (And apparently he hiked multiple trails because I am STILL hearing stories about him! Hahaha

It's been pretty cold lately on my mountain. I am between three peaks (Madonna, Sterling, and Spruce) at my site and the wind just loves to be funneled through and whip across the pond. All that cold air makes stirring the privy much easier (yay!) but also makes for some COLD nights. Luckily Patrick let me use his 0degree sleeping bag and bought me new wool mittens, and I got a pair of down booties... So even though there were BIG icicles on my tent platform the other morning I am staying nice and warm at night!

And finally... It's moose rutting season. Yup, all those big bull moose are out looking for a mate... And one of them has decided to start looking behind my privy! So although others have seen him I have only heard him and seen his massive footprints! I have still decided to claim him as my personal Sterling Pond pet... I think I'll call him Steve!

Life in the mountains is still peaceful and happy... Not too many weeks left til we pack out my site for the winter... Hard to believe it is going so quickly.  The cold air is blowing, the leaves are AMAZING, and the people are crazy as ever... Hey, it's Vermont! Hahaha

Mountains, ponds, and alpine zones...

Today I am sitting in the bright sunshine atop Mt. Mansfield... The top of Vermont if you will... Surrounded by masses of noisy 6th graders... Delightful. 

Yet Patrick bought me a wonderful solar charger and I have great cell service so while the masses run wild on my summit I thought I'd do a little blog. 

First... Defining some things...

Who I work for: the Green Mountain Club- who mostly maintains the Long Trail but also works on conservation and education in the Vermont Mountains. I also technically work for Americorps. Yay.

What I do: Caretake! When I am on Mt Mansfield I sit on the summit and help people make wise decisions about what trails to hike and where to walk. I also hang out at the visitor center and tell people where the bathrooms are! When I am at Sterling Pond I do trail maintenance, educate people about the pond, collect camping fees and maintain the privy/outhouse (which means I compost the poop!)

How long will I be here? At least til mid October...or when I finish my 400 hour commitment to Americorps!

Why: why not?! I love the mountains, I love Vermont in the fall, and why would I pass up an opportunity to get paid to live in the mountains?!

I'm super excited to see what the fall brings. I'm amazingly blessed that I have people who make it possible for me to love this weirdly wonderful dream (thanks P- you're the best!). And I'm crazy happy the 6th graders are headed down the mountain! 

I'm gonna go make sure they took all their trash.. (They didn't)... I'll keep ya posted!