mountain high

i'm thinking of climbing this year. it has been a few years since i threw on the ol' backpack, laced up my well worn boots and headed north to the green mountains. yes vermont, the state where i first climbed in 1979 and returned several times since. the biggest mountain is mt. mansfield, a little over four thousand feet and located in northern vermont about 20 miles east of burlington. its a wonderful place. i've climbed it a half dozen times over the years, the first trip in 1984. i have climbed with friends and alone. its always better to climb with somebody.......just in case. i have done day trips, up and back and stayed overnight in rough cabins that cling to the eastern and western sides. you meet some great people hiking, some doing long stretches and others just out for the day. some folks i have met are heading the entire length of the appalachian trail, which goes from georgia to maine. they're the diehards, people who have the time to do such a trek. i have hiked mostly in 3 or 4 day intervals,carrying my sleeping bag and food stuffs. but as i got older i do the climb, look around and them back to the car routine. a nice soak in a hot tub back a the hotel is greatly appreciated. so is a trip into burlington, a beautiful little city on the shores of lake champlain. it has several colleges and a lively downtown that contribute to the whole experience. i first laid sight on this funky place in 1982 and i thought i was in heaven. besides being the birthplace of ben and jerrys it has a great vibe and is in the middle of some of the most stunning scenery you''ll find anywhere. the hippies who gathered here 40 years ago may be gone but their children and their kids keep the tradition alive. they love the green state and all that it stands for. and i do too!. i have to get back to the mountains, yes i think i will. i hike, therefore i am.....see ya round, jack