Camping on a Ski Slope - Vermont Backpacking

Section Hiking on the Vermont Long Trail – Appalachian Gap to Lincoln Gap. For this backpacking trip, my dog Denali & I will be doing a 2 day, 1 night camping trip in Northern Vermont. The specific area we’ll be camping near is called the Stark’s Nest, on a section of the Long Trail between Appalachian Gap and Lincoln Gap, 40 mins west of Montpelier, VT. For an easier read, check out my full blog post here: http://www.sintax77.com/vermont-long-... The Vermont Long Trail is a 273 mile, long distance hiking trail that runs the entire length of Vermont, from the southern border with MA all the way north to the Canadian border. The first hundred miles in the south coincide with the Appalachian Trail as well. I’ll be backpacking and camping just a short bit of the Long Trail – an 8 mile section in the North Country of Vermont on private land & the Green Mountain National Forest. GPS Data for this trip can be found on my Trip Data Page. http://www.sintax77.com/trip-data/ Or in the blog post linked above. Includes full track data for each day, and way-points for campsites used, water sources, etc. Trailhead Used: Appalachian Gap Trailhead Parking Area - 44°12'39.7"N 72°55'53.5"W Large, paved parking area on SR17. The Long Trail South (which I took in the video) is on the opposite side of the road. The Long Trail North (which I didn't take) is located right in the corner of the lot, by the guardrail. Trails Used & Itinerary, Day 1: Park at the Appalachian Gap Trailhead Take Vermont Long Trail South (located on the other side of the road. Look for the white blaze Arrive at Stark’s Nest warming hut and grab some water from the rain barrel. Note: Stark’s Nest is a ski hut. In winter, it’s used to take a break & warm up in between ski runs at Mad River Glen Ski Resort. While this is private property, it’s kept open & available to hikers year round as a place to break or camp for the night while hiking the Long Trail. There is a rain barrel out front for a water source & a composting outhouse is nearby. Set up camp down the ski slope near Stark’s Nest Day 1 Mileage: 3 miles Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,501′ Day 1 Gross Elevation Descent: 283′ Trails Used, Itinerary Day 2: Leave camp and head back uphill to the Stark’s Nest. Continue south on the Vermont Long Trail. End at the ski lift area on Mt Ellen for a break and some views. Backtrack out the way you came, via the Long Trail North. Arrive back at the Stark’s Nest. Breakdown camp, pack up and replenish water supplies. Backtrack out on the Vermont Long Trail North. Arrive back at the Appalachian Gap Trailhead Parking area. Day 2 Mileage: 8 miles (5 round-trip for Mt Ellen, 3 for the hike out from Stark’s Nest) Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,566′ Day 2 Gross Elevation Descent: 2,919′ Trip Totals: Grand Total Mileage: 11 Miles Grand Total Elevation Gain: 3,067' Notable Backpacking Gear Seen & Used: Notch Classic Operator Hat https://amzn.to/2xNSMXE Gregory Optic 48 Backpack https://amzn.to/2KOLsTp Dutchware Argon Pack Cover https://dutchwaregear.com/product/wat... Kelty Salida 2 Tent https://amzn.to/2RcHsME Big Agnes Q-Core SL Sleeping Pad https://amzn.to/2NP4afX Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite Sleeping Pad https://amzn.to/2zGM72L Hammock Gear Burrow 40 top quilt http://www.hammockgear.com/burrow-40/ Outdoor Vitals Inflatable Camp Pillow (get a free one with this link) https://tribe.outdoorvitals.com/sinta... Alite Mayfly Camping Chair https://amzn.to/2ItzfQq Katadyn BeFree Water Filter https://amzn.to/2LCh4sp HydraPak Seeker Water Bladder, 2L https://amzn.to/2OZRQpL DIY Alcohol Stove made by viewer Kieth DIY Alcohol Stove made by viewer Triple Nickle Outdoors on YouTube    / muzzo909   Toaks 450ml Titanium Cup https://amzn.to/2GLboZV Light My Fire Mini Fire Steel https://amzn.to/2OtMYvQ Platypus 2L Water Bladder https://amzn.to/2zHdtpD Sea To Summit Alpha Light Long Spork https://amzn.to/2y4sek8 Vermont Long Trail Map, by Green Mountain Club https://amzn.to/2RbTwhp Notable Dog Gear: 2 Piece Dog Sleeping Bag made by Pim at https://www.justhanging.eu/ OutdoorMaster Bungee Dog Leash http://amzn.to/2lNuYMK One Tigris Dog Pack – Canvas Dog Backpack http://amzn.to/2tlodYN Dog-Gone Dish – Collapsible Travel Pet Dish http://amzn.to/2lQos88 Nite Ize Nite Dawg LED Dog Collar Cover http://amzn.to/2CnWBTL Kevlar 2.2 Tree Straps from Dutchware Gear https://dutchwaregear.com/product/kev..., used as an ultralight dog leash / lead around camp.