DAY 20 - GORGES, SUNSHINE, COOL TEMPS

JULY 20, 2012

It is going to be a very busy weekend here so decided to take off for a half-day hike down into Quechee Gorge.  We drove over to Quechee last week but it was over 90 degrees so decided not to head down into the gorge, although there was some great “getting wet” places.  Today it is in the low, low 70’s and a perfect day to expend energy.  Packed Billy up and headed over to the gorge.

VIEW OF QUECHEE GORGE FROM THE BRIDGE

We were down at the end (as far as you can see)

The hike down was pretty easy, as most downhill hikes can be as long as its not straight down.  There is a wide gravel road descending into the gorge.  Once at the bottom it flattens out with water forming pools or little bubble bath areas to sit in.  Looking up at the bridge we walked across it is far, far away. 

Looking back up at the bridge

I guess during Irene this whole bottom area became a pool of water and debris.  We could see remnants going down.

Billy was in heaven.  

Back in the water again and it took him no time to go from looking, drinking into swimming!  He was having a ball.  Stayed down for about an hour then headed back out.

ONE LAST DIP BEFORE WE LEAVE!

Slower going up than down….as usual…but still not too bad at all.  Headed over to Woodstock to pick up sandwiches at a deli.   $23 for two sandwiches (only, no sides or chips), two root beers (Vermont special ones) and one (small) box of maple sugar candy (which was slightly less expensive than the sandwich).  Vermont is subtly more expensive than other places. It doesn’t glare at you … but it creeps up on you!  The sandwiches were good as most food up here is.

Stopped in Hartland VT on our way home to pick up a pint of Cobb Hill Maple Yogurt.  While in B&G’s, a lady was delivering fresh bread so picked up a small baguette….$7.  So..in less than 60 minutes we dropped $30….only 50 cents a minute. 

We’re resting up at the CG and watching as the CG fills up.  There are two events going on this weekend in the area … both having to do with endurance and fitness…..  BUMPS - Bike Up Mountain Peak Series and the Vermont 100 Endurance.  


Campground needs to be quiet tonight for those running in the Vermont Endurance. 

VERMONT 100 MILE ENDURANCE RACE

The Vermont 100 Endurance Race has a 30 hour limit and I guess most run 24 - 30 hours.  This race is also filled … in other words there are 300 entrants. 

The race starts and finishes in Silver Hill Meadow, West Windsor starting at 4:00 A.M.   The course is a “shamrock” loop consisting of 70% dirt or jeep roads with the rest on woods trails and a couple miles of pavement.

The course climbs and descends 14000-15000’.    Some of the hills, primarily on the 68% which is smooth gravel road, are quite steep;  27% is on single track trail or jeep roads and 5% on 7 short segments of paved road.  Last 30 miles are rather challenging!  (It ALL sounds “rather challenging”)

...according to the website .... “When folks ask me how hard this course is, I tell them it doesn’t have the high elevation or rough footing like other 100’s out west or down in the southeast, but it certainly does have its hills.”  In the words of the 2008 women’s winner, “Vermont ain’t no joke!”

All of this makes me absolutely exhausted.  I think I’ll go take a nap!