Home sweet home for the next 2 weeks!
After road tripping 1,100 miles from Pennsylvania to Vermont, I’m settling into some pretty sweet housesitting digs near Waterbury, Vermont. The house is warm and beautiful, my dogs and the resident cats are nearing a truce and the view out my window is nothing short of divine:
View of Camel’s Hump out my window
My two weeks here are going to busy, busy, busy (I’m juggling eight stories for EARTH magazine, including a feature, and a commissioned essay on water conservation, all due before December, plus Blonde Coyote posts) but that doesn’t mean I can’t make time for doing what I love most: climbing mountains!
Whenever I find myself in a new landscape, I like to visit the highest points on my horizon to get the lay of the land. This weekend, I headed out to tag Camel’s Hump, Vermont’s third highest mountain.
Hiking with my friend Lisa, whom I last saw in New Mexico and her friend Jason, both Vermont State Park Rangers! The summit is above through the trees.
Icy Trail. Thank god for Microspikes!
We hiked up Camel’s Hump via the Monroe Trail.
Nearing the summit!
Looking north, towards Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak!
I just recently learned this kind of ice is known as “frost flags”. The prevailing winds blow from the southeast.
To the summit!
Summit D.O.G.
Camel’s Hump: 4,083 feet! Mount Mansfield is behind me. It’s next!
Beat to hell USGS summit marker, placed in 1943.
From the summit I couldn’t quite pick out my house, though I did find the closest town as well as discover just how close I am to Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. It’s up next! Now this week, while I’m stuck at the keyboard, banging out all these stories, I can look out the window at Camel’s Hump and feel truly accomplished.
This hike dedicated to my grandmother Capie, who would have been 92 on Saturday. Capie taught me many things, including to do what I love and love what I do. No better way to celebrate her memory and legacy than by spending her day climbing a mountain.
Proud namesake!
Travels with the Blonde Coyote 
We will be over in VT for Thanksgiving I may go for a walk but not like this! lol it will be warm so enjoy your stay up there.
Always enjoy your travels thanks for sharing. Love the ice flag picture.
Nice to see stories from home while you’re taking care of our place. I really enjoy the snow covered views of Camel’s Hump in the morning. Sunset should be occurring just to the South of the hump this time of year. Catch it if you get the chance.
Thanks for these stunning pictures of Camels Hump Mary. There is something so invigorating about being high up. I have never climbed as high as you but once climbed a mountain called Hay Bluff on the Brecon Beacons in Wales. I also prefer my home to be placed high rather than in a valley. Always feels more healthy. Take care on your travels.
Wales is the birthplace of mountaineering! I haven’t been yet, but a UK trip is high on my list!
Welcome to VT 🙂 Your pictures are stunning! This time of year is my favorite (well so is fall and winter). Snow capped mountains, naked trees, cold crisp air, and the lovely smell of winter looming. Where ever you are staying is beautiful 🙂 Enjoy your hike up Mt Mansfield, which is in my backyard! I look forward to those photos!
Thanks! Lovely to be here. I’ve spent some time in southern VT, but this is my first time this far north. I don’t know if I’m going to make it u Mansfield before I leave! 😦 The weather has not been cooperating. Oh well, the snow is lovely and I’ve been out exploring the woods behind my house everyday. I might hit Hunger Mountain next week, before I head south…
Great blog just stumbled upon it. Love your lifestyle I have been traveling the southwest now for 3 years in my cozy van. Ill be looking forward to your future post.
Be well!
Hey there! Always nice to hear from a fellow Hobo. I miss the Southwest! I’ll be back out there in a few months…
Good luck with the projects – Capie got it right, but it’s not always easy to remember !
Onwards and upwards!
Frost flags. I had never heard nor seen of them until you showed them here. How absolutely fascinating. And don’t katoola’s rock?
Yeah I love my microspikes. When I bought them I was almost swayed by one of the cheaper brands, but I’m glad I made the investment. I hear breaking a hip is expensive! 🙂
Hey I recognize that sweet house!. I grew up in Vermont and haven’t climbed Camel’s Hump yet. i am putting it on my list for next year. thanks for the inspiration…..
Oh yeah? Are you a friend of Dan & Ann? Camel’s Hump is an amazing hike! I highly recommend it. 🙂
Pingback: Goodbye VT, ‘Til We Meet Again… « Travels with the Blonde Coyote
Pingback: The Blonde Coyote: 2012, in review « Travels with the Blonde Coyote
Pingback: Not All Blogs That Wander Are Lost | Travels with the Blonde Coyote
Pingback: High Points On My Horizon: Santa Fe Baldy | Travels with the Blonde Coyote
Pingback: High Points on My Horizon: Hermit Peak | Travels with the Blonde Coyote