been there, done that
Hi folks...
I thru-hiked the LT south-to-north last summer in late June and early July. It took me 17 days of total hiking, although I took a couple rest days to hang out at a friend's place along the route. North of Maine Junction I was solo, and that is where the roughest terrain was. It was quite a shock to go from seeing 10-20 people per day down to 2 or 3 people per day once you're off the AT. I was so lonely that I went 101 miles in the first 5 days North of MJ. I'll never make that mistake again.
Anyway, I'd love to give you any help planning and offer any tips that I can remember. Some off the top of my head: don't miss the Whistle Stop diner 1/2 mile west of the trail on Rt 103 (its not in the guidebook - they have cheap burgers, fries, shakes, and ice cream!
) or the Long Trail Tavern (not to be confused with the Long Trail Inn). There is a provision shop just East of the LTT in Johnson, and a good grocery store for a resupply about 1 mile farther East on Route 15. You can stay overnight in the unlocked ski warming huts at Mad River Glen and Smuggler's Notch for a warm, dry, quiet night when you get there. I was treated to an amazing light show of rain and lightning the night I stayed at Smug's.
The Jonesville Country Store north of Camel's Hump is your best bet for a re-supply in that area and they have pints of Ben&Jerry's (I had Cherry Garcia for breakfast that day!
).
The bugs weren't bad at all when I went. Basically, just get a Long Trail Guide and it will tell you everything you need to know. There are so many shelters up there that you could easily get by with a bivy sack or fastpack tent if you wanted to go lighter.
I still haven't filed my trip report with the GMC yet but I'll get around to writing it one of these days. It was one of the best experiences of my life, especially the Southern half. I was given the trail name of Natural Gas
, so look for my entries in the logbooks if you ever get up there. Vermont is truly a beautiful state.
...Albee