Author Archive | MNC Masters

(from Pascal Cheng)  This past Sunday, September 15, more than a dozen MNC masters got together to run/hike the Monroe Skyline from Appalachian Gap to Lincoln Gap. This beautiful and challenging 11-mile section of the Long Trail takes you over the tops of Lincoln Peak, Mount Ellen, General Stark Mountain and Mount Abraham. The weather could not have been better with bright sunshine, little wind, and cooler temperatures over 3000 feet. We all were in awe of the spectacular views looking eastward and westward from many different vantage points along the ridge line. And it was a bonus to see bands of fall colors starting to appear in different areas. Along the way, we crossed the summits for several different sections of the Sugarbush Mountain Resort ski area and took advantage of these spots to refuel and rest our legs.

It was great to have such a big group of Masters participate in this hike.  Although we broke off into smaller groups along the way going at different paces, we still managed to reconvene at different points and finish together at Lincoln Gap. Many thanks to Katie Hill for organizing all the logistics for this which included coordinating multiple cars and drivers in two different locations. Hopefully, there will be a few more opportunities for fall trail runs/hikes so stay tuned to postings in Slack.

Here are some photos of the outing, courtesy of Ellie Bouffard and Katie Hill:

“Before” photo – two-thirds of the 8am starters

“Before” photo – 9am starters, including Pickle the poodle (who hiked almost the entire trail!)

Wow! What a day!!!

Top of Mad River Glen’s single chair

Following the ridge line through the boreal forest’s moss-covered fairyland

Snack time!

We are so lucky to be able to call this our playground …

The different groups caught up with each other on top of Mount Abe, with a final round of refueling before the descent.

Bummed you missed out? Join us for the next outing!!!

You’ve been training all summer, now let’s see what you can do!  Join the MNC Masters for a challenging point-to-point trail run or hike on the Long Trail’s scenic Monroe Skyline, heading south from the App Gap (Route 17) to Lincoln Gap Road (trail map) – or whatever portion of that you’d like to tackle.  This will be a “no drop” outing, and all running/hiking speeds are welcome!  The full point-to-point route is somewhere between 10.2 and 11.6 miles, depending on which map you’re looking at, with 2800 ft of elevation gain over four mountain peaks (Stark Mtn, Mt Ellen, Lincoln Peak, and Mt Abe).  Meet 9am at the App Gap’s south-bound trailhead (trailhead map); parking is wherever you can find it near the top of the hill on Route 17.

For a shorter outing, consider an out-and-back hike from Lincoln Gap Road (trailhead map) to the top of Mount Abraham (5.2 miles, round trip) or beyond, with your start timed to meet the point-to-pointers at the top of Mount Abe in the 11am to 11:30 range.

DRIVERS NEEDED – We could use one or two drivers to help with the point-to-point route, either to shuttle cars to Lincoln Gap beforehand, or to pick up the point-to-pointers at Lincoln Gap and bring them back to their cars at the App Gap.  Maybe someone doing the out-and-back hike to Mt Abe could help with pick up?  Please post on Slack or email Katie Hill (khill@gmavt.net) if you can help with driving.

Runners/hikers please RSVP by Friday 9/13 (even if a “maybe”) via Slack or email to Katie Hill (khill@gmavt.net) so that we have time to coordinate rides for the point-to-point participants and make sure everyone has a partner.  Indicate whether you plan to run or hike, and which portion of the route you’ll be doing.

Check Slack for last minute changes!  Timing may need to be adjusted to accommodate the participants & transportation needs.

Questions?  Contact Katie Hill at khill@gmavt.net