Around Bolton

Winter is having trouble getting going this year. This weekend was below freezing at night at least and there was 2 inches of snow on Sat night. It was warm enough the past week though that there is no base.
I spent both weekend days wandering around in the Bolton area. Hiking since there isn't enough snow to ski. The Bolton x-country ski trails are extensive and they connect to trails that go to Waterbury, Stowe, and connect with the long trail. On Sat I took some of my favorite x-country ski trails. Where I usually get on Telemark to go down I took a right onto Fox Hollow and then to Goat Path. There is a trail off of Goat Path that goes up to the Long Trail. I took the LT North to Harington lookout. You could see Bolton downhill trails from there and Mansfield. You could see Bolton would not be opening any time soon. On the way to Harington view I saw a Moose! The moose was coming in the opposite direction on the trail. When she saw me she ambled into the woods. No pictures since my camera was in my pack and I was busy watching and it all happened fast.
The next day I went with the GMC (Green Mountain Club) up the new LT heading North from the Winooski river. When the trail gets to the top of a switch back climb and flattens out we bush wacked right up onto a ridge that went to the summit of Stimson Mtn. This has a tower on it that used to have electricity and had lights used as a beacon for planes. The tower has a ladder on the outside to get to the top. We did not go up the ladder although it is doable. After going back to the LT I continued North back to the x-country ski trails at Bolton. This is a nice part of the trail with some views and mostly walking on a wide ridge. The day was mostly spent on new trails so comfortable walking on trails that were not eroded.

Bolton downhill trails from Harington view

Top of Stimson Mtn. Ladder on outside of tower to top.