Trail Journal 08.10.02

Camped at Stratton Pond, only 11 miles from a zero day in Manchester Center, Vermont.  Am I ever looking forward toa day off.  Wish I was camped closer to the road so I could get into town earlier but just getting here was enough for today--15.2 miles plus a half mile to this campsite.  Walking was good--I felt strong, didn't hurt much and he trail was good, a bit rocky and steep coming out of camp but most of the morning was level and even.  Started climbing Stratton Mountain around 11:30.  Got tot the top at 3,936 feet around 2:00 pm.  Took in the view from the old fire tower.  Quite something!  Ridges and valleys as far as the eye could see.  And in the far distance to the east:  the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  The trail is often lined these days with blankets of clover which seems to grow on just about any surface:  on moss,on stumps, on clefts in rocks .  The clover is a delight to my eye in much the same way as were the spring wildflowers early in this hike.