Wintturi Shelter was rebuilt on its original site in 1994, replacing an earlier structure that had deteriorated significantly and no longer adequately served hikers. The reconstruction project represented a significant community commitment to maintaining trail infrastructure along the Long Trail in Vermont. The new shelter was skillfully repositioned on the site to reduce wind exposure and maximize sun exposure, creating improved conditions for overnight visitors.
Leadership and Community Effort: Summer 1994
The reconstruction was a community effort led by experienced Appalachian Trail thru-hikers Erik and Laurel Tobiason during the summer of 1994. The Tobiasons brought their extensive hiking experience and construction expertise to the project, overseeing both design and implementation to ensure the new shelter would withstand Vermont’s challenging mountain climate.
The construction work attracted multiple dedicated volunteers. Ian Cummings and his cousins Kit and Kyle Kelly assisted the Tobiasons in putting a new roof on Wintturi Shelter. Ian’s contribution to the project gained wider recognition when Lucky Duck Productions interviewed the thirteen-year-old volunteer about his work for the Green Mountain Club, documenting the intergenerational commitment to trail maintenance.
Additional volunteers who contributed their time and labor included Gary Harshbarger, Phil Maynes, Tom Platner, Mary Sawyer, and Harry Temple—each playing a vital role in completing the reconstruction.
An Unexpected Helper: Allan Garvin and Buck
One of the most memorable aspects of the reconstruction was the arrival of AT thru-hiker Allan "Call of the Wild" Garvin and his dog Buck. Garvin arrived at the shelter site late in the afternoon when the framing and part of the roof had already been completed. Rather than simply staying at the shelter, Garvin chose to spend the entire next day helping construct the roof—a spontaneous act of trail community solidarity that exemplified the spirit of cooperation among Long Trail hikers and volunteers.
Design and Construction: Post and Beam Architecture
Wintturi Shelter was built using traditional post and beam architecture in the lean-to category—a design that combines durability with the open-front shelter configuration familiar to Long Trail hikers. The construction approach prioritized structural integrity and longevity, reflecting lessons learned from the deterioration of the previous structure.
The "Red Roof Inn": A Distinctive Landmark
The shelter’s most distinctive feature was its red roof, which earned it the affectionate nickname "Red Roof Inn" among the hiking community. This colorful distinction made the shelter easily identifiable to hikers navigating the trail in various weather and lighting conditions.
Ongoing Maintenance and Longevity: 1995–Present
The shelter’s construction has proven remarkably durable. From its completion in 1994, as documented in the Spring 1995 Long Trail News, Wintturi Shelter has remained standing and in active use. The shelter has required periodic maintenance over the years to address the wear and tear of harsh Vermont mountain conditions.
Notable maintenance included roof replacement work scheduled as late as 2008, demonstrating the GMC’s commitment to preserving this community-built structure. The periodic roof work has extended the shelter’s serviceable life and ensured it continues to provide reliable shelter for Long Trail hikers.
Sources
- "Long Trail News." , no. Spring (1995).
- Long Trail News 1999 (1999). Green Mountain Club. 7.
- Trail Talk (Montpelier) 2002 (2002). Montpelier Section, Green Mountain Club. 3.
- Long Trail News 2002 (2002). Green Mountain Club. 12.
- Long Trail News 2008 (2008). Green Mountain Club. 12.
- Long Trail News 2013 (2013). Green Mountain Club. 6.
- Footnotes (Upper Valley Ottauquechee) 2023 (2023). Upper Valley/Ottauquechee Section, Green Mountain Club. 2.
