The four of us met up at 9 AM at the Long Trail on Lincoln Gap, three having carpooled from Richmond and Hinesburg park and rides. Parking can be difficult at the Gap, but we had no trouble being as early as we were, in advance of the mobs of hikers sure to come later in the day as it warmed up. We started up the Long Trail north at 9:05, and reached Battell shelter at 10:05. It was a nice cool summer day for hiking, with a mix of sun and clouds. The trail was quite wet after some heavy rain showers over the prior day and a half, but it wasn’t muddy, and there were plenty of well-placed rocks for hopping.

After a short break at the shelter, we headed on up Mt. Abraham, reaching the alpine summit at 10:40, having fun scrambling up the steep rocky sections along the way. It was windy and a bit cool up top, with lovely 360 degree views. We hung out on the summit for half an hour, some hunkering down and others enjoying the views and exploring the nearby plane crash site, before heading down, returning to our cars at 12:35. Great folks and a great hike, if perhaps too short!

Participants: Dale Schmit, Darryl Smith, David Hathaway, Jill George (trip leader). Photos: David Hathaway, Dale Schmit, Jill George.