Hiking Mt Abraham

This weekends adventures brought me to one of my absolute favorite states, Vermont. Friday afternoon with Jen's VW Rabbit packed to the brim for one last crazy road trip, (the lease on the car ending shortly) Jen, myself, Killeen, Garvey and Buckley (Jen's 5 month old English Cream Golden) headed North into the heart of the Green Mountains. We stocked up at the New Hampshire liquor store and proceeded to drink ourselves silly once we arrived at "The Vermont House" - Jen's family vacation home, where I've been a guest for years as evidenced by the journal entry I wrote at age 10 after Jen and her family taught me how to ski. There have been many memorable trips here over the years and this one was no different. Jen cheffed up a fabulous dinner of Chicken Saltimbocca over a bed of spinach greens. The chicken breasts were stuffed with prosciutto and sage and sauteed in a white wine reduction. Mark West x3 joined the party - a great bottle of inexpensive Pinot Noir. I awoke the next morning to the adorable scene below. The house overlooks this mountain view. Not bad, right? Jen brewed a pot of coffee and cooked another great meal for breakfast. Two eggs over an english muffin with melted sharp cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon  fueled us up for a day of hiking Mt. Abraham. We set out for Lincoln Gap - but first made a quick pit stop for sandwiches. 

Mt. Abraham is a popular Central Vermont hike. The mountain, named after our 16th President, sits at an elevation of 4,006 feet and is noted for its panoramic views of three states at the summit. We set out on the Long Trail which leaves from Lincoln Gap - elevation 2,424 feet. The trail is 2.6 miles each way for a round trip of 5.2 miles and a total elevation gain of 1,600 feet. That might not sound like very far, but when a good portion of that distance is uphill over extreme rocky terrain, you better believe it becomes a serious cardio workout.
Certain sections of the trail leveled off to flat terrain for a much needed catching of breath, but in general the trail is steep and challenging. As we neared the the summit the densely wooded trail opened up to some breathtaking viewpoints. But none more beautiful and rewarding than the panorama once we officially reached the peak. Mount Abe boasts views of the Adirondacks over Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains of Vermont to the North and South, the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the East, and upstate New York to the West. We were blessed with perfect weather - it was about 65 - 70 degrees with incredibly clear skies.

Lunch at the peak never tasted so rewarding. I had an apple cheddar sandwich with lettuce, sprouts, tomatoes and pesto mayo and a side of coleslaw with raisins and blueberries. We also toasted to a victorious climb with mini bottles of Cavit Pino Noir. After we were well rested and had a photo shoot, we began the descent. I was overwhelmed by the beauty in the forest and enjoyed every single moment of this hike.