August 29, 2004

Jay Peak & Big Jay, VT

Jaypeak is the most northern summit in the Green Mountains, just 6 miles south of the Canadian border. Viewed from the east, Jay Peak resembles a European ALp, complete with tram to take skiers from teh base lodge to the summit. The 1.7 mile trail to the summit starts at the crest of the Green Mountain ridge on Rte 242, just past the entrace to the ski area.

This is the profile of the hike from our GPS.

The view of the summit building as you approach. Once again the forecast was calling for rain and we were in the clouds. The trail to the summit is narrow most of the way, and has very few level spots.

This memorial is jsut feet from the actual summit.

Once again the boys found a puddle to cool off in. They earned it today as there were many spots they needed to scramble up rocks in some places as high as 6 feet.

Geri sharing here "clean" water with the boys.

Geri and Julie standing on the summit. The clouds at lifted a little, but at this point we still could not see our next stop, Big Jay.

Taking the easy way down from the summit :> The building to the left is the home of the tram station.

One look back as we head out.

From the summit you follow the long trail which is also a ski trail down and around a corner.

The trail leaves the ski area at this break in the fence. Notice the two white trail marks to the right. After going through the fence the herd path leaves the Long Trail to the left within 100 feet. The trail is very obvious and shows signs of being maintained.

Here is Julie (aka Cantdog) looking at Big Jay as we start the next leg of the hike.

Less than an hour later we arrived at the summit and found the canister.

This was one of the muddiest trails we have been on. It had rained hard the night before adn the bottom of the col had mud that was like quicksand. It was imposible to stay clean in this section.

Geri signing our names in the canister. On our return trip to Jay Peak we ran into two other hikers who were also working on there NEHH list. Big Jay was number 71 for Geri and I, while for Julie it was number 93 - she hopes to finish the first weekend in October.

The clouds finally lifted, beating the weater forecase once again. Here is a view of Jay Peak from Big Jay.

Geri helping Kinsale down one of the tough sections of rock. He took her advice and did it in two steps, while his smaller brother Kerri, went traight down the rock face - sibling rivalry!

On our way back to the campground Julie and Kinsale share a loving moment.

We stayed at the Gold Brook Campground which has the Little River behind it. The boys enjoyed swimming in it.

The campground has large green fields and is well maintained. It has areas for RV's, tent trailers, and tents. Some of the tent sites are on the river.

Julie joined us in our trailer for the weekend, but had to share the fold down couch with the boys :>. Hmm - doesn't look like she minded though!

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