Day 1 (July 30th) - Stratton Pond

Delicious egg sandwich breakfast and a final farewell dip in the quarry, then we're off! Thanks a million to Amy for a great time, and for driving us to the trailhead! She swapped us for three black-clad hiker ladies looking for a ride into Manchester Center. Hitchhiking in Vermont is pretty easy, but those ladies got really lucky.
A short day planned up to Stratton Pond. Lovely weather & this should be easy, but we're panting and sweating within minutes, out of shape and unacclimated. Nice to freshen up with a swim in the pond (though it doesn't compare to the deep clear water of the quarry.)
We hiked this bit before while doing the Long Trail in 2006, and enjoyed our stay at the elegant Stratton Pond Shelter. This time we thought we'd try tenting on the north side of the pond. The shelter is much nicer!