Today's Miles:
5.80
Trip Miles:
1749.00
I'm trying to recall my last day on the trail. I knew early in the day that my knee was not going to get me over the Whites, but I lied to myself that I could at least get to Mt Washington. I hiked out of Hanover, but after only four miles I began to face the truth and decided to head back home.
I can't say that it was a difficult decision, because I think it was the only realistic choice I had. I would have to get home , heal up and resume the hike next year. I hitchhiked from Etna, N.H. to the bus station in White River Junction. The last of my trail angels took me right to the door and made sure I could get a bus back home. Thank you so much!
Reality sucks, so even after getting home and limping around for a few weeks I made one last stab at finishing the hike this year. The Administrator and I hiked up Mt. Cardigan; a six mile, pack-less, moderate hike, but my knee didn't respond very well. The thru-hike attempt was officially over for 2014.
Now, after a couple of months, my knee has finally started to respond to light duty. I sent my Osprey Atmos Backpack back to the company for repair, but it was too far gone; so they shipped me out a new pack. Great service from Osprey! I only wish I could have gotten the old pack back, just for memories sake. I do intend to make some new memories with the new pack.
I've told the Administrator that if I had the chance [that means money] I'd start all over again next March. Believe it or not she said she'd support me if that were to happen. More likely, I'll start over again in 2016.
I can't tell you how much I miss the trail. Even though I'm an extroverted introvert, if that makes any kind of sense, I really enjoyed the people I met both on and off the trail. Especially those off. So many kind and generous people who were truly interested in us and were determined to help us succeed. I tried to thank them every time and I hope they could see how much they all meant to me.
I'm sorry this has been so long in coming, I just didn't want the hike to end; and this ends it.
John and Mike Take a Hike [with Natalie]
New blog photo with Natalie
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Friday, August 29, 2014
Day 139 (Fridy, August 29th) - Vt. 14 to Hanover, N.H.
Today's Miles:
9.90
Trip Miles: 1743.20
I got up early and decided to skip breakfast. I was renting a car for a few days' R&R at home and wanted to get to Hanover. It was one of the easiest hiking days I've had. A little rolly, but nothing too bad, and at the end, a lot of road walking.
Half way to Hanover, I met Rot Mann and we hiked together into town. It was nice to see him again; I enjoy his company. We stopped at a general store in Norwich, Vt., so he could get a gas canister. The store was nuts; they had everything from stuffed toys to homemade cheese. Afterward we crossed the Connecticut River and entered state # 13: New Hampshire. I'm only an hour and forty-five minutes from home.
We went to Lou's for breakfast and I called for a ride to get my car. Rote Mann went with me so I could take him to EMS in West Lebanon to get a new backpack. His old one was coming apart at the seams.
I dropped him off in Hanover and headed home. A little time to rest the knees before the Whites.
Trip Miles: 1743.20
I got up early and decided to skip breakfast. I was renting a car for a few days' R&R at home and wanted to get to Hanover. It was one of the easiest hiking days I've had. A little rolly, but nothing too bad, and at the end, a lot of road walking.
Half way to Hanover, I met Rot Mann and we hiked together into town. It was nice to see him again; I enjoy his company. We stopped at a general store in Norwich, Vt., so he could get a gas canister. The store was nuts; they had everything from stuffed toys to homemade cheese. Afterward we crossed the Connecticut River and entered state # 13: New Hampshire. I'm only an hour and forty-five minutes from home.
We went to Lou's for breakfast and I called for a ride to get my car. Rote Mann went with me so I could take him to EMS in West Lebanon to get a new backpack. His old one was coming apart at the seams.
I dropped him off in Hanover and headed home. A little time to rest the knees before the Whites.
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| A little steep, but rockless |
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| Look up for webs |
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| Rote Mann at VT/NH |
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| VT/NH |
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Day 138 (Thursday, August 28th) - The Lookout to Vt. 14 West Hartford Vt.
Today's Miles:
19.00
Trip Miles: 1733.30
I woke up early and went up on the platform with Grub Nugget to watch the sunrise. A bit cool up there in the breeze, but I got some nice pics. Had a little breakfast, and headed out.
There were supposed to be a few places along the way today to get some food, but it turned out that of the three places, only one really had anything. It was a place called "The Edge of the Road Farm" on Vt. 12. I met Rock Man, who had left before me, down by the road and we walked to the store. A locally owed place with homemade pies still warm from the oven. We each bought one and ate them right there; absolutely delicious! He then bought another to take back to Zip Lock who was hiking behind us. The lady at the store told us the other two places were either closed or had limited supply, so Rock Man decided to walk back for more food. I moved on with what I had.
Along the way I met a lot of SOBOs and they all told me about a couple who lived at White River in West Hartford. They let you stay in their barn and fed you breakfast. It sounded good to me so I headed there.
It was another roller coaster day; lots of little ups and downs. I got to Vt.14 at about 5 and saw Knots and Top Notch who told me to go to the house to the right of the trail. Grub Nugget was on the porch and he told me to go in and say hello to Linda. Linda and Randy own the house and welcome hikers in for whatever donation you can afford. Linda was cooking up some sausage and summer squash and told me to make myself at home. I put my gear out in the barn and went back to eat. A real home-style supper with everyone around the bar in the kitchen.
After dinner Linda drove a couple of the guys to town to pick up some chips and beer, then we all settled in the barn to watch a little TV and shoot the breeze.
Thanks, Linda and Randy!
Trip Miles: 1733.30
I woke up early and went up on the platform with Grub Nugget to watch the sunrise. A bit cool up there in the breeze, but I got some nice pics. Had a little breakfast, and headed out.
There were supposed to be a few places along the way today to get some food, but it turned out that of the three places, only one really had anything. It was a place called "The Edge of the Road Farm" on Vt. 12. I met Rock Man, who had left before me, down by the road and we walked to the store. A locally owed place with homemade pies still warm from the oven. We each bought one and ate them right there; absolutely delicious! He then bought another to take back to Zip Lock who was hiking behind us. The lady at the store told us the other two places were either closed or had limited supply, so Rock Man decided to walk back for more food. I moved on with what I had.
Along the way I met a lot of SOBOs and they all told me about a couple who lived at White River in West Hartford. They let you stay in their barn and fed you breakfast. It sounded good to me so I headed there.
It was another roller coaster day; lots of little ups and downs. I got to Vt.14 at about 5 and saw Knots and Top Notch who told me to go to the house to the right of the trail. Grub Nugget was on the porch and he told me to go in and say hello to Linda. Linda and Randy own the house and welcome hikers in for whatever donation you can afford. Linda was cooking up some sausage and summer squash and told me to make myself at home. I put my gear out in the barn and went back to eat. A real home-style supper with everyone around the bar in the kitchen.
After dinner Linda drove a couple of the guys to town to pick up some chips and beer, then we all settled in the barn to watch a little TV and shoot the breeze.
Thanks, Linda and Randy!
 |
| Greylock, with maybe the monument |
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| Chewy Chewbacca |
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| "When in doubt, the AT always goes up" |
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| Stone wall |
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| Bear's Tooth, young |
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| Top Notch and Knots |
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| Dingo Sean from Cincinnati |
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| Hungry Horse, Palmyra, PA |
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Day 137 (Wednesday, August 27th) - The Inn at Long Trail to The Lookout 1714.3
Today's Miles:
15.40
Trip Miles: 1714.30
I hiked out after breakfast and after saying goodbye to Gregg and Jason, who would be heading north on the Long Trail. Good luck guys! I had an easy path to the Kent Pond side trail, a half mile off the AT to an outfitter, and a bit further on to a store/deli. I grabbed some snacks and a chocolate milk and went back to the trail. There was a nice waterfall called thundering falls with a Bridge and Newer boardwalk. I love those.
Then came the climb up Quimby Mountain. It was only 1254 feet, but seemed like more. It went on forever and there was no payoff as the top was all treed in. That was followed by roller coaster hills that were more roller than coaster. After that a long descent to the Story Brook Shelter. My objective was to reach the Lookout about seven miles away. The SOBOs from Kennesaw, Ga., Sweet Moose and Crouton, had told me about it back at the Whistle Stop. It had a cabin and some really good views according to them.
The forecast called for rain, but the day had been nice, though quite humid. Still, I know that when they say a chance of rain in Vermont, it's usually a sure thing. I wanted to get to the cabin ASAP. I had met a NOBO, Grub Nugget, at the deli and we hiked together for a while; nice kid, from Virginia. I told him about the cabin and he said he'd probably head there too.
Up another big run of roller coasters and then down to Chateauguay Road where I met Zip Lock. I asked her if she was going to the cabin and she said she wished she was, but Rock Man was setting up their tent at the shelter beyond. She moved on while I got water. The boys from Georgia had told me there was no water at the cabin so I was loading up.
The next couple of miles were the same as the rest of the day and then a big climb at the end. The boys from Kennesaw were right; s really nice, four sided cabin with doors and windows, a brick fireplace and a loft was waiting at the top of the hill. It also has a platform on the roof with a 360 degree view. You could look into next week or last week or east and west for miles and miles.
When I went inside, Rock Man and Zip Lock were there. Rock Man had changed his mind and it turned out to be a very good decision. Within forty-five minutes we watched the weather make a dramatic change and the rain and wind came crashing down all around us. It was a rain bomb. I was thankful to be safe inside. Also inside were Grub Nugget, Knots and his brother Top Notch, and a SOBO I didn't know.
As we looked out into the torrents of rain, two figures came up onto the porch. Hungry Horse and Dingo hadn't beaten the storm and were drenched. They changed out of their wet gear on the porch and came in to get warm just as the rain outside subsided.
Once the rain blew by I decided I'd set up my tent outside; too many people inside would mean a noisy night. I think I made the right move because even from outside I could hear the snoring later on. It rained a little after I set up, but it was a nice soft rain and I was happy to be where I was.
Night All.
Trip Miles: 1714.30
I hiked out after breakfast and after saying goodbye to Gregg and Jason, who would be heading north on the Long Trail. Good luck guys! I had an easy path to the Kent Pond side trail, a half mile off the AT to an outfitter, and a bit further on to a store/deli. I grabbed some snacks and a chocolate milk and went back to the trail. There was a nice waterfall called thundering falls with a Bridge and Newer boardwalk. I love those.
Then came the climb up Quimby Mountain. It was only 1254 feet, but seemed like more. It went on forever and there was no payoff as the top was all treed in. That was followed by roller coaster hills that were more roller than coaster. After that a long descent to the Story Brook Shelter. My objective was to reach the Lookout about seven miles away. The SOBOs from Kennesaw, Ga., Sweet Moose and Crouton, had told me about it back at the Whistle Stop. It had a cabin and some really good views according to them.
The forecast called for rain, but the day had been nice, though quite humid. Still, I know that when they say a chance of rain in Vermont, it's usually a sure thing. I wanted to get to the cabin ASAP. I had met a NOBO, Grub Nugget, at the deli and we hiked together for a while; nice kid, from Virginia. I told him about the cabin and he said he'd probably head there too.
Up another big run of roller coasters and then down to Chateauguay Road where I met Zip Lock. I asked her if she was going to the cabin and she said she wished she was, but Rock Man was setting up their tent at the shelter beyond. She moved on while I got water. The boys from Georgia had told me there was no water at the cabin so I was loading up.
The next couple of miles were the same as the rest of the day and then a big climb at the end. The boys from Kennesaw were right; s really nice, four sided cabin with doors and windows, a brick fireplace and a loft was waiting at the top of the hill. It also has a platform on the roof with a 360 degree view. You could look into next week or last week or east and west for miles and miles.
When I went inside, Rock Man and Zip Lock were there. Rock Man had changed his mind and it turned out to be a very good decision. Within forty-five minutes we watched the weather make a dramatic change and the rain and wind came crashing down all around us. It was a rain bomb. I was thankful to be safe inside. Also inside were Grub Nugget, Knots and his brother Top Notch, and a SOBO I didn't know.
As we looked out into the torrents of rain, two figures came up onto the porch. Hungry Horse and Dingo hadn't beaten the storm and were drenched. They changed out of their wet gear on the porch and came in to get warm just as the rain outside subsided.
Once the rain blew by I decided I'd set up my tent outside; too many people inside would mean a noisy night. I think I made the right move because even from outside I could hear the snoring later on. It rained a little after I set up, but it was a nice soft rain and I was happy to be where I was.
Night All.
 |
| Kent Pond |
 |
| I love boardwalks |
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| Malted Moose Poop |
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| Phantom of the Forest |
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| Yay, I don't have to jump |
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| Grub Nugget |
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| Rain's coming |
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| Rain comets |
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Day 136 (Tuesday, August 26th) - Governor Clement Shelter to the Inn at Long Trail
Today's Miles:
12.50
Trip Miles: 1698.90
I didn't go too far today. The last part of the climb up to Killington Peak was a scramble. Only two
tenths of a mile from the Cooper Lodge Shelter after the four miles of steady rise that got you there. I should have left my pack at the shelter for that part of the climb, but there were incredible views and the hike down wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
The hike from there to Rte. 4 was varied. Mud, rock, highs and lows, and it seemed to go on forever. I think I should have eaten more this morning; very low energy. I thought I'd make it to the road by 12 or 12:30, but I didn't get there until after 2. I tried for half an hour to catch a ride to the Inn. It was just a mile down the road, but it was an uphill grade and I just didn't feel like hiking that mile on the road. I could imagine having to walk back here later so, using hiker logic, I decided instead to hike two miles over a small mountain to a side trail that led to the Inn. I would rather walk two miles off trail than two that don't count. Again a trail of ups, downs, rock and mud.
When I got to the Inn I decided to stay. It was short money and there were a lot of hikers here to talk and share a few laughs with. Gregg, Rabbit, and Jason were all here and a bunch of people I didn't know. I had a Guinness Beef stew, a Bleu Cheese Burger, and a nice salad. Took a shower, charged my phone, and went back downstairs to hang out with everyone. Had a few beers and went up to bed. Breakfast comes with the room so I'll load up tomorrow, hit a town for sandwich stuff and junk food and try to calorie up so I'm not so tired.
TTFN
Trip Miles: 1698.90
 |
| Killington trail marker |
tenths of a mile from the Cooper Lodge Shelter after the four miles of steady rise that got you there. I should have left my pack at the shelter for that part of the climb, but there were incredible views and the hike down wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
The hike from there to Rte. 4 was varied. Mud, rock, highs and lows, and it seemed to go on forever. I think I should have eaten more this morning; very low energy. I thought I'd make it to the road by 12 or 12:30, but I didn't get there until after 2. I tried for half an hour to catch a ride to the Inn. It was just a mile down the road, but it was an uphill grade and I just didn't feel like hiking that mile on the road. I could imagine having to walk back here later so, using hiker logic, I decided instead to hike two miles over a small mountain to a side trail that led to the Inn. I would rather walk two miles off trail than two that don't count. Again a trail of ups, downs, rock and mud.
When I got to the Inn I decided to stay. It was short money and there were a lot of hikers here to talk and share a few laughs with. Gregg, Rabbit, and Jason were all here and a bunch of people I didn't know. I had a Guinness Beef stew, a Bleu Cheese Burger, and a nice salad. Took a shower, charged my phone, and went back downstairs to hang out with everyone. Had a few beers and went up to bed. Breakfast comes with the room so I'll load up tomorrow, hit a town for sandwich stuff and junk food and try to calorie up so I'm not so tired.
TTFN
 |
| Dr. Suess tree |
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| Hamburger buns |
 |
| Quiet; the trees have ears |
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| Selfie on Killington |
 |
| Self timer on Killington |
 |
| Psssst, over there |
Monday, August 25, 2014
Day 135 (Monday, August 25th) - Greenwell Shelter to Governor Clement Shelter
Today's Miles:
14.60
Trip Miles: 1686.40
Sometimes the wait is worth it. I had been looking forward to town food to supplement my stove less repertoire, but each time I came to a road headed toward a town there was no traffic on it and a walk would have been too far. Well, today at Vt. 103, just a half mile west of the trail was the Whistle Stop Restaurant. It was 7.8 miles away from last nights shelter, over yet again, another Bear Mountain.
I met a local out for a walk, Mike Grabowski. He told me the Whistle Stop was a good place to go, very hiker friendly. His son had thrued last year and Mike and his wife like to help out hikers when they can. Mike offered some insight about the upcoming terrain and gave me his phone # in case I needed anything while I was in the area. Thanks Mike!
There were lots of ups and downs heading to Vt. 103. It was rocky, muddy, typical Southern Vermont hiking. When I finally got to the road at around 11:30 I made my way down to the restaurant. Mike was right, a very friendly place. Plenty of outlets to charge your phones and no one was in a hurry to see you go.
Zip Lock and Rock Man were there on the porch along with Rabbit. Inside I met Crouton and Sweet Moose, two young men from Kennesaw, Ga, south bounding. They told me about a cabin at a place called the Lookout where they said I should plan on staying. They marked it in my guide for me.
I sat down to a breakfast of decaf, chocolate milk, poached eggs, homemade hash, home fries, and shortly after a double scoop of chocolate ice cream and a BLT to go. I plugged in my phone to charge, hung out my sweat soaked clothes and sat on a bench for about two and a half hours just enjoying not walking.
All good things must end and so I started the steep climb up Beacon Hill where I met Gregg from last night. He said he was going to Governor Clement Shelter and I decided that would be a good place for me as well. I moved on while he had a snack.
There was a detour for a bridge out when I got to the Cold River. I met Jason, another Long Trail hiker. We checked out the original trail and saw that no one had been down there in a while, but we did see a sign marking 500 miles to go to Katahdin. After a couple pics we headed back to the detour which took us over a couple of gravel roads. There was a bit more of a climb to the shelter which sat along the banks of a pretty good sized creek. There were five section hikers there, a ridge runner, Gregg, Jason, and myself. Plenty of room though with camp sites all around.
I set up by the creek, had diner at the shelter and chatted with everyone there. Now I'm in my tent and ready for sleep. A big climb up Killington tomorrow. Hoping for a nice day. The knee feels pretty good; fingers crossed.
Bye for now.
Trip Miles: 1686.40
Sometimes the wait is worth it. I had been looking forward to town food to supplement my stove less repertoire, but each time I came to a road headed toward a town there was no traffic on it and a walk would have been too far. Well, today at Vt. 103, just a half mile west of the trail was the Whistle Stop Restaurant. It was 7.8 miles away from last nights shelter, over yet again, another Bear Mountain.
I met a local out for a walk, Mike Grabowski. He told me the Whistle Stop was a good place to go, very hiker friendly. His son had thrued last year and Mike and his wife like to help out hikers when they can. Mike offered some insight about the upcoming terrain and gave me his phone # in case I needed anything while I was in the area. Thanks Mike!
There were lots of ups and downs heading to Vt. 103. It was rocky, muddy, typical Southern Vermont hiking. When I finally got to the road at around 11:30 I made my way down to the restaurant. Mike was right, a very friendly place. Plenty of outlets to charge your phones and no one was in a hurry to see you go.
Zip Lock and Rock Man were there on the porch along with Rabbit. Inside I met Crouton and Sweet Moose, two young men from Kennesaw, Ga, south bounding. They told me about a cabin at a place called the Lookout where they said I should plan on staying. They marked it in my guide for me.
I sat down to a breakfast of decaf, chocolate milk, poached eggs, homemade hash, home fries, and shortly after a double scoop of chocolate ice cream and a BLT to go. I plugged in my phone to charge, hung out my sweat soaked clothes and sat on a bench for about two and a half hours just enjoying not walking.
All good things must end and so I started the steep climb up Beacon Hill where I met Gregg from last night. He said he was going to Governor Clement Shelter and I decided that would be a good place for me as well. I moved on while he had a snack.
There was a detour for a bridge out when I got to the Cold River. I met Jason, another Long Trail hiker. We checked out the original trail and saw that no one had been down there in a while, but we did see a sign marking 500 miles to go to Katahdin. After a couple pics we headed back to the detour which took us over a couple of gravel roads. There was a bit more of a climb to the shelter which sat along the banks of a pretty good sized creek. There were five section hikers there, a ridge runner, Gregg, Jason, and myself. Plenty of room though with camp sites all around.
I set up by the creek, had diner at the shelter and chatted with everyone there. Now I'm in my tent and ready for sleep. A big climb up Killington tomorrow. Hoping for a nice day. The knee feels pretty good; fingers crossed.
Bye for now.
 |
| Trail maintainers Eugene and Chelsea from the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps |
 |
| Rutland Airport |
 |
| Gregg "Fly Rod" |
 |
| 500 to Katahdin |
 |
| My campsite |
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Day 134 (Sunday, August 24th) - Mad Tom Notch to Greenwell Shelter
 |
| Sunshiny Day |
Trip Miles: 1671.80
Things went much better today. First of all, there was sunshine which makes even a bad day good. Second, I adjusted my knee brace and it was much more effective. I spoke to the Administrator and told her the knee was fine and not to bother about getting me the stove and pot. I'll do without until I see her on the weekend.
I had hoped to hike to Danby/Landgrove Road and hitch into town for some cold food resupply, but when I got there it wasn't much of a road so I just hiked on. The trail was extremely muddy and there where lots of slips, but no falls. All kinds of springs, ponds and streams along here.
On the way to Danby I had met Atlas [from Montreal] and Camille who were with CB. A little further down the trail I met Yellow Beard. He hiked with me until Baxter Peak [it was loaded with kids out for a couple of days of hiking] where he stayed to wait for CB. When I went by Little Rock Pond there were kids jumping from the rocks on the other side. It looked like something my son Joe would like. Maybe a twenty to thirty foot leap into the pond. From there I went over a pretty significant but unnamed mountain [unnamed in the guide anyway] to White Cliffs View. There were some cool stacked rocks at two places along the trail. Rock art; fascinating stuff.
I checked out the view at White Cliff and then moved on to the shelter. I met a Long Trail hiker there named Fly Rod [Gregg]. He teaches ROTC at Norwich and Dartmouth. Chewbacca came in later, a hiker I had heard of, but had not met. It was a nice shelter area and it had a new privy with a deck. I don't know who would want to sit out on a privy deck, but whatever.
I set up away from the shelter a bit and settled in. Good Night.
 |
| Cherry Blossom, Atlas, and Camille |
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| Vermont: water, water everywhere |
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| Bear's Head Tooth mushroom - Hericium americanum |
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| Half-log path |
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| Katahdin to Springer |
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| Modern art in the middle of the woods |
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| Modern art rocks |
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| Modern art rocks |
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| Styles Mountain, looking east |
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| View from Baxter Peak |
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| More Baxter Peak views |
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