Burrows Trail, Camel's Hump, VT

I've climbed Camel's Hump at least once during every visit to Vermont. It's on my 'must do' list that includes a visit to Johnson Woolen Mill, the Outdoor Gear Exchange, and attempting to sample as many micro brews as possible.

Today's plan was to run up to the summit of Camel's Hump and back via the Burrows Trail. The skies were breaking over the farm and I was hopeful that there would be some good views from the top. There were several cars in the parking lot when I arrived. People were fiddling with their equipment and digging in their packs. I was eager to have some solitude so I grabbed my bag and booked it up the trail ahead of the crowds.  

It didn't take long  for me to realize my plan was totally unrealistic. I haven't run seriously since my last race in September. I also haven't run up a mountain since the Death Race in August. Yes, Camel's Hump is a small mountain but it's twice the elevation of my home town and New Englanders don't bother with switchbacks. Finally, I haven't run up a snowy mountain ever. I slowed to a speedy hike and enjoyed the beautiful winter scenery.

I started to feel the elevation around the time the hardwoods changed to softwoods. Steeper sections of the trail had me gasping for air. I was surprised at how much I was having to work, and more than a little disappointed, too. Where did all the hard work from this past summer go?

I was out of the trees in a little over an hour.

Unfortunately, I was never out of the clouds. The howling wind has encased the krumholtz in ice.

Summit pose. I'm trying to keep my contact lenses from being blown off my eyeballs. Yes, it was as cold as it looks.

The trip down was quick and uneventful, taking only 30 minutes. Total round-trip time was 1:42. Until next time Camel's Hump...