Kinetic Explorations of Vermont

In continuation with Operation Explore Vermont I have more adventures to relay.

On the 28th of June my dad and I hiked to the top of Camel’s Hump. Camel's Hump as an elevation of 4,081' , which makes it the third highest mountain in Vermont. It is a part of the Green Mountain Range. Our trek took us a total of 6.2 miles round trip on the Monroe Trail and the Alpine Shortcut. Upon nearing the top we got to travel on the Long Trail, too. 

A view from the trail on the way up to the top of Camel's Hump.

A view from the top of Camel's Hump

A view from Mount Mansfield's chin.

Me at the top of Mount Mansfield.

Another view.

Me and my dad before we left for the dance.

We also hiked on Mount Mansfield on the 11th of July. Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont with a peak of 4,393' above sea level. However, our round trip hike was slightly shorter: 5.4 miles. We traveled the Sunset Ridge Trail and a small piece of the Long Trail. The Sunset Ridge Trail can be seen from the base of our driveway if you know what to look for, and we could see what seemed to be our driveway from the Chin of the mountain (with binoculars).

In addition to hiking adventures, on the 10th of July I took my dad to the Shelburne Town Hall to participate in the contra dancing. I had learned about contra dancing and participated twice while attending Coastal Studies for Girls in Maine, and so I was pleasantly surprised to find that the dances take place every second Friday in Shelburne, too. Both dances took place in the same type of old building with a wooden floor.

Both dance communities were so welcoming and joyful no matter a newcomers talent level. I  love the carefree and authentic communities that can be found there. Even more so, I love that the contra dancing communities throughout Maine and Vermont remain relatively the same. It is nice to have a place like that to go. There are no feelings of not belonging or of self-consciousness in this community just a love of good music, company, and dancing carelessly for a couple of hours.