Month: November 2016

10 years ago, on a Friday with an auspicious number, in October we were married in a picnic shelter on the shoulder of Mt. Mansfield. The following day we hiked over the mountain with friends, our pooch, and my nephew.

We went out to celebrate with a summit hike again – from Underhill up Sunset Ridge to ‘the Chin’.

Instead of the calamity of walking down the Stowe side of the mountain with the dog and 10 year old nephew, while waiting for friends to drive around and get us, we came down Laura Cowles trail, which was entertaining in itself – with ice up high, water, slippery rock and leaves…

CamelsHumpSunrise from Mike Beganyi on Vimeo.

I’ve been spending a lot of time on two feet this fall. The single speeding and riding has been great – but as my health has improved I’ve really enjoyed getting around in the mountains on foot. I’ve been enamored with Camel’s Hump since moving to Burlington, where I can see it (and Mansfield) just about every day. After a few attempts earlier this summer I finally achieved a full moon and sunrise hike, and I brought along the camera for a time lapse.

Alarm was set for 3:30 am, but I awoke at 3. In the car by 4, at the trail head by 4:45.

The new headlamp, a Petzl NAO with Reactive lighting was excellent. I was skeptical and had buyers remorse – but I am sold – a great light!

Change in layers at the clearing by 6, summit at 6:20, just as the full moon was setting (and hiding in some clouds).

Setup camera, made coffee, and watched the sun rise.

The change in light was incredible.

The morning light on the summit and in the trees just below the alpine zone was amazing.

As I started to descend I watched the shadow creep across the Champlain Valley as I started down.

This was an incredible start to my week.