Harmon Hill, Vermont

The first big viewpoint in Vermont is on top of Harmon Hill. The summit is not that high but being void of trees in one direction, the distant landscape was like a Bob Ross painting. At the summit is a sign with a good place to rest. The reports of a campsite on the far out app were odd since I could not find one. I did find an excellent spot, just barely level enough to pitch my tent with a view. The grass I was on indicated few sleep here though.

I was particularly happy with this spot given what happened just before I arrived. Just two miles before arriving at Harmon Hill, it was getting into the early evening as I passed the Congdon Shelter. The weather forecast was for a good amount of rain in route. I thought staying in the shelter or at least camping in the area of the shelter would be a good choice. But, reports of the view and a campsite on top of Harmon Hill was also tugging at me. When I arrived at the shelter, the place was packed. The Vermont Long Trail hikers were in full force as this was the first camp of the trail for Long Trail hikers. Talking with the people in the shelter, they offered one last spot that was available inside the shelter. This is a bit rare since people like their space. I considered but kindly turned it down. I decided I would push on since there was over 2 hours of daylight left. As I left, I got a sinking feeling I had made a bad choice. The sky started getting dark and the woods darker. I knew what was coming but hoped to find somewhere to camp before the rain hit. I did not, the sky started falling and it was bad. I spent the next mile cursing myself, wondering why I had to push so hard being ahead of schedule and why was I such a recluse. As I got near the top of Harmon Hill, the rainclouds parted and the sun even started poking out in the upcoming weather. The storm had passed with nothing but clear sky behind it. What a great evening it was, drying out, having internet and one heck of a view.