Yes, there are nettles in VT!

[Jay H]

Maria and I hiked Camel's Hump via the Bamforth Ridge trail, which has a lot of elevation gain for the 6.2 mile hike, one way to the summit. Starts at about 120meters ASL, it surely does a nice gradual walk up, for sure, with many views towards the summit as you get closer... We didn't have much views from the summit, but we had views below the cloud cover and some views on the descent.

I would say the Bamforth Ridge trail is a joy to ascend, you really don't know you are gaining about 4500' in the 6.2 miles, because it is fairly gradual and in many parts, a nice open slab walk or a nice soft needle-covered trail. A hater of PUDs and trail meanderings might not enjoy it but I did. It's less direct than the Monroe trail but you get to see a lot more of what hiking is in VT, including Nettles :eek: which were found very early on in the low elevation parts by the stream.

We took the Bamforth ridge trail directly to the summit and then over the other side to connect with the Alpine trail which we took back to Bamforth Ridge and down. The Alpine trail is very very very slippery, since it seems to get less use than the main summit trails, so whatever slime has been removed by other hikers hasn't gotten to this trail and Maria and I slipped and fell like 4 times between us on slick rocks. I think I did a pirouette(sp?) once too!

http://picasaweb.google.com/cycleslugyahoo/CamelSHump09_12_2009

Including a picture of Maria and the Nettles (sounds like a good name for a band?? :D)

Jay

[hermit]

Nice pictures Jay we are headed there 9-25.

[hoosier]

I would say the Bamforth Ridge trail is a joy to ascend, you really don't know you are gaining about 4500' in the 6.2 miles, because it is fairly gradual and in many parts, a nice open slab walk or a nice soft needle-covered trail. A hater of PUDs and trail meanderings might not enjoy it but I did. It's less direct than the Monroe trail but you get to see a lot more of what hiking is in VT, including Nettles :eek: which were found very early on in the low elevation parts by the stream.
[Jay


Ah Jay. It looks like the N.I.P. (Nettle introduction program) is up and running in Vermont. Now we got to take some to New Hampshire, and let the White's hiking contingent find out all about the pleasure of trailside nettles and hiking.:eek:

Bill

[ferrisjrf]

Now we got to take some to New Hampshire...

Don't forget the Dacks, too. Don't seem to be much nettles in the High Peaks. Damn shame, too.

[Heavypack]

I was watching a pbs show last night and one segment was a highlight on Nettle salad (par boiled of course!). I think I will pass.....

[Jay H]

Hmm, never through about the 'Dacks, but figure if it's that close, I can go to the catskills and play in them. I think the NIP will expand to NH next... :)

Heavypack, you can just google nettle recipes or stuff like that and figure out how yummy it must be.. Mmmm,, I think I will have a BNT sandwich today.... Bacon, Nettles, Tomato.

Jay

[daxs]

avoided this trail when I did camles Hump this weekend. i did a loop starting on the froest trail and going down burrows/ trail No nettles.