Beaten by Mt Mansfield

We're back in Vermont for Labour Day weekend this year.  After last year's success with Camel's Hump, we were eager to try Mt. Mansfield this time around.  But we had to "abort" the attempt after almost 1 mile (and 1300 ft of ascent).  I blame:

• a late start due to a longer-than-expected drive to the trail head and a sudden thunderstorm that we had to wait out in the car (we didn't hit the trail 'til almost noon and had lost that early-morning enthusiasm!)
• a slippery, muddy trail due to aforesaid thunderstorn (and, of course, last week's hurricane!)
• hiking with a 2 1/2 year old who is MUCH heavier to carry (poor Daddy!), much less willing to ride in the backpack (good for Daddy!), and much more vocal about her opinions ("I go back HOtel") than the 1 1/2 year old we had along at Camel's Hump.  :o) 

But, it is a nice hike - interesting, challenging terrain - and we did get to stop at a little mountain stream for a little exploring (sorry, can't get the picture off my iPod right now - will post later...).