Hiking Mount Mansfield with an overnight stay at Taft Lodge

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  • Опубліковано 27 лис 2024

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  • @paulbrunelle4020
    @paulbrunelle4020 2 місяці тому +2

    Great video! Vermont is beautiful. I’m glad you’re ok and on the mend from that slip on that slimy rock. I remember being up on Mount Lincoln on the Franconia range heading towards the summit of Mount Lafayette. It was summer and a storm was coming in, we could see it in the distance coming in from the west. When it reached us there was 60 mile an hour winds with rain and hail slamming into us. We had to hide behind a huge boulder for cover. We were soaking wet and shivering. I remember getting a little disoriented and I fell on my face. I was experiencing some exposure symptoms for a bit and had to change into some dry clothes and get warmed up. Luckily I wasn’t injured. We did finish our hike with success.

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  2 місяці тому +1

      Ahhh, good story. We can all learn a little from each other's experiences. But then of course when it happens to you, it comes suddenly and seems surreal. Glad you made it out alright! Mountains bring a wide range of experiences.

    • @paulbrunelle4020
      @paulbrunelle4020 2 місяці тому

      @@RachelWhelton Thank you. We definitely can learn from each other’s experiences. By the time we got to the summit of Mount Lafayette the sun was shining and it was beautiful out. But you’re right, each experience good or bad can teach us to be better prepared and better hikers. The mountains are so beautiful but unpredictable.

  • @kenberry1850
    @kenberry1850 4 місяці тому +2

    After my fall Sunday, minor by comparison, I will bring and have my hiking poles available. Keep conservation hikes in mind. I really enjoy your photography.

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks. Yes, me too. I will no longer debate with myself whether poles help or not. Even if they make me just a little more comfortable/safer, it's worth bringing them.

  • @Sandora-fl4sb
    @Sandora-fl4sb 4 місяці тому +2

    Hey Rachel thanks for the update. Look forward to your next adventure

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  4 місяці тому +3

      Thanks! I am on the mend and acquiring some new camping gear. 😁

    • @Sandora-fl4sb
      @Sandora-fl4sb 4 місяці тому +3

      @@RachelWhelton New toys!!!!!

  • @196813JSC
    @196813JSC 5 місяців тому +2

    So sorry to hear that you’re out for a bit with an injury. Miss seeing your trips and sense of humour on trail. Sending you healing vibes! Even though you’re not out on trail now, you have time to dream and plan for the future knowing that you’ve inspired lots of people along the way!! 🥾⛰️Keep smiling!!

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +3

      Thanks for the kind note. I am on crutches and doing the ice/compression/brace thing. My MRI is later this week. I'm lucky to be able to take a lot of rest right now, as during previous injuries I had a job and couldn't just lay down most of the day. It will be a while before I want to hike again but I am starting to look forward to some car camping and hopefully some kayaking. For now I'm enjoying following some ultra-trail races like Western States Endurance Run. Those athletes are amazing and the trails are cool.

  • @Kawatawa-um5cg
    @Kawatawa-um5cg 4 місяці тому +1

    Hope you are recovering well. Wishing speedy recovery 👍🤞🙏

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks so much. I am mostly off the crutches now and starting physical therapy. I hope to camp in August!

  • @FuzzyDogProductions385
    @FuzzyDogProductions385 5 місяців тому +2

    What a hike! Loved your response about the law of averages… and thankfully you didn’t get trampled by a moose! Lol 😂

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +1

      Went to the doctor today as my knee is possibly getting worse. Got a referral to the orthopedic doctor, who said to call back Monday to schedule. I am hoping for a low key diagnosis and no drama. Still can't believe this happened!

  • @Alicelovestheoutdoors
    @Alicelovestheoutdoors 5 місяців тому +1

    Wonderful video! I am unfortunately am too old (67) to make such a hike. I live in the area and have always enjoyed the view of Mt. Mansfield from below on Pleasant Valley Road. Thank you for taking us on the your journey and sharing the footage. Wonderful view from the top. Hope you are healing ok. Keep up the good work on the videos!

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +2

      Thanks. I am quickly becoming too old myself! Sometimes I see 80 year old ladies on the trail and I always think to myself "Nope - that will not be me." I'm just enjoying the thrill while it still makes sense and then in the next decade, I'll enjoy the great outdoors in another way. Thanks for the nice comment!

  • @doddpeak
    @doddpeak 5 місяців тому +1

    I'm a new viewer to your channel and enjoying your content. So sorry about the fall and injury. Trekking poles are required equipment for me and I know they've helped so many times. Hope you make a full, speedy recovery. 🕊

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +1

      Thanks. Yes, husband also insists falling would have been less likely if I had my poles, which I almost always use. But I'm not sure in this case. It was so incredibly fast, slicker than ice. Anyway I will get back to using my poles. Every little thing helps I guess. So wish I could undo that one step!

  • @lgardner760
    @lgardner760 5 місяців тому +3

    Hi Rachel, this is Lisa, one of your lodge mates at Taft. Dara and I were wondering if you made it down the mountain okay, as we expected to see you as we hiked out. I'm guessing you are fine since you made and posted this video! Hope you are doing okay and in good shape for Baxter in a few weeks!

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for checking in. It was very cool to meet you guys. Listening to your training was like reading a good book. My knee is slowing mending, as I was able to walk my small dog (in slow motion) today without pain. Katahdin will have to wait; but I'll still be trying out your apple crisp with coconut milk recipe in the great outdoors. 😊 Have a great summer of guiding!

  • @BucksMom218
    @BucksMom218 5 місяців тому +2

    Amazing effort for an amazing view! I hope your knee feels better soon! Thank you for sharing your adventure! 🥾🥾⛺️😎🥰🌸

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +2

      Thanks so much! 😊 The knee is on the mend. I'll be in rocking chair mode for a while but still playing with the camera while I do it.

  • @SusanRera-vx6xo
    @SusanRera-vx6xo 5 місяців тому +1

    So that is what the view is like at the summit -pouring rain when we did it. We met you on Camel’s Hump! Hope your knee is ok.

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +1

      Oh! Rain! That must have been a bold effort as well, to get across all those rocks in the rain. Nice meeting you on the hump! I sure wish I had that same weather on this trip. 😆

  • @ervinslens
    @ervinslens 5 місяців тому +2

    Such a great place to explore. Enjoyed watching your brilliant video. 👏👏

  • @Kawatawa-um5cg
    @Kawatawa-um5cg 5 місяців тому +1

    Hope your foot is doing good and not a serious. And my prayers and good wishes for speedy recovery, even if a minor issue.
    Although, quite missing your new upload but never a rush.
    Good Luck 🙏👍

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +1

      Thank you so much! Tomorrow I see the orthopedic doctor. For now I am doing a lot of limping and laying around!

    • @Kawatawa-um5cg
      @Kawatawa-um5cg 5 місяців тому

      @@RachelWhelton feel better soon and good luck 👍🍀

  • @scottalpine
    @scottalpine 5 місяців тому +1

    Quite beautiful views from there. You are a real trooper to endure those biting flies, there was sooo many.
    That is a bummer about your knee, but it’s good that you were able to hike out on your own. I hope you have a quick recovery.
    We can replay events leading up to an injury a 100 times in our heads but sometimes it happens so fast that we don’t really know what caused it.
    There was a lot of rock and water and slim so it was a tricky trail to navigate.

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +2

      Thanks. Yes, it's rough to face injury and realize your entire summer plan is crashing. As I write this my car is packed for Baxter but I don't think I am getting in and driving off. My knee is limpy gimpy and I might just have to stay home until I can walk normally. The curse of reservations lives on!!!!

  • @filmic1
    @filmic1 5 місяців тому +1

    That was a testy hike/climb! Thanks for the bird song and sharing all that effort.

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +2

      Glad you enjoyed it! It adds to my fun to make the vid.

    • @filmic1
      @filmic1 4 місяці тому +1

      @@RachelWhelton Oh dear, you twisted your knee off centre/axis?! I guess one should always add a knee brace after a fashion to our First Aide pouch?

    • @esousa486
      @esousa486 2 місяці тому

      @@filmic1 Bingo .... I DID 👌, ... and Ibuprofen as well !!

  • @smh988
    @smh988 5 місяців тому +1

    Mt Mansfield has always been a difficult hike for us; my wife wrecked her knees decades ago. If you make it unscathed the views are worth it.

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +1

      It certainly is a memorable hike! I underestimated it. They say the Hell Brook Trail is even steeper.

  • @dc0145a
    @dc0145a 4 місяці тому +1

    Hi Rachel hopefully MRI went ok and you're on the mend.

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for checking in. My mom says I should just go ahead and make my "update" video now instead of waiting to be fully healed. I am off crutches now and starting physical therapy. Looking forward to some simple camping in a little while. I'll try to get the video up in the next few days. Meanwhile I am learning grilling techniques in my backyard. 😁

    • @esousa486
      @esousa486 2 місяці тому +1

      @@RachelWhelton There you go .... "Fine Tuning" your gear, for future adventures 🤔👍👍👍

  • @annam.3300
    @annam.3300 5 місяців тому +2

    I want to be you when I'm older lol what a hike!

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +1

      The mountain that took me out for the summer! Not fair.

    • @esousa486
      @esousa486 2 місяці тому

      @@RachelWhelton There WILL BE many more GREAT summers, in your future 😉👌👍👍👍👍👍

  • @RachelWhelton
    @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +3

    After being home a few days my knee felt worse and mobility reduced to a poor condition.
    I made a video about the recovery process.

    • @RichardH01075
      @RichardH01075 4 місяці тому

      Hi Rachel, Heidi and I met you at the 4000 footer awards ceremony. We have been wondering how you were doing after watching the Mansfield video. I know how it feels to get injured on a hike (I tore a tricep tendon from my right elbow 2 years ago - 2 surgeries before I could even be allowed to ride a bike). We are hoping your knee recovers soon and you are back doing what you enjoy!! Best wishes from Richard and Heidi!😍🌄🥾🏕

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  4 місяці тому +2

      @@RichardH01075 Hi! Thanks for thinking of me. Wow, a tricep tear and surgery sounds rough. Walking around on crutches inspires people to tell me all their stories so I've been hearing a lot of injury/recovery stories lately. Partial MCL tear but no surgery required so I am just taking it slow. Almost off crutches now at home but if I go anywhere I need them. Physical therapy soon and the doctor says I'll be hiking by the end of summer. I'm working on a little video documenting the process. Hopefully I'll be able to do some easy car camping by August. For now I am happy for any small progress and time spent in the garden. Thanks again and hope your summer is going nicely. ☺

  • @Cbockhoff
    @Cbockhoff 5 місяців тому +1

    Take care of that knee and be careful. I did an overnight 8 mile this past weekend (4 in, 2 days trout fishing and 4 out) and on multiple occasions I caught myself thinking “your getting old (53) better take it easy” when accoutering rougher terrain. 😂. But be careful. A few years back I took a fall climbing out of a waterfall area and fell. 8 feet on to rocks, I was lucky that day it was not worse.

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +3

      Multi-day trip - Good adventure! I love my short trips and respect the multi-day efforts every time I get to hop in the air conditioned car and head home to a shower and my own bed. The knee is mending and I feel half lucky and half unlucky! Truth is we can get hurt doing anything and your body will fall apart if you do nothing. So all we can do is be careful and keep living life.

  • @MikeRyder-ml2mb
    @MikeRyder-ml2mb 5 місяців тому

    Glad you made it down and hope your leg gets better soon.
    That was quite a hike, really liked that long boardwalk. Not looking forward to the chimney or part above the lodge. Great pics from the lodge at night and early morning. Sky looked like it was in fire in morning through the trees. Thanks for sharing your NE67 journey with us!

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +3

      Thanks 👍 It turned out to be quite the memorable experience. The biggest takeaway for me is to stop underestimating the benefit of "out-and-back" trails. If I could rewrite history, I'd take the steep trail back down again because it was a known entity, and dry. I learned a lot to help me on future hikes.

    • @esousa486
      @esousa486 2 місяці тому

      @@RachelWhelton 👌👍👍👍 Smart lady, Rachel !!

  • @hmr171
    @hmr171 5 місяців тому +1

    I hope your knee is better. I twisted mine badly about a year ago and it still isn't 100%. I'm probably 4 or 5 years older than you and I'm finding that my body doesn't bounce back like it used to. I also had a bad ankle sprain last autumn that has kept me off the trails. I tried hiking in Feb and March, but I keep injuring it again, so I've given up on this season. I've been enjoying your videos in lieu of being on the trails myself.

    • @rateyesmertz3785
      @rateyesmertz3785 5 місяців тому +1

      The Mountains keep her young

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +2

      Hiking has been my answer to difficult injuries (which I got from running and tennis). Hiking seems so gentle and mild (at my pace). This hike reminded me that you can get hurt and even die from a random mis-step or bad luck. My injury history makes it a complete unknown as to whether this is a couple weeks or multiple months of slow progress back to strength. Might just be watering the garden for a while. Hopefully both of us can become strong again. We are older but we have to strengthen in some way to avoid deteriorating in every way!

  • @peterfagley772
    @peterfagley772 5 місяців тому +1

    Hope your knee heals up quickly. Great hike, although it looked pretty tough towards the summit. Did you have hiking poles? Thanks for sharing, great views from the summit, have skied Stowe for years.

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +1

      I didn't bring the poles that trip. Husband thinks they would have helped. I am not sure due to the bizarre intensity of slipperiness of that spot. Of course now, in retrospect, I wish I had gone down the steep way I came. But who knows. It will be a long June as I limp around waiting for tissues to heal.

  • @ck12001
    @ck12001 5 місяців тому +1

    Hope your knee heals quick, so deflating when you fall/get hurt. What a stunning view up there, glad you made it back to the car safely!! Question, I wear a boot but still get dirt and rocks in my shoes. Do you find that you don't need gators with what you wear? Are they Altras?

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +2

      I still love Altras for everyday life. But on the trail I have (since last Fall) switched to these Keen Evo Boots. They were less than 100 bucks, possibly because they seem to be doing a re-design (new model costs a lot more). So far I have not needed the gaiters and only once in a while have to get a pine needle out of the boot. I like that the boots are waterproof. They are definitely longer lasting than the Altras and not much heavier. So I guess the only doubt is that I wonder if the sole is as sticky (to the rock) as my old Altra sole. I think they are both Vibram. I need more time to figure it out.

    • @ck12001
      @ck12001 5 місяців тому

      @@RachelWhelton I had some Keen hiking shoes and always felt they didn't have a good grip. In Merrell boots now but they have a lot of miles so need replacing.

  • @barrygraber9776
    @barrygraber9776 5 місяців тому +1

    Wow Rachel you sire got yourself beat up on this one. Between your fall and the man eating bugs maybe you need to take a backseat for a little bit I always enjoy your videos when you go kayaking hint…..hint. Heal well

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +1

      Thanks. Yeah, the kayak is sitting here and I've cleaned it off several times. But I need my knee to work to load and unload it. Next week is car camping and I plan to do it as a recuperation effort. Thanks for the well wishes. 🏕️

    • @esousa486
      @esousa486 2 місяці тому

      She seems "tough" .... I believe she will come back STRONGER, and a bit more "experienced" 👌👍👍

  • @esousa486
    @esousa486 5 місяців тому +2

    You do realize, that IF one climbs up and down on rocks, eventually, one "enviably" WILL injure one's self .... It's the "law of averages" ...... (not necessarily you "doing something wrong) !! Don't let your anxiety get the best of your experience ..... Chances of something going wrong are multiplied by fear or anger .... it's how one "handles" things, that brings a positive outcome/experience !!!

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +1

      That is how I saw it with tennis. But it's different with mountains somehow. Ed Viesturs (I think it was he) tries to explain it in one of his books. The guy told him it was likely he would die if he kept hiking the tallest mountains in the world but he said the factors were not as random as statistics alone might suggest. But that was regarding death. So I guess he probably fell down once or twice. ha ha ha.... At least I wasn't trampled by a moose.

    • @esousa486
      @esousa486 2 місяці тому

      @@RachelWhelton I just Re-played this video (including your injury), and you did NOT do anything wrong Rachel, .... In fact, after your injury, you DID EVERYTHING RIGHT ) !!!! I always will carry 12 200mg Ibuprofen, a slip-over knee brace, and wrist brace with me ... None which weigh but ounces, but could be a huge difference in comfort after an injury ... "Thanks" to YOUR video !!! You seem to be moving much better in your latest video (mid Sept) 😉👌👍

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  2 місяці тому +1

      @@esousa486 Thanks. I am still mentally processing the event. My conclusion is I will not go hiking again until I feel healthy enough to fall down without much concern. But it is healthier to hike and sometimes fall down, than to sit on the couch and never get up.

  • @MyVanMonty
    @MyVanMonty 5 місяців тому

    Hi Rachel, what camera did you use before the larger one attached to your pack on this hike? Were you using a smaller camera a year or so ago? Thanks. Love the videos.

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому

      Tricky question because on every trip I am (usually) using more than one camera. Before bringing the big camera, I often used only my GoPro and iPhone. The big camera makes the difference at night for the astrophotography.

    • @MyVanMonty
      @MyVanMonty 5 місяців тому +1

      @@RachelWhelton thanks for the response. I was noticing you zooming in on some shots and was wondering if it was a smaller camera with a zoom. I’m looking for something other than my GoPro and iPhone for longer distance shots like that. Hope the knee feels better. Thanks again!

  • @kristiayers2415
    @kristiayers2415 5 місяців тому

    Hi Rachel, I hope your leg is doing better!
    I was just wondering how do you overcome your fears being out there alone? Not only the fear of animals or other humans, but maybe the fear of an injury like this one?
    I want to hike but oftentimes I have no one to go with me and mentally the thought of being alone with the unexpected keeps me home. Any tips?

    • @RachelWhelton
      @RachelWhelton  5 місяців тому +2

      The first tip is that being out there is much more terrifying when you are safe at home. When you actually go out there, your brain goes into "deal with it" mode and you focus more on small chores and beautiful scenery.
      I've gone through phases of fear. I try to study the fear and make a plan. One year a bear came to my house and made very feel afraid. I learned all about bears and watched loads of videos. Eventually I had a plan for what I would do when I saw a bear. Funny enough, it is more likely for me to see a bear in my town in NH than while out in the White Mountains.
      I build escape plans into my plans. If ever it doesn't feel right, I will leave. I give myself permission ahead of time to turn back, give up, lose the reservation fee, whatever. I try to avoid getting to places that would be hard to leave.
      Slipping and getting hurt is a real possibility, as it is one of the most common causes leading to the need for rescue. But that is what rescuers are for. Honestly they want to help us when necessary. They want us to prepare, try to self-rescue, avoid dire conditions and bad weather. But ultimately they understand hikers may get injured and need help - and that can happen whether you are solo or in a group! I have the Hike-Safe card. I have a Garmin, etc. And in this case I was able to get down before my leg decided I needed crutches. ha ha...
      Just start small and work your way up.

  • @paulchereshkoff6278
    @paulchereshkoff6278 10 днів тому

    Hello I care my camera with me also was wondering what you snap your camera on your shoulder too