Rocks Tree Farm 2012

      We pulled out of Lake Quonnipaug in Guilford at about 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, the 14th. We had about 20 people, but who's counting? (actually its kind of important, but I don't know the exact number. An astonishing number of people that were willing to freeze their butts of for the next three days and a record I think!!!!! We also had seven cars driving this year, its usually 2 or 3 cars. Anyway, we kept driving toward our traditional rest stops in Guilford, Vt; and Sam's Outdoor Store. Some of us ended up missing the exit to Guilford, so we had extra time at Sam's. Then, we continued on to the tree farm, 145 miles away from the last stop. Upon arrival, we changed into our cold weather clothes and began setting up camp. Most people including myself had to continuously pausing for re-warmth. Oh yeah, we counted and there were 29 people on the trip. We started our fire, and ate dinner. There was a variety of options to choose from such as hotdogs, chips & salsa, and of course, ramen. Going to bed was tough, we had to leave the warm fire, and it was a cold night. That night, the temperature got down to somewhere around negative 12 degrees Fahrenheit. It was even tougher to get up in the morning, but we ate and left camp by about 10am, a little behind schedule. We drove to the trailhead for MT Pierce, and started out. The temperature was much colder than previous years, so it was more difficult, and the first group of people turned around after only 40 or so minutes. We went to the highland lodge (an AMC location) while the rest of the group kept on. The next group left a while later, and a third group. The last group made it just past the junction (split in the trail) before hitting turn around time at 1:15. Everyone had a great time at the hike and the lodge after. Then we had to return to the outdoors for the second night. It was supposed to be negative eighteen degrees Fahrenheit. Some people slept in the ranger's cabin because it was too cold. Next morning we hustled out of there, and toward Littleton Diner and Chutters candy store. Finally we took off for home. This was a great trip even though it was cold. You should be more experienced to take part in it, and everyone had fun.

YIS Eric Weidman