Western Mass Outdoor Group
Adventure name: Mount Mansfiled, Vermont
Weekend of Oct 4 th,2019
Talal’s take
Our most recent excursion took us to Mount Mansfield in Vermont. Shaped like an elongated human face when looked from aerial view, the chin is the highest point. The summit peaks at 4,395 feet above sea level.
It was my first trip deep into Vermont. I started my journey with Shaukat Matin, who at age 66 has more energy than most twenty-year-old and is always the life of the party. Fondly called Shauki, a true dare devil and pioneer in outdoor activities for Desis. We went to Zubair Bhais house in South Hadley, nestled in the Pioneer Valley, majestic in appearance and an outdoors enthusiast’s mecca. We rode to Burlington Vermont in his classy BMW, which I got to drive. We visited the Islamic Center of Vermont, an interesting place represented by a diverse community of Bosnian, Egyptian and Somali Muslims. The Islamic Center is historic and is a warehouse like area which I later learn was used as Horse stables. Incidentally they are relocating to a million-dollar property which will serve the needs of a growing community.
We had lunch at a Turkish restaurant on the famous church street in Burlington. This is a university town bubbling with energy of the youth and reminiscent of some of the architecture I saw in Montreal and Qubec. The food was ok and does not reflect true Turkish food as the owners are Kurdish Americans.
The drive to Stowe, Vermont was surreal, and we saw our first glimpses of the New England fall foliage at the backdrop of wild horses, farms and my favorite homes with chimneys sprouting smoke. We stayed at Town and Country Stowe where everyone had hostel like rooms with bunk beds. The owner was very friendly and later allowed us to pray in the coffee room.
We were joined for dinner by Atif Gul , known as Lala, from the rugged and proud northwestern region of Pakistan. He was accompanied by Masih Farooqi, a prodigal golfer and oncologist and Fahim Kazi, a nursing home specialist, an intellectual, liberal at heart, deep thinker and known for his witty remarks.
We had pre dinner appetizers with wood fired Pizza. The food was decent for the newcomers who were famished. Later we were joined by the Benjamin (Habib) brothers, Lahori mundas with a keen sense of humor and a true Lahori spirit. Business Entrepreneurs and excellent cricket players, they beat to their own tune. Zahid Bhai is the oldest brother, who lived most of his life in Pakistan and was very successful in Lahore’s famous Mercedes dealership. Shahid Habib is the middle brother, the wisest of the three and most athletic. The youngest Hamid who has lost 35 pounds on Atkins diet and is also the most good looking. An outdoor enthusiast with questionable fitness level, he surprised us with his effort.
The youngest and most good-looking member of our group is Qasim. He is Dr Zubair’s nephew and one of the nicest young man you will ever meet. He works in medical device company called Medtronic and is helping pioneer devices like ventricular assist devices. He spent his teenage years in western Mass going to a private school and excelling in academia from a very young age.
Breakfast was bright and early at Harvest Market, a perfect way to start with real food. The place was awesome with freshly baked bread, coffee and gourmet prepared food. We were able to pick up sandwiches from roast beef to turkey which we would feast on when we would reach up at the chin, the roof of Vermont. The ride up to underhill state park was breathtaking with splendor views of Vermont. We reached at 8 30 am and the parking loot was already full. We had to find parking outside and only Atif lala was able to park in the lot.
We decided to take the Sunset ridge trail going up the trail and coming down on Long trail. This was a 6.1-mile loop. We started up the CCC road and most of us immediately found that we were overdressed. Stripping started as desi men quickly lost some extra layers. Fahim who runs up the hill looking at ease as if reading the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz in his study, was well in front. Some of us were chasing some of the pretty girls from Montreal. Short of breath I tried to keep up. Hamid, slowed by carbohydrate deprivation was dead last.
The hike is beautiful and starts right next to a stream and is well maintained all throughout. We were amazed to see Canadian families with children as young as 3 and a half going up the trail which is quite difficult. Going up we also encountered several unleashed dogs that frankly were irritating. Going up and taking frequent breaks we reached the sunset ridge trail that has breath taking views of the Vermont landscape. You can see miles out with Lake Champlain snaking through marking the border of Vermont with New York state. The fall foliage was nice, but the leaves had not taken the full crimson red appearance. Thinking several times as if we are there we finally reached the chin. There was fresh snow up top though we were blessed with a clear day. It was also very wet and icy. Crampons would have been great but most of us left them in the car.
Reaching the chin was exhilarating. We were at the top of highest point in Vermont. There is something to be said about conquering a mountain. It feels like a high similar to the one when we have when we have achieved something meaningful. For some, it is getting that girl, that car, that boat or some worldly possession and just like that, it all goes away. You recognize that this mountain has been here for millennia and will be here for long after you are gone. The humility is poignant, almost endearing.
We decided to soak up the views before we headed down the long trail to get some beautiful vistas on both sides of the mountain. The trail at times was like the infamous knife edge of Mount Kathadian though not as sharp a drop. Long trail descent was much more challenging than I anticipated. It was marked by slippery rocks and balance was issue for those that have a height phobia or have weak vestibular systems. Hamid Habib, came into his element as soon as we started descending. Bouncing of the rocks as he was a superhero, he led the pack as he made going down look easy. In honesty, it was a challenging descent and I am glad that we all made it down without getting hurt.
We left the hike buoyed with euphoria and decided to go home to our families but with one last stop at Jericho cafe and Tavern in the small town of Jericho. The place was packed. The host was super nice, and we were able to help ourselves to coffee, hot chocolate, crème Brule, pumpkin rolls and chicken wings for those that were on Atkins. We planned our next trip while sipping coffee outside and taking up more views before saying farewell to our brothers. The ride home was surreal. We stopped at a rest area to offer prayers. In prostration, with clear sky under the moonlight summed up my trip. Only one word echoed softly as I dozed off going back, Taqwa, Taqwa, Taqwa.
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