July 24, 1955 Scragg Mountain

Trip Reports

July 24, 1955 Scragg Mountain by Leader:

Sunday July 24th; 1:00 P.M.

Hiked to lookout tower on Scragg Mtn

Dick, Dot, Larry and Christine Babcock; Phyl Murphy, Markus I & II McCorison; and Doc., Mrs., Marlene and Carolyn Bryant all met at the library as usual for our debarkation. The day was again a beautiful, warm and very clear day. We parked our cars at the 3 mile sign from Mt. Scragg on the Waitsfield side.

The first 1 1/4 miles was a dirt road followed by a 1/2 mile of cart tracks where the grass was growing in the middle of the roadway. The final 1 1/4 miles was over a dry stream-bed and was both rocky and grassy in turn and combination along with the usual gravel and muddy dirt. The incline for this last 1 1/4 mile was between 45 degrees and 60 degrees for the most part.

When we got to the tower we were pleasantly welcomed aboard by Ranger Lee Baker who pointed out various places of common interest to us. Visible in the distance were Montpelier, Roxbury, Mt Mansfield, and Camel’s Hump. Other directions that were not visible were Northfield, Waterbury, and Burlington. He also described the triangle method of spotting fires in conjunction with two other lookout towers, and also how the map and pointer work together.

The trail was cool and undercover of the trees for nearly half the way and there were two spring locations that had not dried up and offered us refreshment most welcome as it was a warm “walk” up the incline. Many pictures were taken. Also lunches were brought by a few. Cookies and such also helped whet our appetites.

On several places a railing had been constructed for aid over the rougher spots and one in particular place Chris Babcock sat on one to wait for us and it fell through with her! (no scratches.) Markie McCorison hitched several rides with the men-folk and the Bryant girls with Larry Babcock kept way ahead of the rest of the group for the whole hike, both ways.