28 DIVISION III

Rounding the southwest corner of Bourn Pond the Trail swings northerly, passing a private camp on the west side of the pond and crossing several brooks. Continuing with but little change in elevation for about 3 mi., mostly on an old abandoned railroad grade, it reaches what was known as the Buck Lumber Job. Here is located Swezey Camp, open front, with stove and bunks. This camp is 300 ft. off the Trail to the right and is not in sight from the Trail, but is beyond the lumber shacks which are visible. Distance from Willis Ross Camp, 5 3/4 mi.; time 5 to 6 hr. (Southbound about the same.)

At the point where the path leads to the camp, the Trail turns down the old "Rootville" road to the left, and follows it 1 mi. to Prospect Rock. The path to Prospect Rock itself leads off to the left 100 yd. The rock is high up over Downer Glen, and gives wonderful views of Equinox Mt., the Taconic Range, Dorset Valley and the hills far to the north. From Prospect Rock the Rootville road leads down 3 mi. to Manchester Depot on the Rutland R. R. Manchester is a fashionable summer resort, with a famous golf course and club, and fine hotels. At the point where the path leads left to Prospect Rock the Trail turns opposite, to the right, and runs north over the ridge, but on quite easy grades, 5 mi. to the Bondville road, (Vt. Route No. 101), crossing a small brook at the road. Just north of the road is Aeolus View Camp, open front, with bunks for 16, stove and a tin roof. From this camp one gets a charming view of Mt. Aeolus, framed in trees, across the Battenkill Valley. Distance from Swezey Camp, 6 mi.; time, 5 to 6 hr. (Southbound, about the same.)

DIVISION III 29

Passing in front of the camp, the Trail leads northerly over a hill, 1 mi. to the Peru Turnpike (Vt. Route No. 11). This is part of the Ideal Tour, and the Trail crossing is 6 mi. east of Manchester and 4 mi. west of Peru, where supplies may be purchased. Auto stages pass here daily. On the road, a little east of the Trail, is the tourist camp of Oliver LaChance, who has several small cottages, and will supply the hiker with food and lodgings at reasonable rates. Mail and parcel post may be sent here in his care. Address: Manchester Depot, Vt.

From the Peru Turnpike the Trail runs mainly northeast in the woods for 2 mi., then emerges into an open pasture and runs a short distance along the upper edge next to the woods because of the view. The late "Marsh" Hapgood, veteran Peru Hotel owner, described it as the "Grandest View on Earth," and in clear weather it is indeed splendid. Turning north into the woods again, it is a stiff climb of 1 mi. to the top of Bromley Mt. This mountain Mr. Hapgood gave to the state, and it will be included in the National Forest which is now a reality for Vermont. The mountain top is well wooded, but a ladder nailed to a tall tree enables one to see the view, if willing to risk the climb. But watch your step as the ladder is somewhat shaky. The trail runs from here north and northeast 3 mi. down to the abandoned Peru-East Dorset road, on the north side of which is the Mad Tom Camp, open front with stove and bunks for 16. Distance from Aeolus View Camp, 7 mi.; time, 6 to 7 hr. (Southbound, about the same.)