7/14/06 Friday: Eliza Brook Shelter to Liberty Springs tentsite (11.4mi)

PICTURES:
1. 0832: Eliza Brook from one of our many sitings...
2. 0954: View of N. Kinsman from S. Kinsman Mtn.
3.1051: Views from N. Kinsman...
4. 1053: View of Lonesome Lake 2.5 miles N and 1500' descent..
5. 1341: Lonesome lake with Kinsman Mtns in background

We arose early and were both still feeling a little weak in the knees from the previous days climbs... But we were entering the White Mtns now and these climbs would be a daily occurance... After a bagel and Cliff Bar breakfast, we started up Kinsman Mtn, another 2000" climb from the shelter... We took a break on top, as we usually do, to recover and appreciate the moment before heading down to Franconia Notch... The day would prove to be a short one with the next climb up Little Haystack. By 1600 we had climbed 2400' and came across the Liberty Springs tentsite. The next campsite was three peaks and 8+miles away. We decided to stop short here and try to get in a big day tomorrow... There was no shelter, so Protozoa and I shared my tent for the night (my 2man Hubba-Hubba). The blackflys and mosquitos were so bad that for only the second time of my trip I chose to cook in the vestibule of my tent. I would stick 1 arm out the tents bug netting to adjust the stove settings and quickly draw it back in... After boiling my water for my "gourmet" dehydrated meal, I mixed em together and carefully ate it in my tent... Were always careful never to get any food particles in or on the tent for fear of a rodent, or larger animal coming by to investigate... By sundown, all the blackflies were gone and only a few mosquitos lingered about... It would prove to be a pleasant night with plenty of stars and mild temps...