7/18/06 Tuesday: NH16 Pinkham Notch to Gorham,NH (21.2mi)

PICTURES:
1. 0816: Picture of Mt. Madison from Wildcat Mtn.
2. 0926: Continued ascent of Wildcats multiple peaks
3/4/5. 1158: Carter Notch high mtn pond
6. 1252: Picture of Carter Notch Hut and pond from Carter Dome

We arose early for breakfast and were the first in line at the opening at 0600. By 0700 we were back on the trail heading north up Wildcat Mtn, another 2500" climb. There were predictions of scattered thunderstorms today, so we kept a look out. We got through the Wildcat range without incident and by 1200 we were decending into Carter Notch for a visit with the custodian of the hut down there and lunch... The descent wasnt too bad but shortly after our departure from the hut, the first of 2 T-storms hit us... The rain from the first storm was heavy and very cold, chilling us to the bone... We had been sweating throughout most of the day and chose not to don our rain jackets. The storm began pretty abruptly as we were ascending Carter Dome but calmed a bit while we crossed the top and then slowly desipated until about 2 hours later when another less severe one came up on us as we were in the North Carter Mtn area... This second storm brought noticeably cooler weather to two already chilled hikers... We continued our trek, undaunted by the weather but cautious of the effects it would have on the rocks and roots we were traversing. Protozoa would fall twice this afternoon, injuring his pride more than anything else but landing hard on wet rocks each time. We finally reached US2 outside of Gorham and attempted to hitch into Gorham unsuccessfully for 45min until we gave up and called a taxi for the 4.5mi ride to our hotel... Definately not a hitchhiker friendly place.... We ordered pizza for delivery, showered and after eating and phoning our loved one turned in for the night...

7/17/06 Monday: Lake in the Clouds Hut to AMC Pinkham Notch Joe Dodge Lodge

PICTURES:
1. 0659: Breakfast is served...
2. 0700: Reception counter with kitchen in the background
3. 0852: Picture just outside the hut on AT north to Mt. Washington
4. 0854: View northward of Mt. Washington just north of the hut..
5. 0857: View from Mt. Washington to Lake in the Clouds hut
6. 0935: View south of the Presidential Range from Mt. Washington
7. 0958: Passenger train service for non-hiker types...;)
8. 1010: Closer look at the unique train at the summit of Washington
9. 1033: Me posing at the summit of Mt. Washington... A beautiful day.
10. 1039: View north of the route to Mt. Madison... ROCKS!!!
11. 1057: Nice views of the valley along side the Mt. Adams
12. 1127: View north of the AT over Mt. Adams
13. 1305: View north of Mt Madison
14. 1326: Closer view of Mt. Madison withMadison Spring Hut at its base.
15. 1453: View north from Mt. Madison descending to Pinkham Notch...

Breakfast was served to the guests first but by 0800 the staff and us slaves...;)... got to eat some pancakes...AYCE...:) I decided to stay for the pancakes and by 0830 had consumed my fill and decided to head out for Mt Washington... I have had views of this Mountain for at least 3 days and now on a beautiful 75 degree sunny day I was completing its ascent... We had spectacular views from the top and chose to stay up there about an hour before continuing our trip north to Mt Madison and then Pinkham Notch for the night... The day would prove quite hot with not many options for water along the way... We all stopped at the Madison Spring Hut for lunch before ascending Mt Madison and finally descending to Pinkham Notch... As youll see from the pictures the footing all day was treaterous and the descent from Madison(5363") to Pinkham Notch (2050") in 7 miles was long and difficult... I arrived at the Lodge around 1845, missing dinner again. Protozoa must have run most of the way to arrive about an hour ahead of me...LOL... Be he was in there eating and enjoying himself while I took out another dehydrated meal for the night...LOL... Grinz... theres always breakfast...:).. It was a warm night but the comfort of the bedding helped make it pleasant...

7/16/06 Sunday: US302 Crawford Notch to Lake in the Clouds Hut (11.2mi)

PICTURES:
1. 0824: Crawford Notch Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Visitor center and cafeteria
2. 0826: Pic of me taken in front of the hiker hostel from in front of the visitors center
3. 1223: My brother Phil and his wife Gisele drove a few miles out of their way to visit with me...:)
4. 1431: Webster Cliffs views of Mt Madison...WOW
5. 1433: Webster Cliffs views also of Crawford Notch
6. 1539: Trail continues along the eastern rim of the notch as you ascend Mt. Webster.
7. 1621: Mt Webster and first views of Mt Washington to the NE
8. 1716: Walking thru a bog near Mt Jackson.. the trail was well maintained by the AMC
9. 1838: View N from Mt Pierce
10. 1919: The trail up Mt Franklin was typical of most climbs below treeline.
10. 1958: View of Mt Washington from Mt. Franklin
11. 2029: View of Lake in the Clouds Hut coming down Mt Franklin.
12. 2031: Sunset view as I approached the hut...

I woke at my usual time, 0530 and noticed Protozoa was awake also... We decided to dress and catch breakfast early at about 0600... When we arrived there was quite a line of hikers already filing through the breakfast buffet, so we got in line and soon filled our plates with pancakes, eggs, bagels, fruit, sausages, etc... Ya can't beat AYCE:)... I made a "few" trips through the line until I was satisfied I wouldnt be hungry for a while...;).. Protozoa finished a bit before me and decided he would hitch to the trailhead and begin his day early before the projected 90 degree heat set in... We bid each other farewell, but would hopefully rendevous tonight at the Hut... After breakfast I packed and moved my things out of the bunkhouse into the sun so some of them would dry better. I sat on the lawn in a very comfortable Adirondak chair and quielty awaited the visit from my brother Phil and his wife Gisele. I continued to try in vain to contact them as well as my wife, having no luck with getting a signal for a cell phone call... At 1030 they arrived and we walked the centers grounds enjoying the beautiful setting. They had brought some soda I was going to use for trail majik but since they couldnt pickme up Sat night as originally planned I decided to leave the soda in the bunkhouse refridgerator. We had lunch at the centers cafeteria before finally packing everything up and heading back to the trail by 1330. I had not visited with Phil and Gisele for almost a year and enjoyed their company, very much appreciating the distance they had to travel out of their was for this visit.
At 1330 they dropped me off at the parking area up a short drive from NH302 and I continued my trek north waving as they passed me heading back to Maine... I had reminded them earlier that I would be coming to visit again in 3 weeks...;)... I crossed the Saco River and began the 2000" in 1 mile ascent of Webster Cliffs. At 1330 the temps in the notch were at 90 degrees. I had my slow and steady climb mode engaged and by 1430 I had reached the cliffs and stood there in AWWWWW. What a view... I took a 30min break and finally got through to Jackie, though I got disconnected about 3-4 time during our 15min conversation. After reconnecting with Jackie, I continued to the top of Mt Webster and on my way to my final destination of Lake in the Clouds Hut. I arrived at the hut about 2030 and opted for a work for stay. I was offered the opportunity to do dishes for 1hour and as a reward I could eat leftovers from that nights meals AYCE ;)... and sleep on one of the dining room tables... The 60 or so guests all sleep in bunks and they were full... And the guests are charged $80 each... I did my dishes and ate to my hearts content before bedding down in the dining area for the night, looking out the many windows at the millions of stars in the sky from this site .5mi south and in the shadow of Mt Washington... Protozoa paid and stayed there as a guest while Dudley, Sweettea, and Soft Lipped... all signed up for the work for stay which is only offered to thru-hikers.

7/15/06 Saturday: Liberty springs tentsite to AMC Highland Center, Crawford Notch, NH (23.0mi)

PICTURES:
1. 0711: View S of Franconia Notch and Kinsman Mtn while ascending Mt Lincoln.
2. 0716: View N of Mt Lafayette from Mt. Lincoln.
3. 0826: Dan and I with the Presidential Range in the background from atop Mt. Lafayette
4. 1054: We took a short break here while ascending Mt Garfield..
5. 1333: Preparing to depart Galehead Hut.. Had a nice lunch...
6. 1411: View of Galehead hut during ascent of South Twin Mtn...
7. 1742: A short break N of Zealand Falls Hut... Dan had a fall and was cleaning up a bit...

Well, the short day yesterday paid off... We both rose by 0530 and were out by 0610. We had reservations at the AMC center tonight and were both intent with keeping them as well as our dinner engagement there... We finished the last 1000" of Haystack set our sites on Lincoln, the first of the Presidential Mtns we would traverse on our trip through the White Mtns. It was a perfect day for hiking with little cloud cover, I took lots of pictures.. We stopped for lunch about 1250, at the Galehead Hut, where they have AYCE soup for $2 and baked goods for a buck... Well, after relaxing for a bit and getting our fill of soup and brownies, we were both ready to continue... We had a number of peaks to climb before our day would end and we both wanted it to end with a bed ;).. At 1730, we stopped into the Zealand Falls Hut to get them to radio ahead to the Crawford Notch Hut that we would be late for their 1800 family style sit down dinner which we had already paid for. We had not had cell phone signals all afternoon and with notice the Crawford Notch Hut promised to keep something for us... From Zealand falls Hut we still had nearly 8mi to go with a 3.5hr ETA. We continued on our way and found the terrain to our liking most of the way down, not counting the "bonus" miles endured due to a misinterpreted sign at a crossing... We finally arrived at Crawford Notch just as a vehicle was leaving. We negotiated a ride the 3.5mi to the center and by 2030 we were finally there... I was amazed at the grandeaur of the place... The bunkhouse was comfortable, and had only one bed open out of 20. There were a combination of bicyclist and hikers there sharing one thing...the love of the outdoors... We negotiated with the kitchen staff for our meal, the message was received by the front desk but never forwarded to the kitchen... They eventually prepared us awonderful sandwitch and fruit platter fit for a king... We devoured our meal, finished our check-in, showered, and hit the rack by about 2200. I was anxiously awaiting my brother and sister-in-laws visit in the morning and would be able to relax at least until then...

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...

7/13/06 Thursday: (AT) NH25 Glencliff, NH to Eliza Brook Shelter (17.0mi)

PICTURES:
1. 1222: Summiting Mt. Moosilauke... stopped raining but still cloud covered...
2. 1231: Visibility poor during our ascent and descent
3. 1242: Summit of Mt. Moosilauke...
4. 1417: Taking a break during our descent of the Cascade trail (AT)
5. 1420: Wooden stairs bolted into the rock... some were loose and some were missing :0... Most difficult descent on the AT thus far!!!
6. 1443: Lovely views of the Cascades throughout our descent
7. 1513: More difficult climbing down on rebarb and wood stairs
8. 1525: The Cascades...

I was up by 0600 with Protozoa, Dudley, Soft Lipped..., and I cooking breakfast before our long day was to begin... We all chipped in, Soft Lipped... soft boiled the eggs on his stove, I cooked the sausages on mine, Protozoa microwaved some baked beans, and Dudley made the toast... We had some coffee, which was on the house, and some milk... Once completed we quickly cleaned up departed, leaving Dudley and Soft lipped... at the hostel waiting for a package to be delivered... We had a monster of a climb ahead of us in Mt Moosilauke, and it took us almost 2hours to climb the 3500" in 3mile. We were greatly concerned about the previous days rains and the decent on the "Cascades Trail", 3000" down mostly rock, ladders, rungs and dangerously slippery when wet... It was raining when we left the hostel but the rain stopped as we began our climb at about 0900. We reached the top to find dense clouds and visibility of about 100yds which would change occationally when the wind would blow one cloud over the top of the mountain and before another cloud set in to take its place... We met a couple of North bound thru-hikers slackpacking south, they were concerned about the slippery conditions on the cascades and prefered to tackle it by climbing up instead of down... A wise move, one briefly considered by us two and rejected as against the "purest" model... I would have had a difficult time supporting this model had I slipped and fell...LOL...;)... At any rate, both Protozoa and I carefully made our way up and down Moosilauke with our skin intack, only our nerves a bit frayed... Reaching the bottom we crossed Kinsman Notch and NH112 and began our trek up 2600" to Mt. Wolf.... We had decided that our original plan of staying at Kinsman Pond shelter was not possible and we focused our attentions at the Eliza Brook shelter instead... After 17mi and 3 3000"+ climbs in one day we had both had all we could take... We arrived at the Eliza Brook Shelter around 1730, Protozoa filing into the shelter while I chose to pitch my tent in one of the nearby campsites... There was a group of AMC volunteer trail maintainers there having dinner and we all chatted about their work. A few minutes after our arrival Sweettea popped in for the night... We were all exhausted and ready for sleep... By 2030 we all had retired...