Day 128, miles today - 13.0, total - 1,825..8

July 24, 2013

Franconia Notch to Galehead Hut.

Bruce, Patty, Sharon and Hank dropped B-Rocket and me off at the trailhead at 7:20 am. It was great seeing and hiking with my friends from Ohio.

We had a big up today. We were going over Mt. Lafayette, by way of Franconia Ridge. We had to go up almost 4,000 ft. There was a chance of rain in the morning, but by early afternoon it was to be mostly sunny. Unfortunately, the sun never made it out. When we were above treeline at the top of Franconia Ridge, there was a strong wind and light rain. The temperature was in the low 40's. While at the top we saw Sundance, G Funk and Frost. We hiked with them for a mile or so. 

When we got below treeline we stopped for a lunch break. After lunch we had a a steep down.

There was a lot of small streams running across the trail today. We didn't need to carry as much water as we sometimes do. The sky did clear for a little while in the late afternoon, giving us a view of the surrounding mountains.

As I was stepping onto a wooden walk board I slipped. As I fell, my left hand went into the soupy mud, up to my wrist. When I landed I was laying on the boards. So I stayed clean and dry, except for my hand. B-Rocket saw me go down. When she stopped laughing, she took my picture. It's the first time I've fell since Virginia. I've had plenty of near falls, when I've been able to save myself.

We hiked to the Galehead Hut. People pay over $100 to stay at the huts. They have bunks and serve meals. Thru-hikers are sometimes able to do "work for stay". When we arrived it was a little before 5:00 pm, we asked about doing a work for stay, The girl told us that there were other hikers coming behind us and that we'd have to keep going. We'd been on trail since 7:20 am and had no desire to continue hiking. We asked if we could hang around to see if anything changed. By 5:30 there was a total of six thru-hikers here. Only two of us could do the work for stay. The four others didn't care if they did the work for stay or not, so B-Rocket and I were able to do it.

After the guest finished had eating, we were able to eat any food left over. After we ate we did the dishes and set three mouse traps. We get to sleep inside, on the floor in the dinning area. In the morning we get to eat a free breakfast. After the guest finish eating we have to sweep the floor.

Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow.

Day 127, miles today - 16.3, total - 1,812.8

July 23, 2013

NH 112, Kinsman Notch to Franconia Notch.

Patty, Sharon, Hank, B-Rocket and I started hiking this morning at 6:00. We were doing a fair amount of miles and it was supposed to rain all day, so we wanted to get an early start. Today is the earliest B-Rocket has ever been on trail. She was a trooper.

We were out for 12 hours today. It rained for at least 10 hours. Most of the time it was just a soft rain. The weather prevented us from having any views. Most of the trail was very rocky and steep. It made for slow going.

We had almost a 1,000 ft. climb up Mt. Wolf in the morning. We stopped at the Eliza Brook Shelter for an early lunch and break. By this point we were all wet. Sitting there made us a little chilly, but we would warm up soon enough. After lunch we had a 2,000 ft. climb up Kinsman Mountain. It was very steep and rocky. It was very difficult, but at the same time, beautiful.

We stopped at the Lonesome Lake Hut. It's the first one I've seen. It was nice. There were several people in the dinning area. People pay over $100 to say at the huts. B-Rocket, Sharon and I went inside. B-Rocket and I got a cup of hot chocolate. There are several huts in the Whites. Thru-hikers can do what's called "work-for-stay". You do some chore and then you can sleep there and eat for free. They only take a limited number each night. We hope to stay at one tomorrow night.

We had several water crossings today. Most were not very deep, but one was a bit challenging. I got wetter than the others. My foot slipped and I sat down in the water. I was already wet from the all day rain, so there was no harm done.

Bruce was waiting for us at the parking lot. We went back to the house to get cleaned up. We went out to eat at the Woodstock Station Restaurant.

It was great getting to hike with Sharon, Hank and Patty. Tomorrow B-Rocket and I will be back on trail together. 

It might be a few days before I can post again due to a lack of service.

Day 126, miles today - 8.4, total - 1,796.5

July 22, 2013

Jeffers Brook Shelter to NH 112.

We started hiking this morning at 8:00. Most of the people at the shelter were up and moving about. At least two people left before B-Rocket and me.

Our climb up Mt. Moosilauke started within fifteen minutes. We went up 3,800 ft. It was over a four mile stretch, so while it was a pretty big up, I didn't think it was too bad. As we neared the top we were in dense fog, which meant there weren't going to be any views today. It was cooler near the top, which I liked, and there weren't any mosquitoes. We saw a lot of dayhikers on trail today. I'm sure that will continue through the White's. Before reaching the top we noticed how close the small trees were growing to each other. Towards the  top there were tall cairns built to show where the trail is. If the ground was snow covered, they would help a lot.

 

We stopped at the Beaver Brook Shelter for lunch. Not-A-Bear was already there eating.  B-Rocket and I stayed there for about one hour. I ate pretzels and Nutella and a couple snacks. We originally planned to hike 9 more miles to the next shelter, but instead decided to get off at a road crossing in 1.5 miles. We decided to meet up with my friends that are section hiking the A.T. We are going to hike with them tomorrow.

After we left the shelter we had a big down. It was very steep, with many large and sometimes slippery rocks. We took our time going down. There were four thru-hikers just in front of us. They were moving pretty fast. There was Mud Mouth, Yard Sale, Maniac and Wise Owl. 

There was a very pretty cascade next to the trail on the way down. We had two south bound thru-hikers pass us. We always stop to talk to them.

When we got to the road crossing we got a ride into North Woodstock with Wise Owl and his father.

 

Maineiac resting

 We had a couple hours before my friends would pick us up, so we went to the Truant's Tavern to eat. I had lobster roll sliders. It was my first time having lobster roll, it was very good!

Bruce, Patty, Hank and Sharon picked us up at around 5:00 pm. They had already rented a house to stay at for a few days, so they said we could stay with them. I went with them to a restaurant. I only had a bowl of chili, since I had already ate. B-Rocket stayed at the house, I believe she napped.

I'm looking forward to hiking with my friends, from Ohio, tomorrow. It looks like there's a strong chance of rain tomorrow.

Day 125, miles today - 10.7, total - 1,778.1

July 21, 2013

NH 25A to Jefferson Brook Shelter.

We left the hotel at 7:00 am. Bruce and I dropped Sharon, Hank and Patty off at the AT trailhead where they are beginning their hike. Bruce then dropped me off at the NH 25A trailhead at 8:45. I waited there for B-Rocket and her friends. 

Hank, Sharon, Bruce and Patty

At 10:00 Jamey dropped off B-Rocket, Katrina and her dog Jack. Her three other friends decided not to hike with us today. Our hike today was pretty easy. B-Rocket, Katrina, her dog Jack and I maintained a good pace. 

                 

 Jamey, Kelly, Amber and Dan went into town and did trail magic at the road crossing. Jamey also drove several backpackers into town so that they could resupply. At this point, Jamey has definitely earned trail angel status.

                               

     Kelly, B-Rocket, Amber, and Jack (dog)

B-Rocket and I both went through our gear, deciding what items we have to have as we enter the White Mountains. We will be at higher elevations, which will mean cooler temperatures.

I would have liked to have done more miles today, but after the Jefferson Brook Shelter we have to go over Mt. Moosilauke, which is almost a 3,800 ft. climb. We wanted to save that for tomorrow morning. At the shelter B-Rocket toasted marshmallows over the campfire, offering one to everyone. Today is B-Rocket's birthday, she's now 23. There are eleven nobo's here tonight.

Day 124, miles today - 16.1, total - 1,777.4

July 20, 2013

Lyme Center, NH to NH 25A.

Before leaving Bill Ackerly's house, I saw Pig Pen sitting on the back deck. I hadn't seen him since my fourth or fifth day on trail. His mother and father were doing trail magic in Georgia. Right after I left them, I met Pig Pen. I hiked for several miles with him, and for a few nights stayed at the same shelter. It was great  getting to talk to him. With the facial hair he looked a lot different, as do I of course.

B-Rocket and I, along with her mother and four friends started hiking at 8:30 am. It was a clear and warm morning. To start our morning we had a 2,000 ft. climb to the top of Smarts Mountain, which has a fire tower. There was a great view from the top of the tower. When climbing to the top of the tower the wind was very strong. I kept both hands on the railing as I went up and back down. I had hiked ahead of B-Rocket and her friends on the way up the mountain. They got to the tower one hour after me. G-Funk, Sundance and Maineiac were at the tower too.

Kelly

                                                                                                

Our next up for the day was 1,500 ft. to the top of Mt. Cube. I had been in contact with four friends from Ohio. They were going to meet me at the end of our day at NH 25A. Once again, I hiked ahead of B-Rocket and her friends.

When I reached the road crossing at 4:45 Sharon, Hank, Patty and Bruce were there along with B-Rockets mother, Jamey. It was great seeing them. Sharon, Hank and Patty are section hiking the A.T. Bruce is going to shuttle them through some sections of the trail. B-Rocket's mother gave me a soft drink and some fruit as we relaxed for a few minutes. Sundance, G-Funk and Pig Pen showed up too. After some discussion it was decided that I would spend the night with my friends at a motel. I was able to take a shower, and Sharon even did my laundry. They treated me to dinner at the Cow Restaurant.

Bruce was going to drop me off at the trail in the morning, at which time I would meet back up with B-Rocket and her friends.

The mountains have been getting bigger and prettier each day for the past week. I'm entering the White Mountain Range which is known for it's beauty, and it's difficulty. Hopefully the weather will work out for me.

Day 123, miles today - 16.8, total - 1,761.3

July 19, 2013

Hanover NH 120 to Lyme Center, NH.

At 7:30 am Fran drove B-Rocket and me back to the trail, even though it wasn't on her way to work. She made our stay with her very comfortable. It was amazing!

It was going to be another hot and humid day. Soon after we got started the mosquitoes hit us in force. It wasn't as bad as the experience I had a few weeks ago, but it was close. All we could do was to keep moving forward. After ten miles we stopped at the Moose Mountain Shelter for lunch. Soon after we got there Garfunkel, who also goes by G Funk, and Sundance walked in. The four of us ate lunch and took an extended break. We only had another seven miles to hike. B-Rocket, Sundance and I took a nap in the shelter. We were there for 2-1/2 hours. The privy there was one without any walls, but it did have a roof. The nice thing about not having walls is that there's very little odor. The four of us hiked together the rest of the day.

B-Rocket napping

  G-Funk                                                     Suncance

                                                                                   Privy

After leaving the shelter, we all stopped at a very small stream to get water. While there, Maniac, Mud Mouth, Yard Sale and there dog Bo showed up. We all hung out there talking for several minutes. Afterwards we hiked together for a little while.

                                           Maineiac                                                   B-rocket



We had one big up left for the day. It was 1,000 feet. It was very tiring in the 90+ degree weather. Once at the top we did have an overlook with a pretty nice view. At the overlook I met Atlas and Glover. I had heard their names before, but I had not met them.

                                                      G-Funk, B-Rocket and Sundance

We hiked to Dorchester Road in Lyme Center, NH. We were all staying at Bill Ackerly's house. He lives 100 feet from the trail. He allows hikers to camp in his yard and gives everyone ice cream, lemonade and water. He has over 1,000 hikers per year. Another example of amazing generosity. Tonight there are ten thru-hikers here. There's Sundance, G-Funk, Mud Mouth, Yard Sale, Maniac, Atlas, Glover, Not-A-Bear, B-Rocket and me. B-Rocket's mother and two of her friends are here also.

B-Rockets birthday is in a couple days, so her friends are going to hike with her for two days. Two more of her friends are coming tomorrow. B-Rocket made a birthday cake in Bill's kitchen. Everyone went inside to have cake and to sing happy birthday. The cake was delicious! While inside it started to rain. Everyone had their tents set up in the back yard. By 10:00 we were all ready to go to sleep.

Bill Ackerly is very nice. He's leaving his patio door unlocked so we can use his bathroom during the night. Sundance commented to me earlier in the evening that it's hard to believe we are experiencing evenings like this. It's amazing!

It's really nice bring around so many other thru-hikers. We have all experienced many of the same things, good times and bad. And we are all determined to finish this awesome journey.