I took the day off to ice my knee and rest before the last big peaks of the White Mountains - the Kinsmans (Kinsmen?) and Mt. Moosilauke. Injected a bit of normal into my life by getting a ride into Lincoln and going to the movies to see Mission Impossible. Back on the trail tomorrow. … Continue reading Tuesday, August 14 “Zero Day with a Trip to the Movies” (Kreg) →

11 hours of sleep later, I woke up ready to tackle Mt. Garfield and Franconia Ridge. The Ridge is listed as the #6 best hike in the world on some website - 3 miles of exposed ridge line with outstanding views of New Hampshire, Vermont, and, on really clear days, the Atlantic Ocean. I hiked … Continue reading Monday, August 13 “An Impromptu Visit!” (Kreg) →

Tough hike today. Hit three peaks in misty, cold rain, but was singing Dispatch at the top of my lungs to keep the energy up! Passing hikers were either entertained or perplexed. The descent from these peaks was one of the steepest on the AT in New Hampshire. Lots of rocks, big steps down, and … Continue reading Sunday, August 12 “Slippery Rocks” (Kreg) →

Began today by lighting out of Mizpah Hut where I did work-for-stay. Chipping ice off the back of the freezers for an hour earned me an amazing meal and a spot on their floor to sleep. The cliffs descending into Crawford Notch were beautiful (and steep). I hitched to the AMC Highland Centre with a … Continue reading Saturday, August 11 “Saturday Night Fever in Zealand Falls Hut” (Kreg) →

Wow wow wow wow. It was worth the wait. Woke up at 4000 feet today completely in the clouds. No visibility whatsoever, but I knew that the forecast predicted a clear day for the summits. Hung around camp waiting for the clouds to go, but at 8:30, I had to get going or else I … Continue reading Friday, August 10 “The Presidentials” (Kreg) →

Crazy long climb today out of Pinkham Notch. Once above tree line, the trail turned into endless piles of jagged rocks. There were 50-75 mph wind bursts, and I couldn’t see more than 20 feet in front of me at times. Luckily, I didn’t catch much rain, so this was a pretty awesome experience. The … Continue reading Thursday, August 09 “Madison” (Kreg) →

Waiting or the weather to get a clear day for the Presidentials. I think it’s worth it! White Mountains, Randolph, NH, United States

I came down to a visitor center in Pinkham Notch today and was trying to decide if I should wait to go up to Madison and Washington or just go. The weather says showers and thunderstorms for two weeks straight, so I don’t think waiting another day will matter. But while I was debating this, … Continue reading Tuesday, August 07 “Nero before the Presidentials” (Kreg) →

I saw Mount Washington for the first time today! So awesome to see where I’ll be headed. It was also extremely hot - I couldn’t drink water fast enough to replace what I was losing in sweat. I did work-for-stay at the Carter Notch Hut. Thru hikers are allowed to sleep on the floor of … Continue reading Monday, August 06 “The Carters” (Kreg) →

Today was a treat. My parents drove up to meet me, and it was such an amazing (and emotional) reunion. Luckily, I’d had the chance to shower and get a night’s sleep in a bed before they got here, so I looked (and smelled) better than at the end of my previous day’s trek through … Continue reading Sunday, August 05 “A Day with my Parents” (Kreg) →