Day 107 - Saturday, July 17, 2021
Quack, Quack, Quack! I’m beginning to feel like a š¦. Rain is back in the forecast for the next few days where it will be elevation dependent. This is one of the wettest summers we have had in several years. Our garden back home is certainly prospering from it. Jean tells me we have so much squash, lettuce and tomatoes that she could open her own table at the Regional Farmers Market š
š½ š„¬ .
We are continuing hiking in the White Mountain National Forest from Lost River Road, NH 112, Kinsman Notch (1803.7 NoBo) to Franconia Notch (1820.0 NoBo) equaling 16.3 miles. This is another challenging hike that includes a 3500 ft climb over 7 miles. I’m sure our rock “friends” will be there to support us whenever they can as well šµš«.
We began hiking at 10 am (late start) under cloudy skies that looked very threatening; temperature was 66°. We’re going to wet š”…
The trail didn’t waste any time throwing rocks & roots at us. And yes it’s raining. It started 5 minutes after we started. We are quickly learning that NH & Maine sections of the AT are the hardest sections of the entire trail. Never ending steep rock slopes that will eat you up and spit you out at a blink of an eye š³.
Lonesome Lake.
AMC Lonesome Lake Hut. Reservations are typically required.
They sometimes chisel bearclaws into the bedrock to give you a secure footing on the rock.
Meet “Zandolf”. He completed his thru hike in 2014. Today he is providing “trail magic” to the thru hikers. He had beer š³ and Gatorade in his backpack. I enjoyed a refreshing Gatorade. Some people providing “trail magic” are trail runners where they bring the “trail magic” to you rather than set up at a trailhead. It’s all greatly appreciated!
On the summit of Mt. Kinsman. There was no view today neither due to the rain and fog.
I think I’d rather run through a gauntlet of Samurai warriors than hike in weather like this. At least they would kill you quickly and with honor.
Due to the late start and challenging trail conditions it took us longer than anticipated to finish. I finished in the dark š¦.
We’re taking a “Zero” tomorrow to lick our wounds, dry out and do some laundry. I go through all my clothes in these wet rainy days very quickly. We are also going to finalize our hiking itinerary through the Whites and make reservations at the huts that we’re planning on using.
Till next time... Happy Hiking š„¾
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“Acts of generosity in this wild and primitive setting…where basic amenities…are intentionally absent–are often received in a heightened sense of wonder and gratitude by hikers. These acts of generosity are referred to as “trail magic.”
(Appalachian Trail Conservancy)
Those rock climbs look treacherous! That, along with the rain and the 7-mile up at the start must have been brutal. Lonesome Lake looks pretty cool. I wonder if it has any fish? š¤
ReplyDeleteJust be careful! love ya
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