August 25, 2012

Start: Kinsman Notch, NH 112

Yesterday, Phatchapp recommended that we hike Moosilauke southbound. He said descending down the north side of the mountain can be dangerous, so that's what we decided to do. We took a shuttle to Kinsman Notch and started the 9.3 mile day with a 3000 foot climb. For the first 1.5 miles, we climbed alongside a beautiful, cascading waterfall. It was a steep, difficult, but fun climb! For the next .5 miles to the shelter, the trail climbed up part of the waterfall that was just trickling, but still slippery. We reached Beaver Brook Shelter and took a break. We were hoping some of the clouds burned off so we could have a view of Franconia Ridge from the shelter, but we were still in the clouds. Towards the end of the break though, we could see the faint outlines of the mountains that are in our near future. Intimidating, but beautiful. We continued up to the summit. The 2.3 miles from the shelter to the summit were not as steep. About .4 before the summit, we left tree cover. It finally felt like we were in the whites! We ate lunch at the summit (4,802 feet, our first 4000 footer of the trip), but with the lack of sun, I was cold. We only stayed about 30 minutes before we started the hike down. On the way down, Brian and I were talking about what we've taken away from our hikes. I think the two greatest lessons I've learned out here are to live in the moment and to simplify life. Before the trail, I was always planning 15 steps ahead of where I was or what I was doing. On the trail, I've learned to live in the moment and the rest will come. This really stood out the other day with the sheep. I knew we wanted to get them to their owner, but I dealt with the situation without worrying what I would do next. As we were walking them down the mountain, I wasn't worried about what we were going to do. That kind of thinking was not characteristic of pre-trail Heather, but it is of Flicka and will be of post-trail Heather. I know some things in life require planning, but I will live in the moment as much as possible, because I now realize that if I'm always steps ahead in my mind, I'm unable to appreciate where I am or what I'm doing at that moment. The other lesson that Flicka has taught Heather is that life is enjoyable when it is simplified. Having my basic needs met and spending time with those who I love are really what make me happy. Everything else is just "fluff," and while fluff is sometimes nice, it isn't necessary to my happiness.

Somewhere during our philosophical (and one of my favorite) conversation, we reached NH 25 in Glencliff and walked to the hostel, where we found Baltimore Jack! Baltimore Jack is a bit of a trail celebrity, being featured in many trail movies and books, and having completed 9!!!! thru hikes. We met him back at the Doyle in Duncannon, so we caught up for a bit before Phatchapp drove us back to the hotel. We REALLY enjoyed our day today. Mt. Moosilauke is a beautiful hike with amazing views!! Tomorrow, we have a big 16.3 mile day from Kinsman Notch to Franconia Notch so I am happy to be in a bed to rest up for that!!

End: NH 25, Glencliff, NH - Staying at the Carriage Motel in North Woodstock, NH

Peace Be The Journey
~Flicka