August 26, 2012

Start: Kinsman Notch, NH

We got an early start today since we had a 16.3 mile day planned. We were on the trail by 7:30 am and started the day with about an 800 foot climb over .7 miles. That woke me up better than any amount of coffee! We both felt great. The sun was shining, it was still cool, and we felt strong. We continued along a bumpy, gradually ascending 4 mile stretch to the peak of Mt. Wolf (3,478 feet). It's interesting how a 3000 foot mountain felt huge just a couple of weeks ago and now it feels like a warm up! We had a bumpy descent to Eliza Brook Shelter where we rested and ate lunch. After 45 minutes, we were ready to take on Kinsman Mountain. We had heard from numerous people that it was a tough, strenuous climb and didn't have quite the payoff that the Whites are known for, so I wasn't really looking forward to it. My mindset quickly changed though (sometimes I think I'm better off not hearing what others think about the trail that lies ahead of me). For almost a mile, the trail gradually ascended alongside Eliza Brook. There were beautiful waterfalls and small pools that formed beneath the falls. I love hiking to the sound of flowing water! After the trail left the brook, it shot UP! As we reached the end of the 2000 foot ascent, I found myself letting go of my poles to literally pull myself up and over ledges and rock faces. It slowed me down a bit, but it was fun. We reached the south peak (4,358 feet) and took a small break with Dangerfoot and a southbounder. Looking ahead to Kinsman Mountain North Peak, it seemed like a daunting climb, but it wasn't bad. We descended about 500 feet just to ascend 400 feet to the north peak (4,293 feet), but the view of the Franconia Ridge was spectacular. The tall mountains covered in green with peaks of granite shining in the sunlight literally left me speechless as I looked across at them. We've been on Franconia Ridge before, but I still can't believe we have walked here from West Virginia. Thoughts and pictures of our journey played in my mind in the same way the AT thru hike You Tube videos have played on my computer screen for years, but now the memories, the pictures, the happiness, the fulfillment were mine to revel in. We descended a steep 2.5 miles down rock faces, sometimes with wood blocks (placed by the maintenance crew for assistance), sometimes sitting and sliding down, and sometimes with a combination of careful hand and foot placement and a bit of luck. We reached Lonesome Lake Hut and took a break. Lonesome Lake is one of the two AMC huts we haven't been to yet, so we were excited to check it out. With 3 miles still to go and about 2 hours of day light left, we began our final descent (Whenever we are heading down at the end of the day, I literally say "We are beginning our final descent. Please place your trays and seats in the upright and locked position." It always makes us laugh). It was a nice gradual descent with patches of rock, a bunch of bog bridges and some stream and river crossings. The last crossing was a little tricky for me (the bridge had been washed out by Irene last year) but I made it across without falling in. Brian made it across easily before me and with his long legs, he made it seem so easy... I guess that's a second reason for his trail name along with his speed! When we finally reached the end of our day at Franconia Notch, we discovered that we had a .9 mile walk to the parking lot where the shuttle was picking us up. We were tired, but it was a paved bike trail so we figured it wouldn't be so bad. After .2 miles, we saw a sign pointing to a trail in the woods that said .6 miles to the parking lot. Back in the woods we went, walking quickly over rocks and roots in almost darkness (our headlamps were buried away and we were trying not to miss the shuttle). We reached the parking lot just in time for the shuttle! As we were getting in, we realized the paved bike path lead to the same place... Oh well! 16.3 miles may not be our longest day, but hiking those miles in the Whites definitely made it our toughest day yet. It was a great day, but we are both ready for a shower and food if we can get them in before our eyes close!

End: Franconia Notch, NH - Staying at The Carriage Motel in North Woodstock

Peace Be The Journey
~Flicka