A Week in the Whites!

Days 107- 114

June 10- day 107 end -1,829.1.

Our hiking plans evolved around the weather and getting the most of our views, with that said it was an amazing early June day, full sun and about 70 degrees. We started early, leaving Eliza Brook Shelter about 7 a.m. This shelter is a few years old and is a beautiful hand-hewn log shelter. We headed up Kinsman to first the south peak, (4,358 feet) and then the north (4,293 feet) Kinsman peaks, Little Haystack was next (4,780’ feet), followed by Lafayette mountain (5,260 feet) and finally Garfield on the day ( 4,500 feet). Nineteen miles back packed with 7,400 feet of ascent and 6,500 feet of descent. We ended the day at Garfield Ridge Shelter. AMC $10 pass. *** most amazing day yet, also sore and tired.

Day 108, June 11. Heavy winds and rain as expected pushed by a cold front, South Twin Mountain (4,902) and Zealand are the only summits today. Hoping the weather clears up, we get a later morning start. All fogged in.

June 11 – day 108 – Garfield Ridge Shelter to rt 302 to Fresh Ground – taco Tuesday baby! Rain most of the morning, heavy fog. Summited the Twins (4,902) and Zealand no views. Stopped at both huts to dry and snack. Seventeen miles on the day. Ascent 3,800 feet and descent 4,500 feet. Sun and heavy winds finished the day.

June 12- day 109- 1,864.8 end marker, ascend Mount Washington from rt. 302 ( Crawford Notch). Climb up my most in a single day at 7,560 feet, descend 3757 feet. Initial climb took six hours less two five-minutes breaks. We summited Mounts Franklin and Monroe on the way to Washington. The day was stellar,with barely a breeze at summit and 65 degrees. The sky was robin egg blue! Caught up with Slice and Wow halfway way to summit! Fresh Ground met us with personal pies, sodas and pizza. We did work for stay at Madison high hut after we summited Jefferson and Adams. At this point in my personal opinion, New Hampshire and specifically the Whites are my hands down favorites. The hiking is pure and hard and the views are earned. Love it!!

June 13- day 110- left Madison hut and summited Madison 5,367 feet. Headed down to Pinkham Notch for lunch with Fresh Ground and then to Rattle River Hostel – Nero! Windy on Madison – 40-50 mph gust, overcast and upper 30s! Rain and wind after lunch – pulled the plug!! Great view in the morning giving way to dropping temps in the afternoon!

June 14- day 111. It was a killer day, 21.3 miles, Pinkham Notch to Rattle river hostel. Mostly clear day, 60 degrees and late afternoon showers. 14,800’ ascent (6700) and descent (8100) . 6 miles short of 1,900 miles and 16 miles from Maine!! Woot woot!

June 15 – Nero at Rattle river hostel! Nicely run- clean, friendly and efficient!! My sister Debbie drove over from Barrington and fed my tramily amazing homemade salads and subs. It seemed like a ton of food, but us hungry hikers made it all vanish by the evening! Thanks Deb- much appreciated!!

June 16, ( Fathers Day) Day 112 – 21.4 miles to Full goose shelter from Rattle river hostel! Over 14,000’ in ascent (8,200’) and descent! Beautiful day, warm and partly sunny! Good bye wildcats and New Hampshire! Hello 14th state – Maine!!

June 17- Day 113 – 15.5 miles on the day, full goose shelter thru mahoosuc notch and arm onto Frye shelter. Tough day! The notch was fun, still had snow and ice in it! 1,930.6 marker! Blue sky’s and 60 degrees! Perfect hiking weather!

June 18 – Day 114, Frye shelter to 14.6 to south arm, to Human nature hostel. Met Yukon of Naked & Afraid fame! Resupply, eat, snack and eat again! New injinji socks and Altra superior 4 to finish- 247 miles to Summit!! Saw Why not and Good Samaritan heading NOBO and three SOBO hikers too! Nice day, intermittent sun and 70 degrees!