Days 142 through 144 Gentian Pond to Carter Notch Hut

Day 142, August 23, Gentian Pond Shelter to Rattle River Trailhead (US Route 2)

Hiked today 12.9 ascent/descent  2650/4130 total hiked 1595

I got on the trail today around 7:00 AM. I am now two hours into the hike and the sun is shining and the sky is blue. What a welcome site!

The picture below is Page Pond, a beautiful New Hampshire pond.

Here’s today’s first Vista. It’s been a long time since it was clear enough to take a picture like this. This is about 5 miles into my hike at a little after 10 AM.

Another beautiful view. I’m in the midst of the New Hampshire mountains, still north of the Wildcats and the whites.

This is where I broke for lunch. What a great views to look at while eating!

I’m at a sub peak of Hayes Mountain, the last peak before I descend into Gorham. It is a 2000 foot descent to below 1000 feet above sea level. This picture, taken from Hayes Peak, shows Mount Washington.

Mountains on mountains on mountains off into the distance.

I arrived at the trailhead around 3:30 PM.  Kim arrived around 3 and hiked out to meet me.  We drove to Gorham and stayed in the Gorham Motor Inn.  We took advantage of a Chinese Buffet right next to the hotel.  After the early dinner we went to a laundromat and tried to clean my filthy smelly hiking clothes.  I even washed my shoes, which had the most stink.

The decision to “Platinum hike” the Whites

I am still having energy problems during tough hikes and have been really stressed about making it through the White Mountains, which are probably the most difficult section of the AT.

I’ve thought about quitting or taking several zero days.  I found a solution which has eliminated my stress!  I’m going to take advantage of the AMC Huts and Lodges in New Hampshire.  The huts are spaced 6 to 10 miles apart and present low stress hikes for me.  I have booked stays from Carter Notch through Galehead. I’m thinking that the food at the huts combined with the moderate hikes will actually get me back in shape for the rest of my through hike.

Day 143, August 24, Rattle River Trailhead to IMP Campsite

Hiked today 8 ascent/descent 3663/1096 total hiked 1604

Kim and I had breakfast at the Eastern Depot in Gorham.  They were really busy and it took well over an hour to finish breakfast.

Kim hiked with me almost to the top of Mount Moriah.  She turned around at the rock scramble near the peak.  Kim actually hiked 11 miles out and back to the car while I only hiked 8 to the campsite/shelter.

These are two pictures from the top of Mount Moriah the first one, I’m told, is looking north toward Maine. The second picture is centered on Mount Washington, where I’m headed.

White mountains ahead!

I arrived at the campsite around 3:15 and checked in with the AMC caretaker.  She assigned me a tent platform and I set up my tent.

This is a really great campsite with a shelter, tent platforms, a privy, a mountain stream, and even a look off!

Day 144, August 25, IMP Campsite to Carter Notch Hut

Hiked today 6.9 ascent/descent 2470/2530

This is the view from look off at the IMP Campsite. This is my starting point for today.

I slept in this morning since my hike is relatively short.  I’m going to start around 8:20 AM.

This is the first view from the trail.  If you zoom in you should see Gorham in the valley.

This view is looking back from the trail going up the steep part of North Carter Mountain pretty close to the top.

This is the view Southeast from the top of North Carter Mountain

This is the view of Mount Washington from the top of Mount Hight.  Mount Hight is just north of Carter Dome, which although higher, has no views.

And this is Carter Dome from Mount Hight.

Carter Dome had no views.  I hiked the steep descent from Carter Dome to the Carter Notch Hut.  The last quarter mile took me nearly a half hour and generated lots of knee pain.  I arrived at the Hut around 2:15.  It feels like paradise!  Hot coffee was waiting, and I also had some delicious potato soup.  Dinner will be at 6 and sounds great.

It started raining shortly after I arrived and after 4:30 there is thunder and a downpour.  I am so happy to be staying dry and getting hot food!