The Whites continued...

The last few days hiking thru the White Mts. have been amazing. The weather has been a little inconsistent but no worse then expected.
Thursdays hike took us up Mt. Wolf, South Kinsman and North Kinsman Mts. The weather was perfect. Blue skies mixed with the occasional clouds and cool breezes greeting us at every summit. Friday we awoke to cloud cover at Kinsman Notch. We left the safety of the low notch and climbed up Franconia Ridge. A Steep, rocky ascent crisscrossing a cascading stream. As we steadily gained elevation the clouds began to seep thru the trees and then we were surrounded. The clouds dropped moisture onto everything and a cold wind blew. As we crossed into the alpine zone, the 5200 ft. Summit of Haystack Mountain came into view. We crossed over the summit hiking along the narrow ridge with thick clouds blowing passed us. The rocky, treeless trail led us up to Mt. Lincoln and then onto Mt. Lafayette. Visibility was minimal but for brief moments the clouds would lift and reveal the rocky ridge in front of us. This 13 mile hike has to be one of my favorite sections. We camped that night at the base of south twin mt. And built a raging fire while a slow rain began to fall. I just traded my hammock in for my old trusty tent and was happy to have it back. But I awoke early that morning with wet feet. My tent had sprung a leak! It didn't mother me though my mind was on bigger things. Uncle Chuck and aunt Charlie were meeting us at Crawford Notch 15 miles away and setting up trail magic. I hiked with a purpose...Chuck and Charlie's culinary expertise should not be overlooked. He brought smoked ribs with homemade BBQ sauce. Charlie made home made cornbread, potatoes salad and Cole slaw. It was spectacular! They left us that afternoon and we trudged slowly to our campsite with a full load of leftovers. We sat around the fire that night talking about the great trail magic and the next days hike...Mt. Washington
I was encouraged this morning to find clear blue skies. We all enjoyed Monster Mochas compliments of Charlie. It was just what was needed to begin our attack on Washington. A steep climb to begin followed by a gradual ascent. The hike was full of great views. Visibility was perfect. We hiked much of the day in the alpine zone with views of Mt. Lincoln and Lafayette behind us. The 11 mile hike Brought us just shy of Washington. Were staying in the "dungeon" at Lakes of the Clouds hut one mile shy of the summit. Tomorrow it's a steep 1000 ft climb to the summit of the tallest mountain in the northeast.

Mt. Lincoln

3500 ft climb this morning to Mt. Lincoln summit. The rest of today's hike across the Franconia Ridge will be in the alpine zone. Beautiful views...if these clouds blow over.

Into the Whites

We entered the White Mountain National Forest Tuesday one man short. Sabertooth's knee has bothered him since the beginning. The wear and tear of 1800 miles has taken it's toll. With a knee that wouldn't support his own weight Saber reluctantly headed home Monday afternoon. Our "fearless leader" is gone but we must push on. And push on we shall into the formidable white mountains of new Hampshire. These mountains will be our biggest test. Huge steep climbs topping out well above treeline, sharp knee splitting descents and unpredictable weather lies ahead. In the middle of the Whites is Mt. Washington. It boasts "the windiest weather on earth," the possibility of snow all year and stands some 6200 ft above sea level (highest mt. in the north east)
Walking into The White Mountains tuesday morning, it didn't take long to realize what we were up against. Mt. Moosilauke rose in front of us as we walked out of Glencliff NH. 3800 ft of elevation gain over 4 1/2 miles. The trail was rocky and steep the whole way up. As we neared the summit, we passed by the last twisted trees. Above tree line everything changes. Without the protection of the trees the wind was having it's way with us. The temperature had dropped considerably since leaving the base of the mountain. Clouds obscured any possibilities of views but I wasn't upset. The wind was cutting thru us like a knife. Not long after touching the summit and doing my best "predator scream" in Sabertooth's honor, I rushed back down to the safety of tree line.
The next week will be much like this. Working hard to break into the alpine zone, hiking above tree line then steep descent down into low gaps. Fingers are crossed the weather will be good!

Mt. Moosilauke rock climb

Mt. Cube, south peak

Vt - Nh border

Goodbye Vermont!

We made plans to push across the New Hampshire border and into the town of Hanover on Friday. We changed our plans after finding locals jumping from this awesome bridge and cooling off in the river below. It was 96 degrees outside and the mountains of Vermont weren't cooperating. Instead of a huge 26 mile day we opted for a 20 with lots of down time by this beautiful river. A great last day in my favorite state yet.

White River Bridge Jumping

Bluegrass leap of faith

Work for stay

Well we hiked all of 3 miles today and then we got a little sidetracked. The trail was leading us around a beautiful pond with mountains rising above us on all sides when we came across a sign reading "Mountain Meadows Lodge." A couple hundred yards up a freshly mowed lawn stood a large red lodge. It seemed quite inviting so we took a closer look. We found the check-in desk vacant so we ventured deeper into the dining room were a very nice girl sold us a cold coke and offered us breakfast leftovers which we kindly excepted. At this point we began wondering what it would feel like to spend the day in this wonderful utopia. I introduced myself to Dave, the groundskeeper, and inquired about the possibility of doing work in exchange for lodging. It took a little persuading but in no time at all Dave was escorting us to our room. Three beds, television, a private bath and a view of the lake! After dropping our bags he handed us paint brushes and caulking guns and put us to work. We put a fresh coat of paint around the trim outside and sealed the huge windows over looking the lake. We worked diligently as a family of loons called from the lake behind us. It was a strange feeling to be preforming manual labor for the first time in four months but i was grinning ear to ear. 3 hours of rewarding labor before relaxing poolside.
After a huge spaghetti dinner I found a cozy hammock and watched the sun set. Vermont my be my favorite state yet.

Mountain Meadow Lodge

And I would walk 500 miles....

Back in the saddle again!

More beautiful country these last few days. I've been hiking in the heart of vermonts ski country. Ski slopes have been visible from most vistas and we have shared a couple summits with ski lifts. No complaints though, the scenery gets better everyday. We have bagged Styles Peak, Bromely mt. Peru peak, Bear mt. And killington mt. The mountains get bigger everyday. We are less then 50 miles from New Hampshire border.
Over the past week our crew, the high end homeless, has splintered. Sabertooth hiking behind me. Squirrel and Blue hiking a short distance ahead of me since Sunday. On Tuesday I arrived in Rutland, Vt. Squirrel and Bluegrass were waiting with Squirrels parents. His parents treated us to Ponderosa and took us to the Long Trail brewery where the beers were on Mrs. Conway. A most enjoyable day that got better when we arrived at the Long Trail Inn and found Sabertooth enjoying a drink at the bar. A glorious reunion indeed! Sabertooth said it best, "let's finish the game."

A little piece of VT....

Indian Pipe

Looks like some sort of fungus but is classified as a flower. It lacks chlorophyll which causes the white translucent color.  

Scenes from the Trail - June and July

Check out some of the latest photos from the trail!

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Bromely Mt.

The Green Mountains of Vt

  The hiking in New England gets better everyday.  Many highlights since crossing into Vermont Wednesday. The greatest night yet on the trail came thursday night. We hiked up Glastenbury mt. late that afternoon and climbed its 150 ft. fire tower. The old metal structure had a roof, four half walls that reached our hips, and had windows at one time but were since removed. With 360 degree views of the stunning Green mountains, the sun setting to the west and a full moon rising in the east, we settled in for the night. It was windy and cold up there but well worth the experience.
   Stratton mt. was another spectacular mountain. We summited the 4000 footer Friday afternoon and could see for miles. The decent into the vally and by stratton pond was stunning. Walking down thru the spruce forest past numerous streams, every rock and tree stump covered in bright green mosses. We took the opportunity to cool off in the pond at the base of the mountain. where I come from this pond would be called a lake. With the hiker funk knocked off our bodies we finished out the 26 mile day at spruce pine shelter. 
  Quick resupply today in Manchester, Vt. This town has a McDonalds which is always a treat. We don't pass up a dollar menu. With our belly full, clean cloths and small resupply it's time to hitch a ride back to the woods. Bromely Mt fire tower by sunset!

Sunset over Green Mts

View from Glastenbury Mt. Fire tower

Vermont!

Mt. Greylock into Vermont

  Woke up early wednesday morning and climbed Mt. Greylock. Massachusetts highest peak, Greylock was socked in with clouds. They cleared for a moment and gave me just enough time to snap this picture of the observation tower. 
  Walked thru North Adams, MA around lunch and wouldn't you know it? All you can eat china buffet 1/2 mile down the road. Enjoyed a long lunch with Pancho and Nachita, two thru hikers I met earlier in the day. 5 plates later we were stuffed and started to make the slow wobble back to the trail head. But before hiking back into the woods I walked past a rather conveniently placed liquor store. I grabbed a cheap bottle of "Black Velvet" whiskey to celebrate our newest milestone. It was a 7 mile hike up the ridge before we entered Vermont. The whiskey provided the perfect night cap to a great day. 11 states down, 3 to go!

MA moon

Camped in a huge Meadow Tuesday night at the base of Mt. Greylock. Laid here watching the sunset and the moon rise. Great way to finish the day.

MA Sunset

Zero Day with the Johnson Family

It was an excellent weekend complete with good food and great family. Friday afternoon we were caught in a huge thunderstorm hiking down Mt. Everett. We arrived at the trailhead soaking wet where Uncle Chuck was waiting. He drove us back to his hunting camp a couple miles away where we got some much needed hot showers and dry cloths. The weekend consisted of eating, eating, and then eating some more. Bluegrass said it best, "food drunk." The food was magnificent and the company even better. My aunt and uncle sure know how to take care of thru hikers. We got back on the trail Sunday morning loaded down with sandwiches and leftover bacon from breakfast. Everyone regretted not packing out some of Chucks pulled pork. After 17 miles of hiking we laid in an empty shelter reminiscing about the great food and good times. Definitely a weekend to remember. Life is good! Thanks Chuck "deer pimp" and Charlie "mrs. Deer pimp." Maine or bust!

Connecticut

20 miles up, down and across Connecticut yesterday. I was Drenched in sweat and lacking energy all day. I arrived at the Pine Swamp shelter just before dark completely exhausted. The mosquitoes ravaged me as I prepared my gourmet ramen dinner. They were relentless. The skeeters laughed at our bug spray. When dinner was finished i was too lazy and tired to throw up my hammock. I had just enough energy to crawl into the shelter and enter "cocoon" mode. My micro fleece sleeping bag liner fits me so that I'm able to pull the bag completely around my head. All night the mosquitoes dive bombed my head and buzz around my ears. I fell asleep to the sounds of my hiking companions cursing and swatting the evil blood suckers.
This morning I awoke early with big miles on the agenda. Still damp and sticky from the previous days work. I'm immediately greeted by a swarm of gnats and mosquitoes that surrounded my face. If you can picture Pigpen from Charlie Brown, you have a good idea of what the cloud of bugs looked like. Im fairly certain I swallowed a few while trying to eat my breakfast. Extra calories I guess. I was hiking by 6:30 a.m. and drenched in sweat by 6:35. No worries though. Bluegrass, Sabertooth, Squirrel and I are spending the weekend with my Uncle Chuck and Aunt Charlie. I may finally be able to taste some of Chucks famous margaritas.

Crossing into Massachusetts tomorrow morning.

Sunset over Connecticut

New York

   Great hiking and good weather this week. Stayed the night in Vernon Nj at a free church hostel on Tuesday night.  A cheap breakfast at the Mixing bowl the next morning, pancakes eggs hash-browns and coffee for $2.50. Love those prices! Steep climb out of Vernon that morning and a cool breeze to greet me at the top reminded me of what I had been missing since Tennessee. The rolling hills of Virginia and the rocky, flat terrain in PA and NJ left me missing the sharp inclines of the deep south. New York has been a welcome change. Challenging climbs and rewarding views.  Crossing into New York we climbed Waywayanda mountain, Prospect rocks, agony cliffs, eastern pinnacles, and cat rocks. Lots of rock scrambles and hand over hand climbing. 
  Thursday started rough. I was hiking thru a dense meadow with 4 ft. tall grass and shrubs. The trail was barely wide enough to move thru. As I approached a stream crossing emerging from the grass i felt a sharp sting around my ankle, then another and another. It took me less then a second to realize bees were swarming my legs. I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, swatting bees off me the whole way. My hiking buddies 50 yards ahead were alarmed at first, then laughing hysterically.  The bees got me 4 good times. No worries though. 5 miles away trail angel "Patio" washed away my pain with cold beers, hotdogs garnished with bacon, and lots of good tunes. 3 hours later, with a full belly, I was hiking again. But as usual Blue, Saber, Squirrel and I got distracted. A swimming hole is always enticing and Island Pond was no different. We were joined by Akuna-Matata, Pele, Sgt. Pepper, Green Man and Vittles. The chance to knock the hiker funk off was appreciated. That evenings hike was exceptional. We trekked up and down thru wide open cove forest with tall green grass covering the forest floor. Squirrel even spotted a black bear moving thru the woods. Somehow after all the messing around we still managed to make it to camp by dark, 20 miles from where we began.  The next 40 miles across Ny included views of the distant NY city skyscrapers from Bear Mountain and crossing the mighty Hudson River.
  Yesterday we arrived at Amy and Bills house just a couple hundred yards off the trail. Every year they throw a 4th of July party for thru hikers. They are great people. Currently there are upwards of 20 hikers here and the number will continue to grow. They are feeding an army here. Amy has been cooking waffles all morning and the burgers and dogs aren't far off. I cant forget about the huge pile of beer and Ben n Jerry's ice cream either. We are all extremely thankful to celebrate this holiday here. 
Life is good! Happy independence day!

Hudson River

Swimming Hole!

Trail Magic with "Patio"