Tuesday, July 12 began one of the real highlights of the hike. This was the several day stretch of hiking the “Presidential Mountain group in the NH Whites. 

Started long uphill from Franconia Notch (Notches or ” Gaps “are low elevation spots between mountains that have roads and trailheads where hikers can begin their uphill climbs). About a 3500 ft elevation climb over 4 miles (ie long and steep), but great views at the top of Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette 

It was about a 5 mile mountain ridge walk above treeline. 

Hiking friends Tom, Katherine,, Chip and Jan. Hiked down Mt Garfield at the end of the day and found a stealth site for the night 

Whenever you go down, you know you have to go back up! Next day no different. Up Mount Webster and Mt Jackson… A long day of hiking to get ready for the summit to Mt Washington the next day. 

Here are some views of our summit up to Mount Washington. The highest peak in the Whites at 6288ft. They say that clouds preclude any view from the top 300 out of 365 days a year. Needless to say, we only saw fog, but it was still quite and adventure, hiking from cairn to cairn in very strong winds. 

BBy the end of the day we had hiked over 12 miles, more than my limit for the Whites, and I treated myself by staying at one of the Huts for the night. 

Next morning morning up  and down Mt Madison. Very rocky, need special care going downhill. 

 

Nice to have hiking partners Chip (Clothesline) and Jan (Jangogh) watching out for me. 

Made it to Pinkham Notch that evening. Final three Presidentials the next day :Wildcat, Carter and Moriah Mts:

 Fortunately, muscles are getting stronger every day. 

Made it to Gorham NH with Jan and Chip last night. I’m taking a Shuttle tomorrow to Monson ME to begin my final trek through the “Hundred Mile Wilderness” section of the AT in Maine. This should be completed by summiting Katadin. 

I’ll miss Jan and Chip on this last stretch. New lifelong friends I’m sure Stephanie and I will get to see again. 

The journey so far has been fantastic. Definitely stretching my physical (and sometimes mental) capabilities to the limit. Making new friends. Enjoying the outdoors immensely. Hiking with family has been great. I really miss Stephanie, grandpa, kids, friends from home. I’ll see you all soon. 

Tuesday, July 12 began one of the real highlights of the hike. This was the several day stretch of hiking the “Presidential Mountain group in the NH Whites. 

Started long uphill from Franconia Notch (Notches or ” Gaps “are low elevation spots between mountains that have roads and trailheads where hikers can begin their uphill climbs). About a 3500 ft elevation climb over 4 miles (ie long and steep), but great views at the top of Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette 

It was about a 5 mile mountain ridge walk above treeline. 

Hiking friends Tom, Katherine,, Chip and Jan. Hiked down Mt Garfield at the end of the day and found a stealth site for the night 

Whenever you go down, you know you have to go back up! Next day no different. Up Mount Webster and Mt Jackson… A long day of hiking to get ready for the summit to Mt Washington the next day. 

Here are some views of our summit up to Mount Washington. The highest peak in the Whites at 6288ft. They say that clouds preclude any view from the top 300 out of 365 days a year. Needless to say, we only saw fog, but it was still quite and adventure, hiking from cairn to cairn in very strong winds. 

BBy the end of the day we had hiked over 12 miles, more than my limit for the Whites, and I treated myself by staying at one of the Huts for the night. 

Next morning orning up and down Mt Madison. Very rocky, need special care going downhill. 

 

Nice to have hiking partners Chip (Clothesline) and Jan (Jangogh) watching out for me. 

Made it to Pinkham Notch that evening. Final three Presidentials the next day :Wildcat, Carter and Moriah Mts:

 Fortunately, muscles are getting stronger every day. 

Made it to Gorham NH with Jan and Chip last night. I’m taking a Shuttle tomorrow to Monson ME to begin my final trek through the “Hundred Mile Wilderness” section of the AT in Maine. This should be completed by summiting Katadin. 

I’ll miss Jan and Chip on this last stretch. New lifelong friends I’m sure Stephanie and I will get to see again. 

The journey so far has been fantastic. Definitely stretching my physical (and sometimes mental) capabilities to the limit. Making new friends. Enjoying the outdoors immensely. Hiking with family has been great. I really miss Stephanie, grandpa, kids, friends from home. I’ll see you all soon. 

After a brief 2 day return to Cooperstown for July 4th, Ben drove me back to Hanover NH to start the final portion of my northern AT hike. Starting around 1 pm, I began hiking alone up Smarts mountain. As planned, I reunited with hiking partners Jan and Chip at the Fire Wardens Cabin on the summit 

Next morning, down Smarts and then up and down shorter Mt Cube. Around 3 pm that afternoon, we reached a road and the map told us to hike right on the road for a bit to find the trail on the other side. We missed the AT trail sign and kept on walking. Eventually, we knew something was wrong but just at that moment, we were right in front of a small local lake. Went for an impromptu swim

Stayed at Hikers Hostel that night. Next day they helped us slack pack our first “real” hike up a NH white Mountain. 

This was Mt. Mooselauke, 4800 ft peak. Biggest, hardest challenge yet. Made even tougher buy having hike in the rain. 

Read above sign 

E

Next day was an even tougher climb up Kinsman mountain. Also raining. 

Today is a rest day in town to resupply and do laundry. 

Tomorrow is exciting because we are starting the trek along the “Presidentials” which are  the classic white Mountain peaks. Also glad for excellent weather forecast! 

Legs are in great shape so far. Getting stronger. I’m also still loosing weight! Will look like Dr. Edmonds soon. 

Will keep you posted. Thanks for following. 

After having a lunch at Qu’s Whistle Stop Restaurant that included steak and eggs, home fries, three sodas and a cup of ice cream, my new friends Jan and Chip continued hiking on. I waited a few hours for Bob to be dropped off to begin our hike. It was about 5 PM and heavy rains were forcast so we roughed it up in a local hotel for the night. 

Early next morning we started at the suspension bridge just outside of Rutland VT. 

Long hard hike about 9-10 miles up to the summit of Killington. Did some steam fishing on the way up. Finally arrived around 5 just before a brief thunderstorm. Quickly pitched our tents followed by dinner in the adjacent shelter. 

Early next morning we hiked the final 200 yards up to the summit. Nice views all around. 

Then started hiking down. All day… Along the way, just outside of Killington VT, the trail branches off. The Vermont Long Trail continues northward to Canada and the AT veers off to the east towards NH and the white Mountains. 

reached VT state Park late afternoon. Hiked into town to local deli for dinner. 

After dinner some more fishing 

Next morning started off with more of the same… Fishing along the way. Had lunch at a shelter just before it started to pour. 

Need day was a mostly downhill walk back to the Bob’s car near Woodstock VT 

Along the way we stopped for lunch at a Tower Cabin.  Look at the tower on top that we were able to climb up. 

. Bob had some usual hiker blisters and achy knee by the last day, but did an awesome job keeping up with his “semi pro” hiker father. 

Taking a very brief 2 day detour to Cooperstown for the 4th of July but will be back on trail early next week to begin hiking the Whites in New Hampshire.