So, in the first update in over a week, I have a lot to report. When I got back on the trail Saturday night after my friend dropped me off at the base of Smarts Mountain, I began hiking up at around 8:30, as it was getting dark. At 9 or 9:30, it was dark and I was walking along by headlamp. All of the sudden, out of the dark a voice called out to me “hello?” Startled, I began talking to two intrepid ladies who had had a long day. After climbing the mountain earlier in the day, one had become tired and was suffering from heat exhaustion. Unable to get down from the mountain, they decided to stay put. I had a cell phone, and together with my satellite tracker we were able to get a rescue crew, eventually totaling around 25 people, to our location, and began the long gurney trek to the bottom in pouring rain. Arriving around 2, I was asleep by 3 at the ladies cabin nearby. The next morning, I got a much delayed start, having to retrace my steps back up the mountain, and am now a day behind my schedule.
With that adventure out of the way, I began my hike. I immediately ran into my old friend Joey (Sundial) and we decided to sprint for Maine together. You can read more about his hike at joeyandjohn.blogspot.com. Sunday was an easy introduction day. The next day, we set off early. We crossed Mt. Moosilauke and Mt. Wolf, and after a stop in town to re-supply, we were done with a 25 mile day. The winds on Moosilauke were very strong, and we frequently stumbled to keep our balance.
Tuesday we crossed all of Franconia Ridge, with steep ascents and rocky ridge lines high above treeline in the “alpine zone.” That night, we were able to work for stay at one of the mountain huts, cleaning dishes in exchange for a chance to devour leftovers and sleep on the dining room tables.
An early start Wednesday morning brought us over more mountains, to another mountain hut at the famous Lakes of the Clouds area, high altitude, crystal clear ponds on the slopes of Mt. Washington. Again working for stay (a welcome warm meal and place to stay), we departed the next day for the summit of Washington in 50 mph winds and fog. By the time we reached the summit, the winds were gusting over 70 mph, and there was sleet and mist whipping around our faces. At the summit building, we holed up for an hour, and then I set off for Pinkham Notch, with Joey staying behind for a few hours. The there were many more rocky ridge lines, with the winds very strong, and at times I was concerned I would get knocked off my feet down onto the rocks. Arriving at the Notch after dark, I put my sleeping bag down in the clump of trees by the parking lot of the visitor center at the base of Mt. Washington, and was ready at 6:30 the next morning for their all you can eat breakfast.
A brisk hike that day took me out of the White Mountains, with Joey catching up to me the night before.
The next day, now hiking with a third member of our party, Jessica (Orbit), a girl from New York who is a speed demon when it comes to hiking, we came into Andover, Maine (Note that I said Maine, as in the LAST state on the trail). At the hostel now, I am preparing to leave, and therefore must get going! Keep following the tracker, and in less than two weeks I’ll hopefully climb Mt. Katahdin!
Chris
Wow, super exciting week! Glad you´re safe and with friends, too. Give Joey a hug from me, keep hiking fast, and I´ll see you in a week and a half
xoxoA
Hi, that was me in the gurney. We are so grateful for such a good Samaritan to help us off the trail. Wish i’d had the chance to talk to you more. Just trying to find the link for contributing to your cause…25-30 miles in one day…you are awesome. I’ve resolved to let you in shape younger people to do this climbing stuff.