Date: 2015-08-23
From: AMC Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: broken clouds

The guests are woken up with soft music played by a Croo member at 6:30, with breakfast starting at 7:00 a.m. I waited until the guests were all in the dining room to use the restroom, get dressed, and gather up my things.The other 3 WFS thru hikers did evening chores and left early. The two ladies I helped a few days ago had spent the night at the hut. I was a little surprised to see them, but they looked very good. They again thanked me for all my help, and they assured me that they were drinking plenty of water and Gatorade while they hiked.I had to wait to have my breakfast, and there was not much left. Then I was asked to sweep out the bunk rooms and fold the heavy wool blankets placed at the foot of each bed. 3 blankets per bed. (I wondered if they were ever washed.) I worked at my chore for about 1 & 1/2 hours, and still had 1 more bunk room to work on when I was told I could leave. Usually WFS involves 1 hour or less of work.I was getting a late start, but that was OK. I was hoping to get another WFS at Lakes of the Clouds Hut, which would position me within 1.5 miles of Mt. Washington, where I knew there was a snack bar and I could get some non-trail food before hiking along a very long exposed ridgeline. I also wanted to make sure I was off the high ridge by mid afternoon in case an afternoon thunderstorm rolled in.WFS is usually given out between 4:30 & 6:30 p.m. If I arrived too early I could be refused and told to hike on. So I had to time my arrival at the Hut just right. With only 4.8 miles to hike, and pretty easy terrain, I took my time. It was a beautiful day, and there were beautiful views to enjoy. But I was also watching the weather. Just like Florida, thunderstorms frequently develop in the afternoons, and one was definitely developing.I was within sight of the Hut at 4:15. I lingered until 4:30, then headed for the Hut. Grace, the person in charge, was extremely nice and welcoming. I was given WFS. When I told her I was a LNT instructor Grace said that they did not have an evening program, so my chore would be to talk about LNT.I made it into the Hut just in time. It rained like crazy, but fortunately only for a short time - just enough to get a hiker and her pack soaked. The Beast and I were warm and dry.Because of its remote location, proximity to Mt. Washington, and the harsh conditions, Lakes of the Clouds Hut takes in an extra number of WFS thru hikers. So close to a dozen of us sat at our own stinky hiker table watching the guests being served dinner, smelling the food as it went by, and waiting for our turn at the left overs - and most of all, hoping there would be enough left overs for all of us.After dinner the sunset was spectacular. We were higher than the clouds, which had settled down in the valley after the rain. The sun was a red ball of fire. The light reflected off the clouds and made for quite a show. I have only seen similar sunsets from a plane.At 8 p.m. it was announced that I would be talking about LNT at a corner of the room. (Grace put aside a plate of food for me so that I would not miss dinner.)I sat at the table and initially no one came over. Fortunately a handful of folks eventually sat down and for 1/2 hour I very briefly covered the 7 principles of LNT. I enjoyed talking with the folks, but I was disappointed that none of the kids or families were interested in LNT.Afterwards I enjoyed a huge plate of stuffed shells and peas, along with 2 large pieces of gingerbread cake. I am not a fan of peas, but those were the best peas I have ever eatten. Grace took good care of me.We had to wait until 9:30 before we could start getting ready for bed. The Huts have a 9:30 lights out policy. The guests usually go to bed at that time, and the hikers spread out their pads and sleeping bags and go to sleep. For some reason some of the guests did not get the hint. So some of my fellow hikers, anxious to go to sleep, just started to pull out their gear and started getting ready for bed in a rather pushy way. The remaining guests finally retreated to their bunk rooms. I picked a spot between a table and the wall, and set up my little sleeping area. I was very glad to again have a roof over my head, and to be warm and dry.The AT is calling. Tomorrow I summit Mt. Washington!