Date: 2011-08-18
From: Glencliff - Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Glencliff - Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Pretty day!I slept well last night once I was able to get to sleep. Ms. Janet, Country, MT and I went to breKfast then she took me to the clinic for my back. I guess I waited almost 90 minutes for them to work me in.The doc, a women named Caitlin O'Donnell, was great. Her husband thru-hiked on '06, I believe, so she is familiar with the lingo and issues. The spot on my back is definitely infected.'mshe cleaned it then numbed the spot and did some mushing to get some of the infection out. It isn't absessed so that is good. She bandaged it up, gave me two scripts and sent me on my way.Ms. Janet took MT yo get sandwiches while I was with the doc so we headed to the Trail so we could slack Moosilauke SoBo and she was going to get my scripts filled.It was a beautiful day, I had practically nothing in my pack. It's 4 miles up and a total of almost 6 back to the hostel. It took us about 4 hours to summit. It is steep and I was going slow. Even with very little weight any pressure on the spot on my back is painful.The wTerfLl which runs beside the Trail is spectacular and what make the Trail so slippery and difficult. The recent rains made for really full flow. That northern side is steep - several sections have wooden blocks embedded. To help with the climb, or decent, and other sections have debar to hold as you climb/descend. I couldn't look down.Mostly rocky and lots of roots. A sign at he start says 'extremely difficult' and basically don't continue if you aren't prepared. It is hard. It is also doable if you are prepared. Just need to go at your own pace and enjoy.Moosilauke is the gateway to the Whites - the views are amazing - it's time to reap the benefits of 1700 miles of hiking. The peak is above tree line. Sort of a grassy bald but better 360 view - the layers of mountains are breath-taking. A winding stone path leads up to and down from the summit; at several places hikers have built very tall cairns - it's quite special. Small sign marks the summit and there are a couple of rock wind breaks folks have built - it is very windy and even with the sun shinning chilly. I was happy to have my long sleeve shirt, down jacket and cap. Out of the wind I was comfortable and enjoyed lunch and the views. As we were leaving Catalyst and Milo got to the summit so we stopped and chatted with them.The decent was long. My knees are definitely telling me they did a long down today. It was bot nearly as steep on the southern side. Still pretty woods - mainly evergreen and the smell is so fresh - its great. Got back to he hostel about 19:15.Ms. Janet, bless her heart, couldn't get my scripts cause the pharmacy couldn't get my drug card # from the insurance card info - she was able to get me 3 doses. And, she brought me yogurt cause we know what happens to women with antibiotics. So, tomorrow, back to Rite Aid. In the meNtime I'm trying to find my drug card #.Thankfully Ms. J had a chicken casserole, salad and green beans almost ready - she is amazing. I got cleaned up, ate and now am about ready to go to sleep.Guess I'll be slacking again tomorrow. I don't think my back will be ready for a full pack weight.Tonight I'm so grateful for Ms. Janet!