Date: 2016-07-16
From: Fire Wardens Cabin

To: Glencliff NH (Hiker Welcome Hoste
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We had an early rain shower not mong after I made it to the tent but it didn't last long. I made it through the night with no bear encounters either. The plan today was to hike 20 miles and get to a hostel to get clean, fed and resupplied before starting the White Mountain Range on Monday. I was the first out of camp at 7:30. That means I get to clear the spider webs for the ones coming behind. At one area I had my treking poles up going through some vegetation and I looked up and there was a perfect round web between my two poles. I'd have loved to take a picture but I only have two hands and they were on the poles. The terrain has changed and we are hiking on more rocks, boulders and slabs of rocks now. There is still dirt trails between the piles of rocks. I made it to a beautiful overlook and chatted with a couple of day hikers. He had thru hiked in 2002. I was making good time and continued on. Heading down the mountain I passed a day hiker Stiles...he thru hiked the AT last year. He gave me a power water which was most appreciated and on I went. I made it ten miles by noon and waiting for me was a bag of trail magic. It had healthy food in it and bread and turkey. I was going to pass on the turkey but it was still cold so I made a sandwich and it was really good. Had some dried mangos and chocolate covered pretzels. There was a bag of something that looked sweet and good. I took a handful and started eating and they were not sweet but had a hot kick to them. I finished what I had in my hand and had a few more pretzels. During the afternoon I had a couple of short climbs and the rest was down hill. I made good time. Towards the end I hit a large rock and hyper extended my knee. I thought oh boy...I was able to walk it off though and think its going to be okay. The trail is taking its toll on my body though. I have felt a little discomfort in my ankle and yesterday it locked up on me. I tried to stretch it to no avail, so I put weight on it and went slow and it finally loosened up for me. I was able to make it to the hostel by 4:00. Sitting in the common room was Spirit of 76. She didn't recognize me anymore...at least at first. I hadn't seen her since I went home with the leg injury at week six when we were both at Woods Hole Hostel. I got my stuff done before heading to bed. Everyone is ready for the White Mountain Range that includes the Presidential Mountains. People have bee talking about this since Georgia. We finally get above tree line and the weather is some of the most unpredictable in the country. You have to be ready for winter weather. Mount Washington has had the highest wind ever recorded on earth. Lots of rocks and boulders mean lower mile days and you have to pick where you will be staying wisely. There are some Huts(places, resorts for rich people) but they are very pricey. Sometimes they allow thru hikers to work for stay. If the weather turns too bad they have to let you stay or you become a liability to them. They generally keep their guests and thru hikers separated though. The next 100 miles are going to be a challenge but the views will be some of the best to date where you can see forever 360 degrees. After the Whites we are in Maine. Hopefully the weather will cooperates for the next week...wet rocks will really slow things down. The weather was great today as it was a beautiful day for a hike.