Date: 2014-07-13
From: rt 112

To: rt 25
Miles today: 9.0

Rt. 112 to Rt. 25¢Moosilauke Mountain¢9 more miles!Standing at just over 4600 feet, Mt. Moosilauke is a looming giant. When we arrived at the parking lot at 6:30 this morning, we knew we had a challenge before us. The Beaver Brook trail is reputed to be one of the toughest as the rocks are often wet from the towering waterfalls of Beaver Brook. They are also not of the same substance, as we quickly discovered. The rocks on the Kinsmans were rough and our shoes could grip the steep slabs easily. Just across the highway, the rocks of Moosilauke are smooth and slick. In addition to anticipating the vertical climb, complete with rebar handholds, the weather prediction called for thunderstorms in the afternoon¢1:30 pm, to be specific. That didn¢t give us much time to climb this behemoth.We arose at 5 am. I made breakfast burritos while downing a cup of coffee, and we were out the door at 5:50, heading for the mountain in the misty morning. We didn¢t speak much during the ride as we contemplated this climb. Both Rammy and I were feeling the effects of the Kinsmans from the day before. I seriously wondered if I was up for the challenge of today¢s hike. I was tired.We began the hike, and the walk through the forest was filled with bird chatter and the sounds of splashing water. Before long, the climb began. Handholds were placed into the rocks and wooden steps aided our climb. Even though I was wiping sweat from my eyes, the climb did not seem as difficult as I remembered it. As always, Rammy was right behind me, hiking strong.After nearly two hours, we reached the Beaver Brook shelter, just a mile from the start of the trail. Even though the climb had taken us longer than expected, I was beginning to feel strong and didn¢t want to stop for a break. We continued climbing as the trees became smaller, and the sky began to become more visible. Mist blew through the trees. and we commented that we were no longer sweating or being plagued by mosquitoes. We trekked on, invigorated by the coolness and the changing scenery.Finally, after three and a half hours of climbing, we emerged above treeline. Although the summit was shrouded in mist, the alpine flowers grabbed our attention and awe. There is something about climbing above treeline that affects all who do it. Rammy said that it didn¢t matter that there were no views up there. The experience of being in the alpine zone is an overwhelming one of happiness, excitement, and peace. I know all those don¢t go together, but that is how I feel every time I summit at these altitudes. All in the world is good at the top of these mountains¢¦unless the weather changes. And that is what we were trying to avoid.So, our summit celebration was short, and we headed down after a few pictures. The walk along the summit down to the AT trailhead was nearly a mile, so Rammy was able to enjoy the above-treeline experience for a little more. The sun occasionally peeked out and patches of blue could be seen. Then, big dark clouds would darken the path. We knew we had to keep moving. The walk down was not difficult, but I was tired from the mileage of the past week. When we finally reached the final stream crossing (which was really a river), I just plunged in, soaking my shoes and feet. The cold water gave me momentary relief, but I had to wear my sloshy shoes for the ride home because I had forgotten to bring my Crocs. Oh well.We emerged out of the bushes, literally, to see Bob standing at the car, waiting for us. He was our trail angel today and picked us up at the end of the hike, gave us a tour of tiny Warren, NH (there¢s a NASA missile standing in the middle of the town!), then suggested dinner at Woodstock Inn and Brewery. We drove to pick up my car, and the rain began. Torrents fell hard. I felt sorry for the hikers we had met along the path who were probably still on the trail, heading for the shelter. They would be soaked.There¢s nothing quite like a cold beer after a long hike! Even though my socks and shoes were soaked, the beer soothed away all. And now, I am home, showered, warm, and looking forward to a zero day tomorrow. I will watch the rain fall and sip coffee, happy to be home. Life is good.