Date: 2007-07-02
From: Mile Marker 1829.0

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

By now, Mr. Ed feels more comfortable in his tent than he does anywhere else. If he has a choice, he will sleep in the middle of the woods with only the sounds of streams and animals around him. That is why he had a very good night's sleep last night even though his tent was perched upon a rock. He could not find a level place, so he padded the large rock with as much dry leaves as he could find and slept peacefully. He really needed the peace, quiet, and sleep. He was up at 6:00 AM and on the trail by 6:30. He started off with a climb up Webster Mountain. He was surrounded by pine forests and rocks. The first mile was not bad at all. After that, it got steeper and the rocks turned into bolders. By that time, the trail was more like an obstacle course. He had to decide upon a way to tackle each group of bolders. The elevation changed from 1277 feet to 3910 feet. After he reached the crest of Mt. Webster, he was greeted by Mt. Jackson, elevation 4052 feet. Since he had already reached 3910 feet, the climb to Mt. Jackson did not seem like much.He stopped at Mizpah Spring Hut for lunch. Don't worry. He now knows to eat just a little at a time. He ate a bowl of mushroom soup and a piece of bread. He drank 2 cups of hot chocolate and some water. He knows the price he has to pay for putting too much into his stomach right now. His only concern is how skinny he is getting. He weight is now down to 170 something. He said his arms look like toothpicks. I wish someone could give him a big steak dinner right now. Terry and Larry - where are you? After lunch, he climbed Mt. Pierce and Mt. Franklin. He made it to Lakes of the Clouds Hut where he arranged a work for stay night. From Mizpah Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, the elevation changed from 3800 to 5012. I do not know how he has managed to climb mountains with so little food to supply energy. I think he has traveled the past week on sheer determination. Mr. Ed described this place as rocks, wind, and more wind. Wind that can blow you down.The system of huts in the White Mountains are run by the Appalachian Mountain Club. They are fully staffed with trained wilderness EMT and wilderness first-responders. They provide natural and cultural evening programs. They display cultural and natural history materials. They charge between $80-$90 a night for a bunk bed, bathroom privileges(no shower), and food. Since Mr. Ed needs a place to get out of the wind and some food, he prefers to work for stay. This is offered to thru hikers only. Mr. Ed said that he walked for 5 miles on exposed mountain tops. That means he was above the tree line. The weather changed from one moment to the next. The sun would shine, next it would rain, then followed by hail and sleet. The temperatures were in the 40s with winds between 40-50 miles per hour. Now you see why the huts are staffed with emergency personnel. He ran into 3 south bounders who reported that the wind on Mt. Washington topped 87 mph yesterday. That is where Mr. Ed is headed tomorrow. On April 12, 1934, a wind speed of 231 mph was recorded. That still stands as a world record. Isn't that a comforting thought right before he has to tackle that area of the trail.Mr. Ed is at mile marker 1840.2. He hiked 11.2 miles today.