Date: 2015-07-29
From: Franconia Notch, NH

To: 1,829.1 campsite, NH
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to the smell of coffee and talking from the kitchen below. Forcing myself to get off of the couch, I limped downstairs to join everyone for breakfast. A meal of egg casserole, bagels, watermelon, grapefruit, OJ, and coffee was prepared and we dives in as usual. It would have been great to enjoy a day off from inside the cabin, looking out towards the Franconia Ridge in the distance, but another nice day of weather in the White's was too rare to pass on. We packed our gear and were shuttled by the parents to a local grocery where we did a light resupply. All I got was 2 boxes of pop tarts, crackers, a few Snickers, a pack of pepperoni, a bottle of water (since 2 of my 3 Platypus bags developed holes,) and a Coke that I downed before reaching the trail.We reached the trail where we left off, passing under a series of bridges along I-93, and prepared for the climb ahead. Moosehead's dad, John, led us in a prayer as we stood in a circle holding hands along the interstate. No vehicles happened to pass during the prayer and we were able to enjoy the calmness and steady words of John as he prayed for the safety and well-being for all of us over the next few weeks of our journey. Afterwards, after more hugs and farewells, there was nothing left to do but return to the trail and begin our day. At 9:45am we hit the trail and soon began moving uphill which we'd continue over the next ~4 hours as we made our way to the top of Franconia Ridge. Burnsides led the way, easily pulling away from me at first and, like Secretariat, was moving like a tremendous machine. As our initial adrenaline ran out, however, I'd catch him and we'd continue with a "slow and steady" mentality. Moosehead would soon catch us as we breaked for water and we'd continue together for the majority of the day.After a detour and enjoying amazing views atop the summit of Mt. Liberty (just to say we reached another 4,000-footer), we exited the woods onto an exposed ridge running ~3 miles between Little Haystack Mountain and Mt. Lafayette. This ~3 mile stretch, so far, takes the cake as the most scenic on the trail. I continue to hear good things about the upcoming White's, but on a beautiful day like today, this was my slice of perfection. Pockets of day hikers dotted the ridge as far as we could see as we traversed the ridge, passing most in the process. The views in every direction were simply stunning - Mt. Moosilauke rising in the west and the summit of Mt. Washington capped in clouds to the east. The trail was beautifuk, as well as relatively easy for thru-hikers. Over Little Haystack Mountain at 4,800ft, Mt. Lincoln at 5,089ft, and finally Mt. Lafayette at 5,291ft, we breaked for lunch atop the highest point we've covered since the Smokies a few months ago. The sun was bright and warm, interrupted only by occasional gray clouds and a stiff breeze, but Moosehead, Burnsides, and I enjoyed half of the day shirtless to spare our shirts from the massive amounts of sweat loss.With ~6.5 miles to go before our target, we gradually set off, saying bye to Yoohoo, Huey, and Rabbit who had joined us for a few minutes along the summit. Burnsides dropped off and Moosehead and I continued together over the last ~3 hours, maneuvering over steep inclines and declines of boulder fields, roots, and mud. We made our way ~900ft up to the top of Mt. Garfield, topping out at 4,500ft, and enjoyed a quick view looking back towards the Franconia Ridge we had traversed earlier. We made our way over a series of more boulder-strewn hills before finally reaching the Galehead Hut at 5:45pm. Hoping to do a work-for-stay, we were disappointed to find that the 2 spots had already been taken by SoBo's. They informed us of a campsite ~5 minutes down the trail where Moosehead and I set up camp. They said we could return around 7:30pm where we'd be able to have some leftovers if food remained from the guest's dinner. Burnsides, Yoohoo, Huey, and Rabbit would all gradually arrive and retire to the campsite down the trail.It's just after 8:00pm and one of the hut crew members just brought a bowl of soup to me and Moosehead that we're happily enjoying. A nice end to a tough day in the White's. My next challenge will hopefully be staying warm as we camp above ~3,700ft tonight and a cool breeze is already blowing. If I can handle the Franconia Ridge, I can handle a chilly night as well - I hope.Here's to the postcard that is the Franconia Ridge, Mt. Washington gradually growing closer, and the simple kindness of a single bowl of soup.