Date: 2010-06-29
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Mitzpah Hut
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: fog

1  CPR. Many of us hikers left our boots outside the Galehead Hut on the porch under a very large overhang. I also left my tent out to dry a bit more. Unfortunately, the wind blewThe rain in such that everything was soaked. UTC had 1" of water in his boots. I shook out my tent the best I could and packed it away. I set it upright in the corner and after awhile I noticed a very large puddle on the floor then to make matters worse, I saw that the "open" end was up!  I then turned the open end down and probably drained another good pint of water from my tent2. Report.  Just before dinner last nite, The Huffman Happy Hikers presented UTC and me with the Anchient and Royal Order of Hiker Mardi Gras Beads for helping them across the stream earlier in the day.  Dinner last night was outstanding. We had dijon chicken; however the guests must have liked it also because there wasn't all that much left for hikers fare. I did have two bunches of broccolli, two plates of rice, medium salad bowl, two loaves of herb bread and a couple small plates of a chocolate GORP surprise. Just before lights out, we were serenaded by the Zealand Falls Trio: Julie, lead guitar, Toben, fiddle; and Ashley, harmony. It was a nice ending to a good day and we all retired shortlyMy replanned near-term plan is much superior to my original near-term plan. I've stayed at 2 huts and may be able to make several others in the near-term. This has allowed me to defer my food resupply stop. Also, i'm planning to take the A-Ztrail to next hut, while UTC is going to be a white blaze purist and take the A-B-C...X-Y-Z trail to the same hutUTC was sawing logs like a lumber mill last night. I got up and noticed Woodchuck had already moves outside and so did I. It was a beautiful night - nice breeze, gentle water fall and totally clear night with a full moon. I took some nite photos and thought I would go to sleep immediately but didn't. I was watching the stars and heavens and they began some finite-infinite thinking. On one side we have humans building rocket ships and satellites that explore the universe as well as send humans to the Moon (or we used to could). On the other end, we humans are so trivial in the grand scheme of plans that I'm reminded of one of my favorite Bible verses, Genesis 1:1.  I may not have gotten much physical rest, but did get a big spiritual boostUTC was up early and hiking since he had a long day in front of him.  Breakfast was pretty good - egg caserole, oatmeal, cornbread, pineapples, granola and coffee. Woodchuck and I swept the floors to finish our work. The day started very clear; but started raining before I began hiking. It was a rather easy section to Crawford Notch.  The rain eventualy let up and the Sun even came out for most of the afternoon.  The trails is still pretty much a muddy quagmire in a lot of places. The AMC has an Highland Center at the Notch. I saw many of the guests from our stay at the huts, relaxing in style, clean and in dry clothes. I stopped at the cafeteria for a sub and a beer and then finished my hike to the hut. Itnwas 2.7 miles, straight up. I checked in for "work for stay". Used To Could arrived a bit later. Bandana Man and Speed Racer dropped in for a water break and then decided to hike on.Life is Great!