Date: 2006-08-23
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

I did in fact get up early this morning and was on the trail by 8. The trail wasn't as bad as some nobos had told me, but it wasn't pleasant either. Actually, at times I was making really good time, but other times I was cursing the trail, well, not cursing it but repeatedly telling it how much I hate it. Its a good thing that the trails in the Whites have other names than the AT so that I can hate the Kinsman Trail instead of the AT. I took a blue blaze trail to Gordon Pond for a rest and a snack. I lied down on a rock and just watched the clouds roll by. I imagine that what these clouds look like today is similar to what people tripping on acid might see. The water particles kept expanding and contracting and rolling around on themselves. And they were so white against the blue sky. And the wind blowing on me was coming from the opposite direction than the wind blowing the clouds across the sky. I wish that Atlanta wasn't so polluted so that I could see blue skies like this in my hometown. Nice place to camp, but I must press on. I make good time on the first few miles after leaving the pond, then I got tired and the trail started going downhill. Just one more mile then its climb, climb, climb up Moosalauke. Finally, I reach the Kinsman Notch, cross the road, and climb the last of the big Whites. I've heard so much about this mountain I can't wait to get it over with because what I've heard about it is not good. Thank goodness I am going up the steep side; those nobos can go down the steep side of the mountain for once. Its only 1.5 miles but it is steep. At least there is a beautiful waterfall to look at while I am huffing and puffing up these steep rock steps. Its actually not a bad climb. I've done far worse.The Beaver Brook Shelter is full of nobos, but they make room for me. There are two women, Repunzul and Willow. Then there are three guys, Lone Wolf aka Happy Go Lucky, Sexy Monk, and Indiana. There is a family of a dad and his son and daughter called The Wanderers, and then there is Banjo Man. Banjo Man serenades us with songs he sings and plays on his banjo, well camp guitar, he had to send the banjo home because it weighed too much. I wish that I was hiking with Banjo Man every day as I really enjoy listening to him play music. I imagine this is what it was like for the mountain folks of long ago before television and movies and cell phones and internet. Just good folks sharing stories and enjoying each others company. Again, I am reminded of how segregated and isolated society is becoming. Where has the true meaning of a community gone? Again, I am so impressed at how people from so many different walks of life, from so many different parts of the country can all get along and interact just like an extended family. It is getting chilly and Banjo Man is winding down his serenade. The sun has set and I can no longer see the picturesque view of Franconia Ridge and the mountains I crossed over just today. I may not have enjoyed all of my hiking trail today, but I have definitely ended my day in the most positive and relaxing way possible. All is good and I am happy and content with where I am right at this moment.