Date: 2015-07-19
From: lake of the clouds hut

To: Mt. Washington
Miles today: 1.3

Activity in the hut occurs early in the morning. Guests began to gather in the lounge waiting for coffee as I rose. The thru hikers gathered to have coffee and meals from our packs for 1st breakfast. We waited for the guests to finish. We then had a 2nd breakfast of pancakes and eggs. Afterwards we completed our work obligations by sweeping floors and making beds. The "croo" was polite and offered us gracious hospitality. My special thanks to Olivia and Sam for making us feel welcome. We left after 9am to summit Mt. Washington. This was an exciting day for me. Mt. Washington represents a key milestone for my thru hike. I've waited for this a long time. The view up the mountain was impressive. The summit was covered in fog, misty but clear below. The terrain was barren rock and boulders accented by delicate wildflowers that grow in the cracks and crevices. The contrast wad fascinating. The temperature was warm as we began. As we ascended on the short hike up the gentle winds picked up and rain drops began to fall. It was a strenuous hike to the top but not that difficult. The trail is well marked with cairns. The trail maintainers have created flat rock surfaces that make it easier to walk. It also keeps hikers on the trail to minimize the impact on the environment. As I went up a large structure became visible through the fog. I thought that I was halfway up. In fact I was almost at the top. The fog was so heavy that visibility was measured in feet. I made the summit in less than an hour. Winds and rain began picking up. The weather was changing rapidly. As I took my picture at the summit sign the wind and rain grew in intensity. The wind moved me as I stood and made it difficult to walk. I quickly went to the summit house just as a microburst of heavy weather intensified. The winds hit 70mph, rain and hail were horizontal. It was a near miss for me. The exposure gave me more respect for Mt. Washington. how severe the weather can get and how quickly it can get there. The afternoon forecast was for thunderstorms. It would be unsafe to continue. Along with other hikers we decided to end our hike for the day.If my weather experience today was not enough, the warning signs and list of casualties gave added incentive for caution and respect for the mountain. I want my name to stay off the list. The forecast improves for tomorrow and I'll attempt the steep descent then. We organized ourselves as a group of eight for a shuttle down the mountain. We all stayed at White Mountain Lodge and Hostel. It is one of the best hostels on the trail and a great value. The Inn Keepers, Marney and Steve provide excellent accommodations, food and shuttles. They are also a kind and engaging couple. I plan to slack back the descent tomorrow and stay another night. Today is Ox's last day on the trail. He leaves for grad school. Having hiked much of the 1850 miles thus far with Ox and Obsolete has been a pleasure. Ox's determination, confident demeanor, intellect and humor will be missed. My best wishes for Ox's continued success. Obsolete and I took the occasion with the intent to buy Ox a celebration dinner for his AT. accomplishments. We had a pleasant surprise as Disco's parents were visiting him. They invited us to join them for dinner which we readily accepted. You can see why Disco is such a fine young man from talking to his parents. They are supportive and encouraging to Disco and demonstrate it by their actions. We had a wonderful dinner at Salt Pub, enjoying the food, beverages and great company. Disco's parents picked up the tab. We appreciate their kindness and hospitality. It was a pleasure to meet them. I hope that they will allow me to reciprocate when the visit Disco on his flip flop through NC. It was a fun evening. We returned to the comfort of the White Mountains Lodge and Hostel were I crawled into a comfortable bed and fell asleep. Hoping for improved weather to make the descent down Mt. Washington.