Date: 2015-08-15
From: Carter Notch Hut 1877 miles

To: US2 Gorham NH
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Saturday, August 15th The Iceman awoke this morning, in the Carter Notch Hut at about 6AM, to the melodic voices of young women staff members of the Appalachian Mountain Club who work at Carter Notch. Standing outside on the porch of the hut these lovely young ladies sang a "wake up" song. This was a little different than hearing revelry played on a bugle. Remember Galehead Hut's wake up call? It looks like the Iceman will have to get used to oatmeal if he's going to stay in the AMC huts because that's what is served along with toast, eggs, bacon and a variety of drinks. Fortunately Jon, his son in law, loves oatmeal as does 3D. Breakfast was served at 7am and after a hardy meal, the three set off on the 15.2 mile hike to US2 in Shelburne/Gorham NH. In a space of 1.2 miles they had to hike up 1,524 feet to Carter Dome. This was extremely strenuous and it turned into a day of hiking over one cliff and then another and it continued hour upon hour. In addition to the cliffs there were huge rock outcroppings to cross. These looked impossible to cross. They were also downright scary. He became worried when loud thunder claps were heard and hoped to get to the end before it rained as the boulders get very slippery when wet. Stepping onto a smooth boulder when wet is like stepping onto ice. At about 2 or 3pm the rain did come and they all got drenched and things became very slick. At about 1/2 mile from the end of the hike the Iceman was crossing a river when he stepped onto a rock and his feet flew out from under him and he fell backwards. Both elbows hit a huge rock as he went down. He warned the others to find some branch or something to grab onto before crossing the river. They had to rock climb on part of the hike. They came to a place of vertical rock where they had to find crevasses to put their hands and feet into and then scale the rock wall until they reached a ledge where they could pull themselves up. Think of doing this with a heavy backpack! The AT is serious hiking! It's rock climbing, rock scrambling, wading across streams and so much more. After 9 very taxing hours the three hikers, Iceman, Jon and 3D reached the US2. Here was the Sherpa waiting for them with cold beer and pizza. Happy faces all around! During the day the Sherpa visited an Arts and Crafts Fair, on the Green, a block or two from the Wentworth. There were tents set up for vendors of every kind and live music. The temperature was in the high 80's and low 90's. Latter in the afternoon laundry was done and a visit to the Gorham, NH visitors center proved fruitful. The next base camp will be in Maine. It's hard to believe that the Iceman and Sherpa are on the last leg, of what has turned out to be, an incredible journey. Our son-in-law, Jon, joined us for dinner - how nice it was to have him with us these last few days. The menu at the Wentworth changes each evening with delicious specials and tonight there was Loin of Cod with roasted potatoes and spinach, prime rib and fettuccini with fresh veggie and a luscious cream sauce. The restaurant was full as there had been a small wedding this afternoon on the porch and many of the wedding guests were now having dinner. Most of the people who came to Jackson to partake in the bicycle race to the top of Mt. Washington are now gone. How does anyone ride a bicycle up the Mt. Washington road??? The Sherpa was told that a 78 year old man was among those in the race. The rooms at the Inn are large and have large modern bathrooms. They have a very talented gardener and the flowers outside are gorgeous.