Date: 2003-08-13
From: Imp Campsite (3300') 

To: US2, Gorham, NH (760') 
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: mist

Aloha! Ahhh... the sounds of seeping coffee bags in boiling water. Now those are the sounds that can get a gal moving in the morning. Thank you Coffee for the coffee. You're a saint. And the coffee is good too!   That's the way my morning began. Well, with Coffee's coffee and rain and fog. There really aren't any trail stories to regale you with today. It poured cats and dogs most of the way down the mountain. It didn't stop until shortly before arriving at our final water crossing, the Rattle River. That's the only thing exceptional - our trailside trail angel.   When Coffee and I arrived at the Rattle River, sitting on the opposite side of the river was a white whiskered gentleman looking as comfortable on his rock with his hiking staff as someone sitting at a coffee shop with a latte. He said nothing to us when we yelled across; just sat calmly watching. Barely moved. We took that as a hint and started picking our way across the stream rocks. Coffee did well where I made it halfway and the foot was in completely. It wasn't until that moment that the gentleman got up, sauntered riverside and started pointing at recommended rocks. For me it didn't matter at that point. The boots were already wet and filled with water so why worry; I just sloshed my way across the remaining distance. Arriving on land he immediately introduced himself as Plugger, a former NOBO off the trail due to two hernias. Poor man. Since we were unable to assist him in the location of someone he was looking for he proceeded to offer his truck to take us to Gorham. Excellent! We had our own trailside trail angel!   We were delivered quickly and safely to the Northern Peaks hotel. We knew Gutsy had already arrived by our call yesterday so I just headed to the room. Coffee opted to join us at the hotel and checked in also. Once Old Corpus had completed his hike and shuttling chores he was also happily enmeshed back in the Northern Peaks also. One big happy family.   The remaining part of the day was spent doing laundry (I looked lovely in my Frogg Toggs), lunching with Gutsy and Coffee, visiting Wally World (Wal-Mart) for groceries, and buying a replacement watch. Living without a watch is hell for me. I love my watches. I'm now the proud owner of my second Aquatech. An expensive $6.43 purchase. My only screw up -- it's green! Army green! I hate Army green! The velcro is black!   With dinner completed, Japanese with the gang, I've packed my pack and damn is it heavy. Since I've basically slack packed the Whites anything more than a pack with lunch and some winter clothing is heavy! This one is a killer with four days of food. Wonder if I can find a Sherpa by tomorrow. Hummm...   The only other thing of importance for today is... I am officially out of the White Mountains by being in Gorham. The phenomenal and majestic Whites. I have to say that my hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire has been one of the most fantastic things I've ever accomplished. I never would have imagined what a thrill it would be to hike above tree lines, experience the majestic landscape called New Hampshire, and even enjoy the ever changing weather conditions. It truly was something I will remember for many years to come. I've been blessed many times in this hike but this one was a little more special.   There is another side to the completion of my hiking through the Whites, I learned quickly of the two major mistakes I've made on this hike. Two very major hikes. The first one is my over-estimating my abilities. The second is that I under-estimated the New Hampshire Mountains. Two very major mistakes.   It is more than apparent to me now that my pre-planning for Grand Adventure Part II was way off. My figures were based on my performance of 2001, the daily mileage particularly. That was dumb. The books tell you, former hikers tell you, common sense tells you that you won't be doing 20, 18 or even 15 miles a day through the Whites. Not at my age anyway. Granted there are those that can, will and do but for the most part it's not happening. No one's fault, just life. Anyway, it's become blatantly obvious to me I over and under-estimated the mountains and me. For those planning future thru-hikes, don't make that mistake. It's not bad to have done this, just slightly depressing. Still great though. Still really great.   Okay, enough of that. My next job is to get to Maine and then to Katahdin. I've accepted that this portion will also be harder than originally anticipated but I'm okay with it. More than that, I believe I'm ready for it. I know I'm looking forward to it. Effective today I'm only 297.9 miles from the ultimate goal - Katahdin! Wuhuu! Let's go!   But let's go to bed now. It's going to another long several days before I'm out of New Hampshire. Still need that sleep. And more of it as I continue north. You sleep well. See ya tomorrow.BSandTs: not todayAandPs: stiff everything; shelter sleeping does that to meMandGs: I need a manicure and pedicure bad!... waah!Critter count: They're all smart enough to come in out of the rain.