Date: 2003-08-07
From: Saco River Campsite 1,270

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut 5,050
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up at 5:45 knowing we had 17 miles to do and I was dreading it, but had no real idea what was in store for me. After the thunderstorm last night, there was no more rain but my tent was still wet, as it is right now. As you can tell, our 17 mile plan fell through. I will explain that later.The first thing we did was climb. No surprise there. We camped at 1,270 feet and climbed to Webster Mtn. at 3,910 in 2.8 miles. Doesn't sound too bad, huh? It took us two hours and forty minutes! We had to rock climb! I was not happy. When we topped Webster, I thought we were on the next mountain which is Jackson. Talk about frustration. I think it is ridiculous that the AT goes through this particular section of the Whites when there are so many other trail options we could take. Is there some reason we have to rock climb in order to prove ourselves as thru hikers? That's all I'm going to say about it.We started hiking this morning at 7:00 under sunny skies. Around noon we finally made it to Mizpah Hut to take a break and the skies were gray. We ate lunch and made the decision that 17 miles was not going to happen so we would stay at Lake of the Clouds which was our original plan anyway.The hike from Mizpah to Lake of the Clouds wasn't bad. Wasn't easy, but it involved only one real climb, more muddy, mucky, rocky, rooty terrain and some hiking above the tree line where the clouds actually parted and I had some great views of these incredible mountains that are kicking my ass! I saw Mike who I had met earlier in my hike. He is doing a flip-flop and was southbound. He saw Rebob four days ago in the Mahoosic Notch. I was glad to hear he is doing well. Thought some of you might appreciate an update. I have no idea how Wizard is doing.We are at Lake of the Clouds Hut right now. This place is huge and can house 94 people, not including thru hikers who sleep on the tables. They allowed us to do work-for-stay. We did all the cooking dishes before dinner and now we are waiting outside while the guests eat. We will clear the tables after dinner, then eat with the croo at 8:00. We are starving right now! The weather is cold, the skies are gray, and I cannot imagine coming here for a vacation, nor can I imagine hiking here for fun. I am not enjoying the hiking in the Whites, but the few views we have had are spectacular and I see what all the fuss is about. Tomorrow we climb Mt. Washington. We had planned to do it today, then take a blue blaze (shortcut essentially) that would cut off 13 miles of the AT. The blue blaze trail is a bad weather route and is only 4 miles long. Since we stopped at 11 miles today, we are not blue blazing. I am glad. As I hiked today, I wrestled with the idea of blue blazing and was not happy about it. More time in the Whites. Great.We just finished a game of Jenga. Sweet Ass won and that it really unfortunate. He is a very poor winner and I am afraid I will never live it down. We ate dinner afterwards. We eat after the guests are finished. I had two servings of mashed potatoes and vegetables, turkey, and three chocolate chip cookies and three glasses of lemonade. The food at these huts is very good. I am glad to be indoors again tonight and am looking forward to Mt. Washington tomorrow. There is a soda machine up there!Goodnight Oscar.