Date: 2014-08-25
From: Liberty Springs Campsite

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

In which my day was unbelievable! When I woke up today I had absolutely no idea how grand and wonderful today would be. I had that kid at Christmas feel, like something big and life changing was about to happen knowing that I would be walking the infamous and iconic Franconia Ridge. I live for views and ridge walks. This was both and far surpassed my expectations!My day began with a continuation of the ascent from the campsite to the actual ridge line. Once at the top of the ridge it was a walk through mostly piney, scruffy forests that smelled divine. The trail was relatively smooth, flat and pleasant which I savored. My first peak was Little Haystack. That wasn't too bad, just one very short scramble up the rocks to the first view which was breathtaking. I had a 360* view. The sky was true blue, the sun so warm and bright, the breeze crisp and cool, the clouds few and scattered. The wind blew gently and carried the sweet smell of pine. It was one of those very rare and cherished days in New England, only a handful of days like this one according to the locals and I feel blessed!The next climb was up Lincoln which was more rock scrambles to a continuation of the fabulous views. Lafayette followed and all of these climbs were above tree line with spectacular wide open views. The sun was warm in my face and the wind cooling through my hair. Heaven! I ascended to greater than 5200 ft. This is the highest peak since Virginia. It was a workout but nothing still compared to Kinsman.The walk along Franconia Ridge was breathtaking, phenomenal, peaceful, exciting, surreal, amazing and simply beyond words. I literally was moved to tears by its stunning beauty. I can't believe I'm actually here. This is real life at the moment. I feel like the luckiest person on earth right here, right now.I could see for miles, Mousilauke from where I came thru Kinsman. I could see Lonesome Lake hut and Caanan Mountain and the ski lift. I could see Garfield where I walked next. I could see Mt. Washington off in the distance and the coolest part was seeing the trail of smoke puffing out of the cog railway chugging up it. Many people were out hiking today and were dotted along the ridge. The climbs up and down each peak became more rocky often requiring hand holding up the rocks but were also simply gorgeous.I took a break on top of each peak and sat in the sun, often with my naked feet enjoying the air , people watching and soaking it all in. I drank it all in and didn't want to leave this glorious place. It feels surreal and wonderful. I have a silly grin plastered all over my face. I just couldn't help it. I felt so free, content and grateful to experience this! What a gift. I literally felt like I was on top of the world and I got butterflies in my stomach looking over at Mt. Washington knowing that summit was days away, another milestone.I could have stayed up there all day. My neck got really sunburned from being in the open on the ridge with the cool breeze disguising the suns warmth and strength. Black flies were beginning to find their way to my flesh too which was incentive to get moving.I made my way over Garfield via rolling ridges which seemed to take forever. Part of the trail became very steep and was a tedious climb in brief sections. After working up a good sweat I came to Garfield pond and was hoping for a brief swim. This was not the pond for a swim as it was swampy, muddy and difficult to access. I already got one boot soaked trying to find a path to the pond.I made my way to Garfield camping area as it was only 1530, still day light to burn. I got water at the stream as there have been no water sources on the ridge. I was tired and ready to break for the day but against my gut instinct I took a gamble and hiked another 2.7 miles to the hut hoping to do a work for stay. In the end it all worked out great. It was worth pushing on and was a great experience all in all. However, after making the decision to press on we were met by a vertical rock drop following the creek down the mountain which soon became a waterfall. This was a little intense to say the least! It required a lot of butt scooting, hanging on to trees, throwing the poles down freeing my hands and much concentration. It was mentally exhausting. I was fried, spent, hungry, angry= hangry. The climb was all moss covered, wet, slippery rock and mud. It was hard and I fought back tears although I think a few escaped. I wasn't even able to hike 1 mi./hr.! That is so defeating.We finally arrived at the hut before dinner time and were granted a work for stay. Thank you! So while the guests ate their dinner Hobbit, RW and I sat on the front porch taking in the view, eating a snack and watching the world go by. We got a glimpse of the climb that awaited us in the morning too. The sun set might I add was spectacular.We were called in for dinner, which was left overs and awesome at that! Real food. We ate chicken and rice, peas, potatoe soup and the best chocolate cake ever. It all was great! Then chore time so I did a bunch of dishes. It's lights out at 2100 which means bedtime finally. We were allowed to sleep on the floor of the dining room once the guests went to their bunks. I was so happy to go to sleep finally!Oh yeah. There also was an astrologist here tonight doing a program. I listened briefly but was more awestruck by the beauty of the black sky lit up with beautiful dancing stars. I could see the Milky Way like I've never seen it before. That was truly amazing. I even saw one shooting star. My night is complete! What an incredible day with a full range of emotions.