Date: 2013-08-15
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 4.5

I awakened off and on throughout the night to the wind which sounded like roaring bear. The weather outside my window was indeed roaring!My injured knee spent the night propped on 2 of the 3 provided Army-style blankets, and ibuprofen helped me get through the night.At 6:30 the Croo awakened us by singing These are a Few of my Favorite Things. A hearty breakfast of oatmeal, pancakes and bacon was served at 7 AM. I ate heartily as I had skipped dinner the night before. After breakfast I packed up and checked with the Croo to make sure I could come back if needed. I was afraid to go out, but embarrassed to ask to stay, so out I went after being told I could "Absolutely come back" if needed.My first half mile or so was uphill on solid rocks. If you saw me hiking uphill or straight away, you would not know anything was wrong with my left knee. Up I went, but that first half mile soon ended and I began my hike down for the rest of the day. The only saving grace was when the 70 mph winds stopped and the clouds blew away, leaving me a spectacular view of the Presidential Mountains. The beautiful, warming sun stayed out for the rest of the day.Around noon I was able to remove my gloves and around 2 PM my hat and coat came off for the duration of my hike.I hiked slowly and on the verge of tears for most of the day. For every one step that I would normally take, I was taking 3-4. I enjoyed meeting other hikers throughout the day as it took my mind off my predicament and my increasingly problematic knee. Twice I stopped for 15 minute breaks and to eat something and rest my weary muscles. I was now using every muscle in my body to compensate for my knee and was starting to feel the affects of that.At Osgood Tent Site I got water and waited for a bit for another hiker to come by as the signage left much to be desired and I wasn't sure which way to go. Luckily, it wasn't but a few minutes before a fellow that was knowledgeable of the area came by and helped me out. He used Awol's little maps to guide me to the Rt 16 Parking Area where I was going to bail and hitch the 4 remaining miles to Pinkham Notch. Before I go back up there, I need to get those maps!By the time I got to the 2.5 mile trail to the parking area I was exhausted; every muscle spent from the last 2 days. When my legs could no longer support me, I had counted on my arms to pull me up and help me down. I had nothing left to give, but it's amazing how much easier it is in the sun, than it was in yesterday's bitter cold and clouds. I came across a young trail crew working hard and covered in mud. They offered me first aid and encouraging words, which included, "Just up ahead the trail levels out for the rest of the way", which was music to my ears. And level out it did. I was in a beautiful pine forest with a flat, pine needle-covered floor. Sheer heaven after the last 2 days of solid rock.Off I strolled as if nothing were wrong at all and the last 2 miles flew by. About a mile and a half from the parking lot, a man that had just left for a overnighter at Madison Spring Hut offered to cut his trip short and go back to the parking lot with me and take me to Pinkham. He lived locally and said, "The trail will be here another day. If you need help, I'll do it". I thanked him profusely and was on my way. I reached the parking lot close to 4 PM. It had taken me 8 hours to go a mere 4.5 miles!As luck would have it, a Volvo came past right away, leaving the parking lot. I flagged him down and asked if he was headed toward Pinkham Notch, but he made that "sorry I can't help you face" and said he was going in the other direction. My shoulders dropped and I said, "I'm injured". He jumped out of his car, saying, "Of course I'll take you. Let me clean off the seat!" We chatted for the 4 miles into the notch. He to was recovering from a knee issue. Within minutes he was depositing me in front of the Visitors Center and wishing me luck as he drove off. Thanks goodness for the good hearts of total strangers. This is not the first time I've been "saved" by someone I had met moments before. This fellow was a great blessing at the end of two of the most difficult days of my life. His karma bank got a big deposit today.I secured a room, bought an ace bandage and the last 3 instant ice pouches, and headed to my room to ice and put up my knee.At 6 PM I hobbled over to the restaurant for dinner, where it's served family style, and sat with some amazing people from all over the US. Immediately after a great dinner, I hit the sheets....tired and oh so sore. I was thankful this day was finally OVER.