Date: 2008-09-01
From: Conway N.H.

To: Conway N.H
Miles today: 12.5

Waking up, we were all set set to spend the next 2 days overnight on the trail. Our packs were ready and our itenery in place. That was until we had looked out the picture window as normal to see what the sky was doing on the mountains?For the first time since we had arrived and have been staying here, we did not know that the base of one of the mountains we could see was Mt. Washington, yet lo and behold there it was all the time.For the first time as well, the top was perfectly clear. This only happens a few days a year, I am told? With an opportunity like this, we chose not to miss it. Sprite put together a new plan, we stripped our packs and soon were on our way to climb and summit Mt. Washington.I was dropped off first at Crawford Notch. The next 8 hours and 12.5 miles would turn out to be the single most enjoyable hiking day I have had so faron the AT. Throughout the day, I enjoyed spectacular, jaw dropping views as I climbed one peak to another, ever making my way toward Mt. Washington.It appearred to be much closer than it actually was. It's enormity was deceiving when trying to judge distance? I stopped and took a little break while checking out the Mizpah Spring Hut. The few huts scatterred throughout the Whites, are pay for stay lodges that entitle you to a bunk and meals. Weekenders and section hikers comprise mostly the guest list. The $100.00 and up p/night fee makes this out of reach for most thru-hikers, especially since funds are near exhausted by those who have come this far.The small staff known as the "Croo" will often offer a work for stay to the first couple of thru-hikers that are interested when passing through. The type and amount of work varies from hut to hut. You eat after all the guests have eaten and can sleep on the dining room tables or the floor, however you must be up and packed early before the guests have breakfast. Before I finish, I plan to do a work for stay, just to share and add the experience to this already incredible journey.Once on the trail again and a few miles later, Sprite & Freckles arrived shortly there after. They pulled out 3 beers which we downed quickly. I then pulled from my pack and shared the sambucca I was carrying. They handed me the keys then were off. Along the way I ran into "Remy", "Highlander" and "Socrates", I hadn't seen them since Unionville N.Y while staying at the Mayor's house.Just below the last climb to Mt. Washington, was the Lake of the Clouds Hut.It was aptly named as there is a small glacial lake next to it. I stood at the opposite end and took pictures. It literally looked as if the lake went to the edge of a cliff of this mountain. It stood at the brink of pouring out and falling several thousand feet below.Here I ran into "Kirk", "Achilles" and "Wild Flowers" whom I hadn't seen for a while. The past 3 hours have been above treeline and in the fragile Alpine environment. A hiker can damage the fragile plant life in a single step that would take many years to recover, yet they can survive the harsh weather that Mt. Washington is so known for.The wind had been quite fierce, however as I made my final climb and summitted Mt. Washington, the wind was nothing more than a gentle breeze. To fully appreciate this, The winds were previously today at 73 mph with 85 mph gusts. 75 mph is deemed hurricane speed. The visibility was an incredible 100 miles, In addition, Mt. Washington boasts in having the worst weather conditions in the world. The record wind speed here was 231 mph.A ranger whom I met at the visitor center had told me that usually 4-5 days a week you couldn't see 20 ft up here. Further, there were only a handful of days in a year when you had such an extended range of visibility such as today.Another gift, rare and forever memorable in many ways.The top of Mt. Washington was not exactly what I was expecting? There was a large concrete visitor center which resembled more like a military bunker. The top was an open observation area, while inside was a concession area, gift shop and a small museum.There was a couple of other buildings, with weather structures and apparatus, however the one that most caught my eye was the little train station of the Cog railroad which climbed up and down the same track with tourists.What was odd was the series of heavy logging or shipyard chains that were draped over the roof in several places and anchored to the ground on either side. This gave testament in how fierce the winds could be and what it would take to keep this structure somewhat in place?Other than Katahdin, this was the pinnacle mountain for me. At one point along the way, I stood looking endlessly at mountains that seemed to go on forever. I was completely taken by the view that is normally hidden to most throughout the years. There was nothing hindering my view in any any direction and I can not even begin to describe what I saw or felt, that would lend it any credence.I am not ashamed to admit that tears ran down my cheeks as I stood marveling, speechless at the soul touching creation before me. There was a mighty force of power here, you could feel it! I have never experienced anything like it.I eventually found the car in the parking area. I couldn't wait to return tomorrow and continue down the other side. The drive down the mountain was 8 twisting miles long. I picked up S&F at a trailhead where they were enjoying trail magic form "Rock Heep" whom did his thru-hike in 98.Here we ran into "Walkie-Talkie" and "K-1", we gave them a ride to the Crawford Notch general store which also had a bunk house hostel. I would later find out that the following day, Walkie-Talkie had left the trail responding to an emergency regarding his wife. I can only hope that the situation turns around favorably and that at some point Walkie-Talkie can complete what he came so close to finishing? Best of luck to you Walkie-Talkie.An awesome day, simply awesome!