Date: 2014-07-15
From: Eliza Brook shelter

To: Rt 3 parking area and trailhead
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Eliza Brook shelter to US 3 trailhead--9 milesOh my aching everything! Today was a day that could not be beat for sunshine and magnificent views. In fact we just kept on going until we about dropped!We awoke this morning at 5:20 and were out on the trail by 6:20. The Eliza Brook shelter was full last night, but, thankfully, no one snored or made any weird noises. Five guys and me. The trail began with a crossing of Eliza Brook which was more a river than a brook. The morning was cool, and we felt strong. We slowly climbed up the path and, soon, the rocks turned to boulders. We stuck our poles in our packs and began the climbing. Because of the coolness of the morning, the climbing was fun--like a big jungle gym. We reached Harrington Pond and stood on the bog bridges, appreciating the morning view. The cliffs loomed high above us, and so we moved on. As we climbed up the south side of South Kinsman, we moved methodically and carefully. Finally, by 9 a.m., we reached the summit. Actually, I was surprised that we had arrived in such good time and wondered if we were actually at the top. But, as I looked around, I remembered the large cairn and sitting areas from previous hikes. The views were spectacular! We stayed for quite a while just admiring the views in the clear morning air. After a snack and a few pictures, we moved on to North Kinsman. The trek did not take as long as I expected, and we soon found ourselves sitting on the ledges of N. Kinsman, enjoying another snack and magnificent views.We ambled over to the shelter and Kinsman Pond, our intended destination for the day. But it was only noon! After lunch by the pond, we decided to attempt to hike down to the car and enjoy a beer and real bed at home. But that meant that we would have to tackle the Fishin' Jimmy Trail, one of the toughest trails in these mountains.We slowly picked our way along the steps, rocks, and wet granite slabs, heading down. It actually was not as bad as I had remembered. What killed me was when the trail started to climb. All that work going down was negated as we climbed back up. Ouch! Was I ever happy to see Lonesome Lake hut!At the hut, we replenished our water, had a snack and continued on. I wanted to use the privy but was amazed to see bathing suited girls standing in line for the privy. I decided that I could wait. No way was I going to stand in line! And so we continued down the rocky path.Rammy commented that New Hampshire had bigger rocks than Pennsylvania and he was certain that there could be no more difficult state to hike. I was agreeing at that point. My knee was aching, my feet were beginning to hurt, and I was generally pretty tired.When we finally reached the paved walkway at the bottom, we practically crawled along the access trail to the parking lot. The .6 mile path took forever. That white Subaru never looked so good.I sped home and arrived to see Bob sitting in a lounge chair, soaking up the sun by the pool. I quickly changed into my suit, Rammy and I grabbed a beer, and we joined Bob by the pool. Ahhh! Our beer and a chair. What a great day it was! Life is good!