Date: 2018-06-23
To: The Notch Hostel
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up to the holler from Two Clicks like in boot camp. "Get up, get up! Homebound get up!" Damn, not another bear! Nope, it was 5am and I was laying all warm in my sleeping bag before jumping out of my tent in my underwear and T-shirt (my personal version of hike naked day). Two Clicks had woken up and heard something in the pond and looked. It was a moose! Majestic!! We had been joking about seeing one after noticing so much scat on the trail. Here, at 5am was a moose strolling around the pond with the sky a beat orange lit up behind it. It was absolutely amazing. I stood watching this creature for 10-15 minutes standing in my underwear freezing. Well worth it and honestly a great way to start the day.Well, we were both up so we packed slowly and were thankful the rain had held off so far. By 6 we found our way back to the trail and were ascending Wolf Mt. It had some great views under the overcast skies and it really was beautiful. I decended as Two Clicks hung out longer at the top.At the bottom of the Kinsman Ridge trail we passed Eliza Brook Shelter then followed Eliza Brook up the ascent of South Kinsman. I've hiked the Kinsmans but never from this side and it was rugged! A fun climb for sure and soon enough I was at the top.After admiring the views I set off to avoid getting too cold in my t-shirt and headed for the north peak before climbing down the Fishin Jimmy Trail to the Lonesome Lake Hut. I walked in with hopes of buying a cookie brownie that are infamous at the huts! I gave my money and devoured one. The croo saw me eating and the cook for the day asked if I wanted any chicken. Yes! I devoured 5 pieces and Two Clicks joined me when he arrived. They claimed they needed to get rid of it and I was grateful to eat something of substance. Thanks to the croo member Eddie!We descended from Lonesome Lake via the Cascade Brook Trail and crossed under I-93! That was exciting based on the amount of times I've driven it for hikes! On the other side we got to the Liberty Springs Trail up to Franconia Ridge and walked to Rt 3 where we ended up getting a hitch into Lincoln. The guy was great and literally risked his life to pick us up! We immediately took care of business in the outfitter before meeting up with my friend Max Janik.Max drove up with some supplies and things from home and we got lunch at the brewery in town. His mom, Cindy Janik ended up giving him money to pay for our meal so thank you Cindy! We ate and had a few beers before resupplying at Price chopper then making our way to North Woodstock. After hanging with Max for a few hours we got to the Notch Hostel and settled in after saying goodbye to him. He is starting a sweet job in NYC in early July. Good Luck Max!At the hostel we did our normal thing and hung out catching up on journaling, showering and doing laundry. It had come to a point where our clothes were causing bad irritation due to the salt from our sweat. This was a great stop and we managed to miss the afternoon rain as it began to come down outside. Up Franconia Ridge tomorrow!P.S: Mom, it's so great to be back! Strange hiking some of the same mountains just from different angles and from a different perspective. I haven't seen Happy Feet yet to ask about the Franconia Playground haha but I'll try! Moosilauke is a lot different without snow and skis on my pack. Just heard today from Max that NH Fish and Game is attempting to hire a bunch of people so I'll definitely be applying after I finish!