Date: 2007-08-27
From: Crawford Notch

To: AMC Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It's ironic how just 2 days ago I had the scariest day on the trail and today has to be one of the best days. Peter and I were able to catch a shuttle back to the trail head this morning. I plan to continue hiking the AT where I left off yesterday, however since Peter has a guest reservation at the next hut (Lake of the Clouds Hut) and needs to arrive by 6pm for dinner, he has decided to go further down the road to hike another trail which will be a shortcut to the hut. I started hiking with a full pack (ugghh) at about 8:15am. My plan is to also stay at Lakes of the Clouds Hut, but I will try and secure a "work for stay" arrangement. The weather is starting to look very good, sunny, a cloudless sky, and temperatures in the 70's. Right off the bat, I was faced with a steady 3 mile long climb which brought me to Webster Cliffs and then to Mount Webster (3910 ft.). Unlike the other day on Franconia Ridge, the views today were crystal clear and breathtaking. I continued climbing another 1.5 miles until I reached the summit of Mount Jackson (4052 ft.). I had to stash the poles and use 2 hands to climb up Mount Jackson. As I continued the views were amazing.Eventually I arrived at AMC Mizpah Spring Hut. They were serving a hearty pea soup with ham, and I plunked down my 2 dollar donation and ate my fill for lunch. As I ate, I talked with a soutbound thru hiker and listened attentively to what his experiences were like hiking through Maine. Moose came in later and we talked for a while. I had made some good progress this morning and since I only needed to hike another 5 miles to Lake of the Clouds Hut, I was enjoying time spent here talking with other thru hikers.I eventually needed to pull myself away from my long lunch break and hike on. The rest of the day was just amazing. I hiked on for a short distance high on the ridge but with some tree cover on either side of the trail. The trail soon was completely above tree line, which made for a spectacular hike for the next 4 miles. With no trees obstructing the view, visibility of the surounding mountains was clear in every direction. I could plainly see Mt. Washington with all of it's weird buildings and towers on the summit, as well as the black smoke spewing from the cog railway engine, which carries tourists to the summit. I hiked up and over the south peak of Mount Clinton (4180 ft.), Mount Clinton (4310 ft.), and Mount Franklin (5004 ft.). The AT does not go over every peak here, but winds around some, such as Mount Eisenhower.I was thoroughly enjoying every minute of the start of this above tree line trek of the Presidential range of the Whites and in no hurry whatsoever to finish the day's hike. The hike did end however as I came over a small ridge and sighted the Lake of the Clouds Hut sitting on the side of Mount Washington. I went inside and after talking with one of the croo members was able to secure a work for stay option. I greeted Peter, who had arrived with plenty of time. The Lake of the Clouds Hut is the largest AMC hut, handling up to 90 guests, so there was quite a bit of activity buzzing all over.After the guests had eaten, the croo had the other 4 thru hikers and myself, simply clean the tables and sweep the floor. We then shared dinner with the croo in the kitchen. Later, most everyone walked outside into the chilly evening to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. A fitting end to such a wonderful day on the AT!