Date: 2005-08-17
From: Kinsman Pond Campsite

To: Franconia Notch (Carriage Motel)
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Bug and I slept great last night and pulled ourselves (reluctantly) out of our down bags bright and early this morning. It was 5:45 and we were out and dressed, ready to do our work-for-stay. Bug and I headed for the privy in order to sift compost and spread it in the surrounding woods. Not to worry, it had all been tested and was safe. It wasn't the most glamorous of jobs, but it saved us $16 and gave us insight into what caretakers go through. It was an experience! After we had finished, we cleaned up and headed back to the shelter to have a bit of breakfast before heading out.We only had a short hike today....4.8 miles to be exact. The hike wasn't hard at all and once we arrived at Lonesome Lake Hut we ran into Granddoo, who told us that Clean wasn't too far ahead of us. Inside the hut, we were met by Clockwork Orange who we never thought we would see again. He hikes very fast and has been ahead of us by quite a distance since before Shenandoah National Park. Apparently he has been at the hut since last Friday. The crazy thing is that he did a 50+ mile slack over the Presidentials and back to the hut....insanity! Speaking of slack-packs, Dingle has offered us a slack over Wildcat, from Pinkham Notch to Gorham. I think we are going to try to work it out so that we can meet up with him by Monday. The mileage we should be able to do, but it will depend on the weather. The forecast that Dingle posted this morning says possible thundershowers Sunday and Monday.When we got to the road, we had to take a side trail to the Flume Visitor Center in order to catch a shuttle into town. Bug turns 32 tomorrow, and we have decided to spend the night in town to celebrate! North Woodstock is a teeny town and next door is Lincoln, NH a wealthy tourist town. We found an inexpensive place to stay at Carriage Motel, complete with swimming pool, game room, and even a "Magic Fingers" bed! Quite a place, but the folks running it are very nice.Mr. Clean Jr. plans to stay in town too and Dandylion has a home stay on the NH coast. First on the agenda was to get a bite to eat. We went to Peg's where we all had a filling meal. Next it was to the ice cream stand across the street where we each had a big cup of Gifford's ice cream. Arguably better than Ben and Jerry's, Bug had Maine Wild Blueberry while I had Maine Black Bear. After finishing that, we split a cup of pi±a colada flavored frozen yogurt. We went sight-seeing around town, which didn't take too long. Next it was off to the grocery store.Bug and I resupplied for our hike through the Whites. I am amazed at the amounts of food we buy even 1800 miles into the hike. We still seem to buy too much, even knowing we have to carry it up the mountain. After dropping the groceries in our room, we went to the PO in order to mail some things home as well as picking up the stuff sacks for our sleeping bags that Mom Love sent. We then went down the road to the Woodstock Inn, a local historic eatery where we had appetizers before going over to Truant's Tavern for dinner to celebrate Bug's birthday. Here we are back at the hotel ready to call it a night after stuffing ourselves silly. Tomorrow, our shuttle picks us up at 6:00am sharp and we are way too tired to pack tonight!