Date: 2004-08-30
From: Pinkham Notch

To: US 2 / Gorham
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

After looking at the guide book and map, Bear and I decided that the leg into Gorham would have to be done in 3 days, since we didn't we could handle the steep climb out of Pinkham and up the Wildcat range. If it was done in two, then we'd roll into town really late and that didn't sound too great either.So the last option was to slack the 21.4 miles into town. Scarecrow and I need a hug did it the day before and we hike faster than they do. So the plans were made for the slack.The day started with getting droped off at Pinkham Notch. An area that I'm very familar with from a bunch of Tuckerman's and Presidential Traverse trips. The climb up the Wildcat range was just as rough as everyone said it would be.Soon I found myself at the top of Wildcat Peak E, a peak which I have been to before, but by means of a ski lift. It felt good to get there by means of my feet. The view of the Presidential Range was unfortunately obstructed by clouds. Again making me feel good for the great weather encounter when I went over that section.The trail osolated over a few of the other peaks of the Wildcat range, leaving us with a great view down into Carter Notch. A great place to sit and soak in the great views. Views that are only accessible by hiking there.The hike down into Carter wasn't too bad, for which I was glad. The hut area was a nice spot and quiet surreal, albeit an AMC facility. There I consumed a liter of water, something quick to eat and a nice rest. Leaving the hut at the same time was, Spiceman, Lorax and Joker.The next climb was up onto the Carter range. For some reason it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, based on discussions and the maps. On top of South Carter mountain, Bear annouced there was moose poop on the trail. Much to our surprise, another 50 feet of hiking revealed a large moose in the woods just off the trail.I tried to get a picture, but I think it'll be hard to pick it out. It's amazing how a huge animal like that can just head into the thick woods and disappear.After climbing a few more mountains we found ourselves on the last descent into Imp Shelter. The section of the trail was incredibly steep and very slow going. Not so great since we had a big day and little light left. As the trail leveled off a bit I heard something ahead and thought it might be a southbound hiker. Turns out to be yet another moose. How about that for a day, two moose sightings.After a quick water stop at the stream above the shelter, onward to town we left. It was around 8 miles to go and only around 4 hours until it got dark.Fortunately the trail got much easier with 4 miles remaining. We made some good time to the point and reaching Rattle River Shelter. The trail after that point was graded and we covered the remaining 1.9 mile to road in just about 30 minutes. So we made the 21.4 miles in about 12.5 hours.At route US 2, there is a B&B on the trail that lets hikers use their phone. A southbound thru-hiker told me about it, and sure enough there was a cordless phone on the porch. From there Bear called the motel to retreive us. Soon we were back in our room with aches I haven't had in ages!! It's been a long time since I've pulled off miles like that and the terrain was pretty rough to boot.I wonder what pains wil show up tomorrow?