Date: 2011-07-13
From: AMC Highland Center

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke this morning and the skies looked good with some clouds which seemed to be moving away. Our ride was leaving at 7:30, so we were at the breakfast buffet at 6:30. For the money and hassle I went through I didn¢t feel bad about sampling pancakes, eggs, home fries, French toast, tea, and OJ all in thru-hiker portions. I also noticed the waitress that gave me a hard time with the beer last night made a point to come over and check my dining card to make sure it was valid. I packed, filled the water bottles, and was ready to load into the car when to my surprise a previous co-worker from the Laconia Fire Department, Jeff, was standing next to me ready to go hiking. I had heard rumors that he might join me, but nothing concrete, so it was a nice surprise, and I didn¢t need a ride after all. I thanked the group that was going to get me to the trail, and Jeff and I headed for the trail head. Jeff had brought some trail magic, so he left his truck with a cooler in the back and a sign and off we went. The climb from 302 is a real bear to start, with the Webster Cliff Trail being real steep until you summit the cliffs. We made good time and soon were coming out above tree line. The views were good but there were some dark looking clouds about and Washington was usually in the clouds. We stopped at Mizpah Hut for some snacks and a break and we caught up to Calf who I hadn¢t seen for a while. Silver Fox and One Grey Wolf also came in and we all chatted and ate as we caught up on all the trail gossip. I hadn¢t seen One Grey Wolf or Silver Fox in some time and was glad to meet up with them in the Whites. Jeff and I decided to move on and see if I could get a work for stay at the Lakes of the Clouds. As we got close we got a quick isolated shower, but didn¢t get really wet. We arrived at Lakes of the Clouds at 2:30, which was early to stop, but I really wanted a nice day to cross the Presidentials. I inquired about a work for stay and they weren¢t inclined because it was so early. I kind of insisted and she finally agreed. We got our work for stay over early, and our chore was to shovel, press, or stomp the finished compost through a grate to sift out the wood chips and bigger pieces. It took quite a while and was kind of tough on our shoes, but at least we were done early. Lake of the Clouds was also the hut where I was to inquire about Margaret. While Enzed and I were hiking along the Schuylkill River in Port Clinton we had talked to a woman who was on the river canoeing. As we walked and she paddled we found out that her daughter worked at the Lakes of the Clouds, and that she was from NH. When I mentioned I was from NH she said to look up her daughter at Lakes of the Clouds. So after I checked in I inquired about Margaret. The woman asked if I knew Margaret, I said I didn¢t, but I kind of knew her parents. She then told me that Margaret was here and that her parents also happen to be staying here tonight. I don¢t know what the odds are that we would be there on the same day, but they seem quite remote. While I was outside enjoying the view I saw Margaret¢s mom come out and I hollered to her. She was quite surprised that I recognized her from the glimpse we saw of each other on the river. We talked for some time and by the time we were done, she had invited me and my wife to come stay with them at their house. It¢s such a small world--when we were talking she mentioned they used to come to Alton to stay at Sandy Point, which is my brother-in-laws, who was hiking with me the other day, family¢s place. My time at the hut was spent taking in the views, watching a great sunset, eating a great ham dinner, and generally watching the circus that is Lake of the Clouds Hut with 90 guests.