Date: 2014-08-24
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Liberty Springs Campsite
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

In which I am really tired but enjoyed the heck out of my day.Just managed to erase this whole entry again......So here I go again......Last night was another sleepless night. I think I managed to sleep for two consecutive hours. Then several weekenders were up at 0430 to hike up Kinsman and watch a sunrise, which I'm sure was spectacular. As a result I got up and out early after eating my breakfast by the pond watching the sun dance across the water and the mountains reflecting in the pond like a mirror. I took my time walking down the rocks to the hut. The sun was beautifully bright and in my eyes all the way down. The air was cool, a few birds were chirping and the red squirrels were chattering while the wind gently blew through the tree tops. Otherwise it was peaceful and quiet, a welcome change from last night.I really enjoyed hiking by myself after an overwhelming and exhausting evening with many people partying.I got to Lonesome Lake Hut and stopped in to check it out since this was the first hut I have come to. There was a gorgeous lake below with looming mountains towering above. Everything was bright green and blue, the water was sparkling in the sun and the aroma of bacon hung in the air from the huts breakfast. Ahhh bacon.I walked down by the lake where the ducks were enjoying a morning swim and a dad and son were walking together over the bridge over a creek. Then I had a walk down to Franconia Knotch along the river which was flowing briskly. I dodged mud muddles, rock hopped and found myself daydreaming and not paying attention to where I was stepping, evidently.The next thing I know I am on the ground wedged on my side between a rock. After it registers what just happened I tried to get up but I'm face down with my pack on my back and can't quite figure out how to roll over and get up. Eventually I freed myself to assess the damage. Ok, nothing broken, a few good cuts and bruises on my left arm and right leg but otherwise all is good.So to the parking area I went to meet up with my parents. And yes, I went to the wrong parking lot! Evidently there are a few of those around. After a few phone calls we finally met up.Now for the most important item of business....FOOD! So we found a little diner and I pigged out on breakfast. It was so good...eggs, bacon, english muffins, potatoes, blueberry pancakes and coffee! I ate every last drop and rolled out of there back to the car and back to the parking lot at The Flume. I repackaged my food and strategized as to our next meet up place. Finally it was departure time and off into the woods I went.The climb up to the campsite area wasn't too bad. I think i'm getting used to these rock climbs. Haha. I kept telling myself it was just a long walk up rock stairs and that it was. It was a nice climb compared to yesterday's terrifying climb up Kinsman! The campsite consisted of tent platforms where you have to tent and pay $8. to do so. I had to share a platform and that made for an interesting evening. Evidently there also has been a pesky bear around the neighborhood so there was a cooking area away from the tent platforms. Another group from Tuft's was here and the cooking area was hopping!The sunset tonight was gorgeous and I got a couple cool pictures. My chores are done and I'm off to sleep, I hope. Shout out to Murphy and JoHawk who summited today! Way to go ladies! Also met up with Hobbit and Shoes and his son are here. Big climbs tomorrow and I guess everyday from here on out in The Whites. I'm so grateful I get to do this!