Date: 2004-08-01
From: Crawford Notch Stealth Site/Saco River

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: fog

Masked by a blanket of cloud for most of the day, I didn't think I would get the opportunity to see Mt. Washington. Even with clouds clearing from surrounding peaks, Mt. Washington was well hidden by cloud/fog blowing over the peak. Sitting inside the Lakes of the Clouds Hut as a stiff breeze chills my bare arms, I now get brief glimpses of the rocky mountain. Weather towers litter the summit as the clouds continue rolling over. From where I sit, 1200' below, the mountain doesn't seem as spectacular as I had built it up to be. I realize though that I'm already almost on the top, so I discard these first impressions and enjoy the view. Small plumes of black smoke rise into the air as a train on the cog-railroad chugs up the northwest side of Washington. To the west, peak after peak disappears into a light orange-pink haze. Behind me sits Monroe Peak a stout peak that rises about 400 feet above the hut. The panoramic landscape around me is grayish-green from the rocks and sturdy alpine plants. In front of me sits an old AMC hut that looks to be ingreat shape for its age. Log books inside date back to the 30s, so its obvious that this hut has been renovated more than once to keep it looking so good. The croo inside are a friendly and energetic bunch. Sitting outside, I could hear them acting out a short skit to herd guest away from the tables so that the tables could be set. The scene reminds me of my days with Residence Life in college as a Living Group Advisor where we would often enterain residents with crazy skits. I've seperated myself from the tourists after two hours of dish washing. I tent to get agitated by the large concentration of people in the Whites after getting so much solitude on this hike. Outside, I'm enjoying the peace and quite and cool air, away from noise and chaos.   In exchange for free food and lodging at this hut, I'm doing a work-for-stay by washing dishes. The pile of plates, cups, and pots was the biggest I've ever seen, but Bean and I them done with a bit of teamwork. Its actually quite a deal and my hands are probably cleaner that they have been on this entire trip. I'm enjoying the free food, only having to eat one meal out of my three-day suppy for the Whites. I'm hoping to get all the way to Gorham from Franconia Notch on just three-days food. So far the plan is working thanks to this work-for-stay and plenty of leftovers at the other huts. This morning, the Mizpah Spring Hut had a huge platter of leftover pancakes and fresh baked bread for a buck. After hiking for a couple hours on an empty stomach, I gorged myself on the scrumptious mollasses/nut bread.The day started out with me cussing the rain that began just before I had finished packing. Most of my stuff got a slightly damp but my mood improved once I got hiking. The dense clouds parted just enough to allow me some beautiful views of rain falling into the valley as I was hiking up Webster's cliffs. Clouds socked back in, occasionaly clearing just enough to see 1/4 mile up the ridge. I got in to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut around 12:30p, got myself some AYCE soup and have been enjoying the views ever since!