Date: 2011-07-10
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Where do I start ¢ today was awesome. Unfortunately, Mary & Kyle decided not to hike Moosilauke, but in hindsight it was probably a good idea because the terrain was would have been tough for someone on their second day with a pack. Moosilauke is not far from our home, and we can hike it together another time. The good thing is I was quickly able to arrange for a shuttle back to their car thanks to the Hikers Welcome Hostel. Ric & I started the climb up Moosilauke in just perfect conditions; clear, sunny, and cool. We made good time and were on top by 10:45. We spent about 1 hour on top resting and enjoying the view. It was nice because there were about 15 thru-hikers on top and it made for a good atmosphere. Everyone was excited because we were truly above tree line for the first time, and we had good weather and excellent views. After eating a light lunch we started down. I had kind of a tight schedule as I was trying to do nearly 20 miles today to set up the rest of my trip through the Whites. I knew what was coming on the descent, and it was just as knee jarring and steep as I remembered. It took a while, but we made the notch by 2:00. When we arrived at the car we found that my wife had left trail magic for us at the car, and also had left 2 boxes of soda, Gatorade, and snacks at the trailhead. Ric took me down into North Woodstock to get a few re-supply items and while there I grabbed a piece of chocolate cake, Doritos, and a sub to pack out for dinner. When I left about 3:00 heading for the Kinsman¢s I was on a sugar high. I needed it too as the climb out of the notch was steep and rocky. It was slow going, but I was enjoying every minute. It was so good to be home in the whites on such a beautiful day. By the time I reached the Eliza Brook Shelter the sugar had worn off and I was pretty beat. It turned out Mt Wolf was also a pretty good climb. Everyone was staying at the Eliza Brook Shelter as it was already 6:30. I ate dinner and filled up on water and decided to move on as I had my heart set on Kinsman Pond Shelter. As I said that I was moving on and left to get water I heard one of the younger thru-hikers say ¢wow, that¢s bad ass.¢ He could have just as easily said stupid, as I knew I wouldn¢t make it before dark. I headed out anyway feeling pretty good, but that feeling soon faded as the climb up South Kinsman is brutally steep and rocky. I had second thoughts about my decision, but pushed on anyway. I arrived at South Kinsman summit as the sun was setting, but there was a 34 moon so the light was still pretty good. It was really beautiful up there at that time so I took quite a few pictures and video. As I made my way to North Kinsman I found two stealth campers that had set up right on the trail in the saddle between the two mountains. The tents took up the whole trail, so I needed to go into the woods to get around them. By the time I reached North Kinsman it was totally dark and I needed my headlamp. I remembered the descent was steep and slick, but I made it without incident to the shelter. I had planned on tenting at one of the pads as not to disturb the shelter at 10:00, but when I checked the shelter it was empty so I set up in there. The shelter is fairly new, and one of the best ones on the trail. I was very tired, but quite proud that I had pulled off nearly 20 miles in the Whites over several tough climbs today. It was probably one of the best days today with weather, views, family, good effort, and a night hike to boot. Hopefully the weather will hold and I¢ll do Franconia Ridge tomorrow, one of my favorite places in the Whites. Now that I think of it, 19.9 miles in the Whites, that is bad ass!AlanKyle and I enjoyed our hike with Alan, and wish we had felt up to hiking Moosilauke. We felt better in the morning after tenting at Jeffers Brook Shelter, but I would not have made it up and over Moosilauke with a pack. I do look forward to purchasing a pack that is comfortable and fits well, and then I hope to slowly build up my strength so that I can do some overnight hikes with Alan again (after he finishes his AT hike). ¢ Mary