Date: 2018-08-17
From: Zeacliff Pond

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept until 6:30 and didn¢t get out until 8:30! Luckily it was pretty sunny out and my tent dried out. Right away was Zeacliff which had a great view. Then it was down to the Zealand Falls Hut. Even though it was only 9:30, they were already out of breakfast leftovers (Lonesome Lake still had at noon). But with the thru hiker card I picked up at Liberty Springs, I could have two pastries/breads so still got some calories.The next few miles along the Ethan Pond Trail were probably the easiest so far in New Hampshire. It was only a gentle incline, with few rocks or roots. But still some views. Unfortunately, I realized I left my water bottles back at the hut and was too far to go back. I guess I will just have to use my bladder and camel up when I can until town... Funny how my pack still felt heavy you think I would have noticed a few pounds lighter...I stopped at the Ethan Pond Shelter for lunch, then proceeded down to Crawford Notch. Often I have heard there is trail magic there, but with the skies darkening no dice. There were a few groups going back to their cars, I should have given out my trash.The climb up Webster Cliff was tough but not horrible. It started to lightly sprinkle so I put on my jacket. Should have waited because it never really picked up, and just made me sweat more! I think because of the weather, there weren¢t many other people out which was nice.A mile before the peak of Mount Webster were a set of cliffs. When I came out of the woods and looked out on the ledge, it literally took my breath away. Not sure it is the best view, but the angle coming up and looking across Crawford Notch to the Willey Range was amazing. I would have loved to stay longer, but the weather looked threatening and wanted to get to the hut.The rest of the climb up to the top of Mt. Webster was a lot tougher and involved a lot of scrambling, including sometimes completely vertical rock climbing. It then leveled out a bit to the peak of Mount Jackson, which I believe marks the official beginning of the Presidentials.I got to the Mizpah Spring Hut about a quarter to six, which is a couple hours later than ideal. However, even though they already had two Work For Stays they said they could take another. But 6 is dinner time so they told me to hang out a bit. I think they just wanted to keep me hidden from the paying guests!About 7:15 I went down and the croo offered us leftovers. It was delicious chicken, rice, peas, and homemade bread. And the best part was the more we ate the less they had to deal with! I guess they are the fall croo and just started a couple days ago.They instructed the other two WFS to clean the stove, took probably about ten minutes. They asked me for tasks tomorrow morning, which kind of sucks because I can¢t get out as early but that¢s what I get for being the third wfs, plus I will get breakfast tomorrow.So the three of us just hung out waiting for guests to leave the dining room so we could set up our sleeping gear. Kind of annoying because lights out isn¢t until 9:30. But the other two are really cool and she even gave me some food because they are hiking down to a road tomorrow.Ugh there are kids running around at 10:30! Why aren¢t they in bed?!