Date: 2013-07-01
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

No rain when I woke up, so that's always a good start to the day. I was on the trail by 6:30 and the first few miles were easy. I ran into Matthias, a German man, as he was studying his map. He was hiking a section heading south and wondered if he'd be able to make it to Hanover with his schedule. As I shared with him the places I'd camped, along came Market Man, a southbounder. After some conversation the two headed out together, and hopefully Market Man boosted Matthias' outlook on the trail.Once I reached Crawford Notch the trail climbed. And by climbed, I mean a steep rocky scramble... almost 3,000 foot gain in elevation in about three miles up to Mt. Webster. Whoever designed the trails in the White Mountains didn't believe in switchbacks. Along the way I met T, a northbounder who has been making great miles. T was sure we'd met down south at some point, although neither of us could remember where.Once on top I had some stunning views once again. I climbed Mt. Jackson (4,052 ft.), and then dropped slightly until I came to Mizpah Spring Hut. By this time it was 1:30 and time for, you guessed it, a bowl of soup and bread. Today's soup was a mix of turkey vegetable and split pea and was delicious. Isabelle, the cook for the day, had over baked the scones and offered those free of charge as well. I have to admit that I'll be sad when I reach the end of the huts.By this time it was 2 and rain seemed imminent. The next 4 miles were on a ridge above tree line and I was worried about lightening. I decided to go for it and fueled on by adrenaline I moved quickly. This next stretch turned out to be the best part of my day. The trail skirted Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Franklin, and Mt. Monroe, ultimately reaching 5,100 feet. It was misty which made the walk truly magical. All of the rain has led to a lush green color in the alpine grasses. Every so often the clouds lifted enough to let me see what was down there. There were very few people on the trail, although I did meet Dog Whisperer, a southbounder traveling with his dog.I reached Lakes of the Clouds Hut a bit before 5. I asked about work for stay and Aaron welcomed me. A southbounder named Meg was also there as a work for stay and Aaron said we were a nice change from "all the bearded dudes".This hut is the largest of the 8 huts (90+ guests) and the only one situated above tree line at 5,106 feet. Meg and I were told to hang out until after the guests ate, and then we could eat and would be given a job. Not too tough!It was fun watching the croo both serve dinner and entertain the guests. We then ate in the kitchen with the croo and had curried chicken and rice, beans, salad, homemade bread, and apple crepes for dessert. The croo has such a good time working together and they treated us well... couldn't help but think I would have liked that job 30 years ago.After dinner they put Meg and I to work with some kitchen cleaning chores. We're now stretched out in our sleeping bags on the dining room floor and will have breakfast in the morning before we leave. It's pouring now but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the rain might let up before I summit Mt. Washington tomorrow.Today's highlight: the 4 mile alpine walk between Mizpah Spring and Lakes of the Clouds Huts.