Date: 2003-08-11
From: US302/Crawford Notch 

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Today was an awesome day! It was my favorite day since being in New Hampshire. Undeniably.Mike, the owner of the hotel, drove his Jeep over to our room at about 7:45am and we loaded up our packs and headed out shortly before 8am. We stopped at a store for some breakfast sandwiches, then continued on to the trailhead. Mike and Carol were so friendly, I almost hated to leave. But, the mountains were calling me. Especially Mt. Washington.The climb up from Crawford Notch wasn't too bad, but made me work hard. The trail was in good shape, with no major water crossings, and hardly any water on the trail. I was very glad for that, as my shoes were nearly dry. Once we reached Webster Cliffs, we just had to take a break--the view was outstanding! There were some clouds around, but not like it had been for the last week or so. We could actually see more than just the next mountain over! Looking down into the Notch was awesome! The mountains are so steep, and so beautiful. We took a long break there, enjoying the sunshine (Yes! Sunshine!) and cool breeze. Finally, we moved on, knowing there would be more to see.There was plenty more to see. All morning and some of the afternoon, there were views! From Mt. Webster we could see Mizpah Hut, our lunch destination, and part of Mt. Washington, but not the summit. However, when we reached Mt. Jackson, we were resting, enjoying the scenery, and the clouds left Mt. Washington, allowing us to see the towers on the summit. Wow! That was awesome! We could see the ridge all the way from Mt.Pierce/Clinton to Mt. Washington, and it was gorgeous. I am in love with these mountains. Above treeline is so amazing!We had lunch at Mizpah Hut, and headed north around 2pm. The fog and clouds didn't roll in until after 3pm, so we could look around until then. It's difficult to walk and look around at the same time, but somehow I managed. I just love being able to see either where I've just hiked or where I will be going, and today I could do both. Just awesome.About 2 miles before reaching Lakes of the Clouds Hut, I saw a familiar hiker coming up a side trail. It was Big Paw! I hadn't seen him since... northern NY or southern CT. Hotdog, Big Paw and I hiked to the Hut together. When we got there, we asked about options for thruhikers and were told they'd take 2 for work-for-stay or there was room in the Dungeon for $8. I'd heard the Dungeon (a small damp room, with 6 bunks, under the Hut) was not the prettiest place, but after inspecting it, Hotdog and I opted to stay there, and Big Paw is doing work-for-stay. He will help out in morning, and will get to sleep on the tables in the Hut tonight. Also doing work-for-stay are Swift Sandal, 2-Step, Mr.Ed (who I haven't seen since VA), and Don Quixote (who is finishing the AT, which he started in 2001). I didn't want to HAVE to be here until 9 tomorrow morning, working, so will make do in the Dungeon. It's not the quietest, cleanest, driest place I've been, but I think I will sl! eep well anyway.I am excited to be going to Mt. Washington tomorrow morning, since I've never been. This evening, the clouds were kind enough to clear out for about 15 minutes, providing a good look at it. I am anxious to see what kind of weather we get up there, but certainly am hoping for a morning like today. I'm not counting on it, but it sure would be nice.All of the rain and sogginess of the last week has been nearly erased in my mind with today's great day! It is amazing how one good view can brighten up a day or a week. This adventure has brought about some very low times and some very high times, and I hope to remember them all, for they all make up this adventure, and I am glad I experienced them all. I know there are many miles to go, but getting over Mt. Washington is a big milestone in my mind. Tomorrow I get to reach that point. Then I look for the next ones.