Date: 2008-09-09
From: Wildcat Mountains

To: Gorham
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: moderate rain

The rain I was expecting last night didn't come, atleast not yet.By 06:45 I'm on my way, the trail is extremely steep both up and down. The downs however pose the greatest risk, evertything is still wet & slick.The climbs and descents have required more technical movement, I am so glad I did the extra miles last night, this is going to be slow.Shortly after getting started, I heard thunder rumble close by and soon after the rain came. I could now see the flashes of lightning and hear by the cracking zap! I was positioning myself to become a lightning rod.I passed through and across the top of the Wildcat Ski area, further exposing myself. Soon after, the trail came straight out on to a rock face cliff.At first glance it appearred to just stop right there. I was looking nearly straight down into Pinkham Notch. The distance was deceiving as it appearred to be much closer than it actually was and it still looked a long way down.There is only one way the trail can go from here, and it is no cake walk. One slip or misplaced footing and you will experience freefall just before experiencing the results of broken bones and flesh being torn away in chunks with extreme prejudice. Just as I was starting to carefully make my climb down, a crack of lightning exploded just above and to my right. In a mili-second, my whole body rattled and shook as if in a spasm. I knew seconds later that I wasn't struck, however I wondered if my muscles responded without control from the electric field? Similar to the electric pulse massages at the chiropractor only several hundred thousand volts stronger.Now regaining my composure, I'm starting once again when the thunder boomed on top of me. Damn it, don't do that again! I looked up half expecting to see if something was going to come crashing down on me, like a 747 or something.Man, I got to get down from here, I am exposed on the side of this cliff and I need to atleast get back into treeline.When I felt safe enough, I stopped and put on my rain gear. I was already wet, but this was to retain the warmth. Now as if the steep wet, slick, downward trail wasn't challenging enough, it became downright treacherous. Heading north through this part is definitely the way to go, only I am going south through here.Once I reached the base of the mountain, the trail was flooded in water for the next mile. Wading through pools of water and sinking into mud slog was how to best describe this next stretch. I knew it wouldn't be much further until I reached the road. Even better, the walk to the Visitor Center in Pinkham Notch would be an oasis of warmth and food.Finally, arriving at 09:08, I went inside, ordered a cheeseburger, then went back outside and shed my wet clothes. I did a quick change right out on the front porch. It's surprising how unbashful a hiker can become. Things like changing or going to the bathroom just becomes less of a big deal and as unassuming as a Nalgene, gorp or breathing.I waited nearly 2-1/2 hours for Sprite & Freckles to arrive at 11:30. I couldn't help but wonder if they had actually encountered circumstances that caused the delay or was this just payback for the other day?Either way, I thought it was funny. We hurried back to Gorham and returned the rental. This was the end of a short era, one chapter now closed and another one beginning. The Whites have been thoroughly experienced, enjoyed and are now behind us. The fairy-tale condo shelter experience was a gift like no other.I haven't thanked Sprite enough nor have I even met her cousin whom owned the condo, for making this such a memorable experience. I will always cherish the memory and regard it as something very special. After doing it this way, I can't imagine of how much I otherwise would have missed? Having been able to enjoy as much and for as long as I did, the trek through the Whites and Presidentials were simply amazing. Thank you again.Fortunately, the girls had thought ahead and secured us a room at the Colonial Fort Inn. The next couple of days are going to be the ripple effect of the hurricanes off the coast. I am just a mere 16 miles from Maine, it is so hard to believe? Although there is still just a tad under 300 miles reamaing, I am about to enter the 14th and final state. My emotions are at best, mixed?For dinner we walked down the street and did Chinese. Not only was this the first time on the trip we did Chinese but the first time any of us had eaten at a buffet as well. We laughed as every hiker we know seems to live for a buffet in order to satisfy the ravenous appetite that we all acquire.Upon returning to our little room, I noticed the tub strangely had water jet ports. Could it be, does it work? I filled the tub, turned the knob and the water began bubbling. In a blink, I was in that tub and getting reeeelaxxxed!In the mean time, Sprite was following up on a lead for a shuttle tomorrow to take us back to the trail. It is several miles from where we are.Is this rain ever going to stop? I am not looking forward to doing long miles with wet feet again. Oh well, at least for now I am out of the weather and warm.John & Kelly are still here and have a room a few doors down. They have been resting and looking to replace some gear. As much as we would like to party a bit, we all seem to need to just rest. Though strong, our bodies are also tired. It's time to stretch out.