Date: 2004-08-11
From: USFS Osgood Tentsite

To: Pinkham Notch Camp
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: fog

Woke up to the sound of rain hitting the tent. I prepared a cup of coffee and ate breakfast under the rainfly of the tent. The rain stopped and we loaded up and were on our way by 8AM. My usual cheery mood changed when we hiked about a mile downhill on the wrong trail. I knew that BearBag Hanger was ahead of us so when I caught a few cobwebbs at a height he should have cleared out, I knew something was wrong. Not seeing a white blaze for about a mile didn't really concern either me or WW because there has been a major shortage of white paint since we reached AMC maintained trails. I was leading and felt bad about my mistake until we returned to where we went wrong. The trail we were on went straight. The AT turned off that trail and made a right turn onto another trail. The yokel with the paint brush didn't think such a change in direction warranted a blaze. No double blaze, no single blaze, no sign facing the AT. Nothing to indicate which direction th AT went. I, as a trail maintainer myself, am usually careful not to criticize another trail volunteer. But this was absured and would have to be viewed as a deliberate attempt to misdirect hikers. I later met four other hikers who went the wrong way - one of whom wound up hiking an extra 8 miles. While my deelings with the AMC have all been positive and they have been very hospitable toward thru-hikers, it appears the Appalachian Trail is on the lower end of their list of priorities. Most of the section and day hikers I've met on the trail here weren't even aware they were on the AT. I don't know the politics between the ATC and the AMC but heck, this is a National Scenic Trail. This ranting is not just about me having to walk a few extra miles. I love the AT and don't like seeing it take second billing to such internationally famous trails as the Osgood or Great Gulf Trail. Sorry for the rantings - I now feel better and will switch back to my usual cheery self. We arrived at Pinkham Notch Camp just in time to take a shower and be ready for the lunch buffet. Just as we arrived the skies opened up. There is no way I would want to climb Wildcat Mt in the rain so we opted to get a bunk here at the lodge. And we signed up for dinner and breakfast too. It isn't exactly a zero day but it gives us a whole afternoon to rest up and catch up on chores. Again, the AMC employees have been wonderful and have made us feel very welcome. I can't say enough good things about the caretakers and croos. They do a great job trying to protect the fragile nature of the Whites from the mobs who would otherwise destroy it. One croo member was pointing out a plant (about the size of a small plate) that was probably a hundred years old. What a shame it would be to step on such a plant - surviving such a harsh enviornment only to be crushed by a Vibram Sole. Am I ranting again? Maybe I ought to go out and hike a little. NOT! Its raining again and I am nice and cozy on a couch with my barefeet up on a coffee table. A few days of this and maybe my knees will forgive me. I love to hike but right now it feels great to just sit and rest my weary body.I was chatting with a woman who works here and she asked me what was the hardest part of the trail. I couldn't find an answer. I finally said "none of it". I guess the hardest part isn't the trail itself - it is missing loved ones left behind.I am going to head for dinner and will hit the sack early tonight. We need an early start for a long hard day tomorrow. Goodnight, and may all your trails be well blazed,Lwop