Training Archive: dlevineIn the 7 days ending 2007-08-04:
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Wednesday Aug 1 | ||
| Note | |
| Mizpah Springs Hut to Crawford Notch (base of Webster Cliff Trail) 6.6 miles.
Last day!!!! Not even a significant climb to start the day, although Mt. Jackson (NOT named for President Andrew...) seemed taller than it might have a few days ago. Gorgeous views from Webster Cliff, but we were too burned out to see them. Northbounders told us that we had missed an iconic view of a moose by only a few minutes. Go figure. Slog down the seemingly endless trail only to discover that the bridge over the Saco has collapsed (presaging the news that we got later about I-35). So, off with the boots and ford the river which was actually quite low. (My shorts didn't even get wet.) Kept the boots off and hiked the last 100 yards in our Crocs and finally made it to the car. Quite the year! | ||
Tuesday Jul 31 | ||
| Note | |
| Madison Springs Hut to Mizpah Springs Hut. 12.8 miles.
Apparently nobody else at the hut is doing a "double". Everyone else who is southbound is staying at Lakes of the Clouds tonight. We started off with several groups, but we were alone before we knew it and when we looked back while climbing Jefferson we couldn't see anyone coming. By the time we made the Sphinx Col, we were beginning to see lots of northbounders and by the time we cleared Mt. Clay, there was a veritable traffic jam of hikers descending Washington. We climbed the cone, waving to the cog railway (and not bothering to moon the tourists as some folks consider customary), and even beat the upward train to its station. We split a chili and a tuna sandwich at the summit snack bar before beginning the descent to Lakes. Got to Lakes a bit before 2 and surprised the Croo when we said we were going one hut more. He pointed out that their time estimate to Mizpah was 3:30, but that that was for "fresh" hikers. We pointed out that we were motivated and that what was coming up was much easier than what we had done and we set off. The morning's spectacular views continued until we were descending Mt. Franklin when a squall started to spit on us. We skirted Eisenhower and descended to the col. Climbed Mt. Clinton/Pierce (when will this name controversy die? The change was officially made in 1913!) and descended to the hut by 4:40, beating the time estimate by fifty minutes. Had a great chat with the one thru-hiker who had done the same stretch that day. | ||
Monday Jul 30 | ||
| Note | |
| Pinkham Notch to Madison Springs Hut. 7.8 miles.
After shuttling cars, we got a latish start (9:15), but my pack weighs about twenty pounds less (no tent, no stove, no fuel, no cookware, no food, no mattress pads). Theresa is just wearing my CamelBak. Hike on Old Jackson Road has more climb than I recalled and the heat index was up once again. Despite my light pack I was sweating profusely. Lunch at the Osgood Tent Site before the steep ascent of Mt. Madison. We made the ascent better than anticipated and were pleasantly cool by the time we passed treeline. Enjoyed hiking the fell field as we crossed all of the false summits of Madison. By the descent to the hut, we were a bit tired, but we made it by 4:30. Had time to explore "The Parapet" before dinner and enjoy views of Mt. Washington that I had never seen before. | ||
Sunday Jul 29 | ||
| Note | |
| Carter Notch Hut to Pinkham Notch. 6.4 miles.
It poured last night. Good night to be indoors. Dubious morning to be ascending the Wildcats. Actually, the climb up Wildcat A wasn't so bad. It was wet, but we've done worse. We sure were glad we were going up instead of down, though! It was surprisingly wet along the ridge and we kept slipping and sliding and getting more than our share of bumps and contusions. We made it to the gondola, though and got some spectacular views of the Presidentials. Descending Wildcat E, however, was a real pain with our full packs. People complain about Mahoosuc Arm, but I think this was worse. At least there are things to grab onto during the descent of Mahoosuc Arm. And then, to add to the pain, there is a silly mile hike back to the Notch parking lot once you're done. This was a very challenging day. At least we got to get cleaned up and do laundry and sleep well at the Green Granite Inn in North Conway! | ||