Ethan Pond shelter 9/28, AMC Highlands Center 9/29

Long day Monday, 14.5 miles, though last 4 mostly level past Zealand Falls hut. To Ethan Pond, drizzling foretelling heavy rains coming next few days. Beautiful run of sun had to end sometime. Very dark early, and once again alone, except for the moose bugling later from the pond.



Hiked in heavy blowing rain Tuesday morning, to Highland Center bunkhouse (again all to myself) and a wet day to stay dry and relax, just like Corey and I did in 2005.

posted from Bloggeroid

Garfield Ridge shelter 9/27

Steep climb up to Franconia Ridge, barely one mile an hour. But then above treeline and stunning views from Mt. Lafayette.
Down and up to Garfield shelter, a very difficult and tiring 11 mile day. Full moon with lunar eclipse, but I go to sleep by 8:30 and miss most of it, catching tail end at 11.

posted from Bloggeroid

Slacking Kinsman 9/26

Staying 2 nights at the wonderfull Notch Hostel in N.Woodstock, just opened in July, very nice place and people. Justin drove me out to Kinsman Notch so I could slack pack 18 miles over Kinsman Mt to Franconia Notch, carrying about 10lbs instead of 30, returning to same comfy hostel. I did the same thing in 1982, hitching back and forth to a motel, but in 2005 nephew Corey and I carried full gear and camped one night. All things considered, much prefer slacking.
Tough hiking regardless, beautiful day.

posted from Bloggeroid

Moosilauke summit, and waterfall, 9/25

posted from Bloggeroid

Sunset from Smarts Mt firetower

posted from Bloggeroid

VT and NH

Back to the trail, lovely stretch of weather, just too warm for September, mid-80's waking up the bugs.



Stratton Mt.

posted from Bloggeroid