Lakes of the Clouds Hut

• Day:  134-135
• Start:  1844.4
• End:  1855.4
• Miles:  11.0
• Hours:  6
• High temp:  60
• Low temp:  45
• Thru Hikers met:  2

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AMC Center at Crawford Notch

So my 134 day is spent at the AMC Center avoiding the severe weather.  I enjoy the day relaxing in the living room with a nice fire going, having the availability of prepared food and taking a rejuvenating nap. 

View looking out the living room windows towards the Notch

Living room

Dining room

Kitchen

The bunk house was new and nicely appointed. They provide a rack to hang your towel and plenty of outlets so guests can charge devices while in bed. 

Bunkhouse

Bunkhouse common area

Last night the storm rattled the window by my bunk, actually a comforting sound as I was snug and warm. 

View on Monday towards the Notch from the bunkhouse steps

View on Tuesday towards the Notch from the path to the bunkhouse. Not much difference yet

I've made plans to depart today to a Hut 11 miles up the grade.  The forecast is for clearing this afternoon so I hope to have some views on the way up. The short day will allow me to summit Mt Washington and head out to Pinkham Notch tomorrow. 

I'm on the trail by 1130 hrs, and the weather is calming down nicely.  The area I'm entering is still considered the Whites but this group of mountains is called the Presidential Range as many of the mountains are named after presidents. 

Just starting on the way up

The first effort is to climb to the Webster Cliffs, a truly steep climb.  Once I'm at the Cliffs the view is spectacular. 

360 view from the Webster Cliffs

The trail goes back into the forest then comes out again at another view point.  This delightful pattern is repeated many times resulting in slightly different views. 

The pleasant forest walk. 

Mt. Webster 

View from Mt Webster

The hike away from the Cliffs starts in an alpine forest. I'm enjoying the dramatic sky and lighting today. The temperature is mild with just a hint if s breeze. 

Alpine section with dramatic sky

Mt. Washington in the distance

I can see Mt. Washington, I plan to summit tomorrow. Summiting may sound like a big deal and it is when one hikes it, but this mountain is accessible by car and cog railway, so lots of people might be there. Plus there is a snack bar on the summit. 

Looking east

The lighting is wonderful today 

Looking south

Looking east

Mt. Washington is much closer now

Mt. Monroe

As I round Mr. Monroe the Hut comes into view. I'm delighted as it is perched with a terrific view. 

Lakes of the Clouds Hut. 

I'm in time for dinner, it's in a half an hour. I get my bunk and freshen up to eat.  This Hut can hold 96 guests. The bunks are about 6 to a room. I'm in a room already occupied with 4 people. My bunk is on the 3rd level, I've never seen 3 levels of bunks before. Dinner is great and I eat my fill. The food is served family style and we all sit at long tables with benches like picnic tables. I share my meal with some wonderful people. The dining room has a splendid view of mountian, valley and the beautiful sky. 

Dining room

As dinner draws to a close the clouds close in around the hut. Shortly after dinner I'm ready for bead. I climb into my high bunk, settling in for the night. 

Crawford Notch

• Day:  133
• Start:  1829.8
• End:  1844.4
• Miles:  14.6
• Hours:  7
• High temp:  68
• Low temp:  58
• Thru Hikers met:  1

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Franconia Ridge as viewed from South Twin Mountain, ele 4902'

So I've never experienced this before, when I setup last night I discovered slugs had stuck to my ground cloth when I packed it last time.  Dead slugs have a mist unpleasant odor, I don't care for it. I cleaned the cloth where the slugs where, I'm hoping the dampness of the ground will draw the rest of the smell away. 

On the trail by 0545 hrs. and I have an immediate 800' climb to South Twin Mountain.  The climb went fast and the view is very nice this morning. I'm alone up here and everything is quiet.  

My way off South Twin Mountain

The trail today is surprisingly easy, yes there are still sone darn rocks to navigate but mostly it's a great trail. 

Way over there is South Twin Mountain 

The way north 

I'm making good time, so the thought occurs that I may be able to get breakfast leftovers at the next Hut, Zealand Falls. 

It's not paved it's a rock slab

My descent to Zealand Falls Hut is easy.  When I'm just about there I cross a nice little stream running over granite. 

I arrive at the Hut in time to have leftovers.  If you are a thru hiker the staff will give you any breakfast leftovers. I'm presented with some scrambled eggs, peaches and a huge serving bowl of oatmeal.  The staff is very friendly making me feel comfortable and at home. I enjoy some warm coffee and a few baked goods to round out the meal.  Yes it was leftovers and yes it was not hot, but I didn't even realize the temperature until I was half way through.  It just seems so civilized to eat food at a table with utensils I don't even notice the condition of my meal.  

Baked goods

The dining room and kitchen. The bunk rooms are on each side

Zealand Falls Hut

Now another 8 miles to Crawford Notch and sanctuary from the forecasted storm. 

Under the far mountains below the shadow is a small white spot, that's the Zealand Falls Hut 

The trail ahead

I'm enjoying the trail out with it's casual tread and scenery. I take a short side trail to Thoreau Falls. 

Thoreau Falls with a nice bathing spot

This river kept me company for a while

I can hear the traffic on NH rt 302 about 2 miles up the mountain.  Once I make the Notch I notice I don't have cell reception so I decide to ask for a ride to town. Just then the Appalachian Mountain Club shuttle arrives with an expensive ride to the AMC Center and lodge. So they have food, a bunk, a shower, power for charging my phone, and toilets, I decide to go ias t is close and a good place to ride out the storm. 

AMC Center

The bunkhouse