The White Mountains

The state of New Hampshire is the best part of the Appalachian trail. The White Mountains are some of the greatest terrain and most amazing,breath-taking scenery I have ever seen. Its been 4 days since I last updated, so much has happened since then but I'll do my best to recall it all for you. September 2ND we started into the Whites, our first alpine, above treeline climb was Mount Moosilauke 4,802' above sea level. At the southern base of Moosilauke, we ran into Dutch Tape and Cabana Boy, a couple I met back on my first day on trail, they were doing trail magic! sloppy joes, hot dogs, hiker boxes,soda,snacks, much needed before a serious summit. We started our ascent around 4:30, after we said all our goodbyes. The Climb up Moosilauke was a gradual climb for 4 solid miles. we summited Around 7:30 that evening, I was awestruck. It was getting really cold, so we pushed half way down the Northern slope where we stayed at Beaver Brook Shelter. The view from the shelter put sunrise right in your face, it was amazing. That day, we took a nero day in the town of Lincoln, NH. resupply, lunch, and we were off again. 8 short miles to Eliza Brook Shelter. The following day we did The Kinsmans, more killer views, and above treeline, alpine hiking,9 miles and hit the town of Lincoln again. (its accessible from 2 roads) where we stayed at Chet's Place before conquering Franconia Ridge. Chet's place was amazing, and Chet's story was the heaviest, inspiring story I've heard on the trail thus far. In 2002 while preparing for a thru-hike himself, Chet had a white gas camp stove blow up In his face nearly killing him. He spent 8 months in a coma, flat-lined 9 times, organs failed numerous times, and no health insurance to speak of. He had burns over 80% of his body and had all but fried his lungs, with internal burns. He was put in a Wheelchair and told he would never walk again, but that wasn't in Chet's plan. while staying at his house, i watched him walk about many times, and I know he'll get chance to get out here eventually. He feeds off thru-hiker energy, and we feed off his, its an amazing exchange.
While in Lincoln, I used the last of my subway card, it made a good run for me. We left Chet's on the 4Th, to begin our ascent of Franconia Ridge. it was a 7 mile climb to get above treeline, we summited Little Haystack in about 3 hours. Franconia Ridge, includes, Mt. Liberty, Little Haystack, Mt. Lincoln, Mt, Lafayette, and Mt. Garfield, all of which are over 4,000ft some above 5000 ft. We conquered the whole ridge that day, 14 huge miles in the Whites. We pushed to Gale Head hut and caught a work for stay. The AMC sent a crew to Europe in the early 1900s to study the Swiss Alpine hut system and bring it back to the States. The AMC maintains 8 alpine huts in the white Mountains, they are basically back country lodges with a dining/great room, kitchen, bunk rooms, bathroom, and the crew or "croo" quarters. A stay in one of the huts runs about 80 bucks a person per night, which includes 2 meals, but thru-hikers have the option of doing a work for stay, and in return get all left-overs and to sleep in the great room.The food at the huts rocks, its nice to have a home cooked dinner and breakfast, that isn't cooked over a coke can stove on a rock, but in an actual kitchen. Oh the pancakes! the croos have to pack in all the supplies they need for the season on pack boards, these guys are no joke! I could tell you a ton about the huts, but I'll let you do your own research. From Gale Head Hut, we pushed over The Twin Mountains, Mt Guyot, and the Zeacliffs, to do another work for stay at the Zealand Falls Hut. The croo at Zealand Falls treated us great!Easy work and plenty of great food. The Crews that run the huts are made up of 4 people all around my age (20 somethings) these guys have it made, I will be applying for a croo position next season without a doubt, getting paid to hike and live in the back country, SIGN ME UP!
We hiked 9 miles out of Zealand Falls, finishing at Crawford Notch. We are laying low at a trail angel's house to avoid crap weather. once we start our hike out of here we will be basically be starting our climb up Mount Washington! more mountain updates to come.

I've taken over 200 pictures just in the Whites alone. This is the part of the trail I've dreamed of. Huge mountains, views as far as you can see, alpine and boreal forests, and some amazing waterfalls. The Temps are definitely a factor here now, Summit temps in the 30s, winds 35-55 mph, and wind chills in the teens. I've got all my cold weather gear now, most of it brand spanking new! New gloves, hat, 2 long sleeve shirts, and a killer polartec Fleece. Bella keeps her jacket on most days now, she is totally owning the Whites. Bella The Mountain Dog is her trail name. she sets the pace for us, and finds the easiest routes, she's finally learned to move off trail to poop! She looks like one solid muscle, this is her test for Katahdin, so far shes passed with flying colors.

Dutch and I have continued hiking together, I think its been about 3 weeks or so. He is a really cool guy, we both hike at about the same pace, and seem to be on the same page as far as daily miles go. He finished paramedic school before starting the trail, which is what I'm doing when I finish the trail. I think he might ride the train home with me (I'll get off at Harpers Ferry) and there's talk he might watch Bella for me while I go thru the Smokies. The rest of the Merrell Crew is 3 days behind us, Birch is having to get off again, because of a death in the family, I'm sure he'll catch us by Maine though, keep his family in your prayers.
Under 350 miles til I'm heading South. All my NOBO friends will be heading home, and my journey will continue, this has been such an amazing experience so far, there's still so much more to come, thanks to everyone for their support,comments,mail drops, and everything else...

I know I had a lot more to say and type about the last few days, but so much has happened I just cant recall it all now. I love New Hampshire and I love the White Mountains.

Live Vicariously Through me.

-Fresh and Bella The Mountain Dog + Dutch