Slackpacking Trip - Day 6

Whew, what a day! Got an early start (0630), packing up and leaving the hiker lodge by 0715. Ate breakfast at McDonalds and then drove east of Gorham to the AT Trailhead (0730). Headed NOBO and hiked up Mount Hayes (2500 feet). Great views (weather much improved) and no people on the trail (second day in a row). A lot less muddy, rocky and root-infested, thankfully... After returning to my car, continued hiking SOBO on the other side of US-2 (along the Rattle River). Turned around again at the shelter and went back to my car (1240). Felt good and wanted more... I then drove down NH-16 to Pinkham Notch (at the foot of Mount Washington), arriving at 1320. The weather was decidedly cooler and I laughed inside to see how bundled up everyone else was when I exited my car with just pants and a long sleeved shirt. Explored the area near the Visitor's Center and then set out on another hike (without gear this time). Started NOBO, tracking along a pretty lake through rocks, roots and mud. I actually exited the AT about a mile into the hike, taking another trail back towards NH-16. However, I soon discovered that this trail was blocked by a swollen river. After hiking down the river for about 1/2 a mile, looking for a place where I could cross on rocks, I decided I'd need to try something else or would have to make a big backtrack. So, I shimmied across on a fallen log - it could have been really messy if I actually fell in the frigid waters - but I only got a little wet. This decision allowed me to hiking back to my car along NH-16. I decided to continue SOBO on AT for short distance before turning around again. Before I left the area, I also hiked the Crystal Cascades Trail and found a pretty waterfall. All told, I completed around 15 miles of hiking today! Back in my car (1520), I explored a bit more and found some ski areas I'd visited in the 1980s (Wildcat & Attitash). I then tracked roads that followed the AT towards the south, making my way across New Hampshire (US-302W, US-3S, I-93S, NH-112, NH-118, NH-25, NH-25A, NH-10, NH-120, I-89S, US-4E, I-89, NH-12A). I did find several other trailheads but couldn't find any open lodging nearby. All the hostels in my trail guide were closed for the season and I couldn't even find vacancy at any hotels until I crossed into Vermont on US-4W. Then cost and vacancy were an issue - so by the time I'd reached Woodstock, I gave up and turned around. Drove back and forth across the Connecticut River several times and even drove through Hanover and the Dartmouth College campus (no luck). Made several calls to Dad, Carolyn and Katie, seeing if there was a chance to stay with them tonight or tomorrow. Seriously thought I'd end up sleeping in my car... Drove back to I-89/I-91 again and eventually stopped for gas in White River Junction (2130). I was very frustrated - disappointed that I might not be able to stay in NH any longer. However, as I left the parking lot of the gas station, I spotted a Super 8 motel (backed up on the exit ramp to go check it out). Price was OK and I was happy to have a chance to get a bath. However, I probably won't have a lot of luck like this during the Columbus Day Weekend unless I get creative. I may actually have to suspend my hiking plans until after the weekend, since there are so many colored-leaf-seekers. Oh well - THEY will have to back to work on Tuesday and I won't! Bed at midnight... AT today = 7.25 / G.T. = 188.93.