After almost a week of rain, I woke up (very early) to find that the weather was awesome! I’d anticipated this (packed last night) and was on the road by 0715, bound for Crawford Notch. I used a similar route for the southwestern Whites (I-91, VT/NH-25, River Road, NH-10, NH-116, Wells Road, NH-18 and NH-141) but then took US-3 to US-302 - I was parked at the AT Trailhead near Ripley Falls by 0900 and was in the woods (NOBO) within 15 minutes. I crossed the Saco River on a nice bridge. The temps were in the mid 50s to start (so nice!) and the trail was smooth enough that I began to wonder if the hike wouldn’t be as bad as usual - this happy thought disappeared by the second hour… Like all my other hikes since the Fall, the trail became a messy rock and root scramble and some of the rocks were slippery granite slabs without foot or hand holds. Needless to say, this really slowed me down. I’m not 100% sure, but I believe I encountered a badger during this time! While contemplating a particularly scary looking (nearly vertical) rock face, I was passed by seven through hikers and one section hiker (all NOBO too). I wished them a pleasant journey and, when no one was around, continued my snails pace (i.e., careful ascent of Mount Webster). This section included over 2000 feet of elevation within three miles but it also had some spectacular views from ledges that skirted west side of the ridge. Looking down on the Wiley House unit of Crawford Notch State Park was amazing (if not worrisome). I made it to the Webster Cliffs and then had a difficult time finishing my initial climb - every step was hard because of rock and root placement (and the steepness of the drop offs). Eventually, I reached the summit (3.9K’) of the peak named for NH’s well known native son - he never made it into the Oval Office so he didn’t rate a 4000 footer, I guess… There were other people on the rock face (they’d climbed up from the AMC Highland Center). Because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, I relaxed for almost 30 minutes and enjoyed my lunch (for once). Since the sun wasn’t making things too hot and there wasn’t much of a breeze, I decided to continue on the AT and summit nearby Mount Jackson. The elevation change was only about 200 feet (net) on this additional section but I now had to contend with lack of white blazes, a lot more mud and increased traffic (people). Oh, and one of the scariest, steepest, slipperiest rock faces appeared just before I made it to the top… Fortunately, I made it and found an even better view of the Presidential Range to the north - it was a series of rolling green hills, culminated by majestic (and nearly bald) Mount Washington. Equally spectacular views were available of the ridge on the opposite side of the Notch - wow. I spent a bunch more time on this 4K+ foot peak, talking with other hikers, resting and deciding my next move. In the end, I decided to descend via the Webster-Jackson Trail. While it was much easier than the AT, overall, it had a steep start (huge granite slab) and lots of mud for the first few miles. Most of the other people I passed on the way down had talked with me at the top - we were all friends with plenty to gripe about as we descended. I did pass some folks who were climbing but didn’t really talk to them (focused on footfalls). When I reached US-302 after a long, muddy slog, I was over three miles from the car (I know because I’d measured on the way into the area). Telling myself I that my plan to hike back on the road was saving my body from certain injury, I walked quickly down the valley. By the time I reached my car (1715, after nearly 12 miles), I was exhausted - not physically, actually, but mentally. As I got myself ready for the drive to my next adventure (stay tuned!), six more Thru hikers came out of the woods from the other ridge. The ringleader (a lady named “Orange”) was very chatty and told me about her adventures, commiserating with my assessment that the Whites are the hardest part of the AT. I shared some Trail Magic (Gatorade) and departed to the north. I used US-302 and then got on US-3, which took me to NH-115. When I reached US-2, I drove until I was tired. I talked to Mollie on the way. I checked into the Colonial Valley Motel in Farmington (2020) and was pleasantly surprised that they hadn't raised their rates for the Summer yet. I went into my room to rest and read until going to bed at around 2230. Feeling good about my hike but still intimidated by the nature of the remaining miles I’ve got in New Hampshire… Thinking happy thoughts! AT Today = 4.7 miles / Grand Total AT = 1829.8 miles / AT Left = 355.5 miles / NH 4000 Footer #7 of 48
