We plan a lot of our days based on the info and trail profile in AWOL A.T. Guidebook. But sometimes it just doesn't tell the whole story! The profile coming down Carter Mountain didn't look to bad. Weeeell, although the steep section was relatively short, it was the most challenging I can recall. It was not only steep, but slick rock slabs that required some thought on the best way to maneuver them.
As I was heading down, passed several hikers heading up. The trail is usually more crowded on weekends. Then ran in to one that I recognized! Karl Meltzer. (If you recall, I him a few months ago down in Virginia. Ultramarathoner who is trying to break the supported thru hiker record.)
He's doing it southbound and had made it thru Maine and in to NH in 7 days. Around 300 miles so average of 43 miles a day!!!!! Wow. Very nice guy. Stopped and chatted awhile because he's a day ahead of schedule and had a short day of a mere 22 miles. Amazing! It will be interesting to follow his progress.
Hiked on down to the road and then stopped by the White Mountain Hostel again, which is right on the trail. Picked up some food that I had left there (and didn't want to carry over Wildcat mountain) I spent a few hours, charged electronics, hung my tent to dry, chatted with Marnie, the owner and then hit the trail again for another 7 miles. It's a really nice comfortable hostel so it was tough to leave.
The gang is temporarily split up. Mambo is about a day ahead. Murphy and 50/50 decided to stay in Gorham tonight to rest sore, weary body parts. Hopefully we will be back together soon.
We are officially through the White Mountains!!!! There are plenty of mountains still ahead, but it's a nice mental hurdle to have the Whites behind me.
Ten miles left here in NH, and tomorrow... Maine!! Can't believe it!
Letter to New Hampshire below.
Dear New Hampshire:
Thanks for the great hospitality in your charming, friendly towns. Your White mountains were every bit as beautiful and challenging as I'd heard they would be.
Now... about this whole white blaze thing. The other 13 states in which the Appalachian Trail passes through, have embraced this method of marking the trail and it seems to be working seamlessly. It has enabled literally thousands of people to walk from Georgia to Maine. But, apparently you have not fully grasped the importance of the white blaze, as they are sporadically placed, at best, on many sections of trail here. You may think that we have become too dependant on 'the blaze' but hey, we've walked a long way to get here and are a little weary. They really do not mar the beauty of the woods and do no damage to the surrounding environment, so please NH, blaze the dang trail.
Sincerely,
Many, many thru hikers
NH has been great! But just a little confusing :)
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