The White's
Lincoln, NH - Mile 1815 - Aug 3rd, 2015
The White's
Mile 1815
Day 126
Lincoln, New Hampshire
The White Mountains are majestic. This is what it is all about. The climbs are steep, descents also, but the views are spectacular.
My friend, Avocado Blister, made it 20 miles in two days. She picked me up off the side of the road at 4am. I had night hiked 10 miles to meet her. She found me asleep under my sleeping bag, fighting off mosquitoes and exhaustion. We slept in the car for a bit, then got some breakfast and dropped her car at the end point. We hitched four separate rides and walked 3 miles to get back to the trailhead. 100 yards into the trail, she had a blister the size of a quarter on her right heel. She pushed through the pain and made it ten miles. We decided to stay at a Hostel at the base of Mt. Moosilauke. She got to meet a bunch of thru-hikers, a shower and to sleep on a bed. We had some popcorn and sat around a massive campfire. It was a good night.
The following morning we made our summit attempt. A mile in, she was hurting a bit. I offered her an out and said if she wasn't feeling it, that now was the time to turn around. That there are no more roads for 9 miles. She said she'd push on a bit further.
I sprinted ahead at my normal pace. I would wait for her about a mile up and see how she was feeling.
Relaxing on a rock, I watched her coming up the mountain. I could see her fighting the pain. I asked how she was doing and she said, "Well, I'm not quitting!"
Exactly what I wanted to hear.
Two hours later, we were nearing the summit. I got some great shots of her nearing the peak. See below.
We made it down the near vertical north side in a couple hours and found trail magic as we completed her 20 mile journey. After cold sodas and cooking us some hot dogs, the nice couple offered to take us back to her car. We accepted and her journey was complete.
We walked over to the local watering hole for a few cold drinks. We talked about the trail. About over-coming obstacles and motivating oneself.
She got a good dose of what this thing is all about.
Before heading back to Virginia, she dropped me off at the very picnic table we received trail magic at. I slept on top of it for a bit, but moved underneath it as a little rain came through. A picnic table is a nearly perfect tent. Except for the spiders and food scraps...
I made it 14 miles yesterday before stopping at the Lonesome Lake Hut. I asked if they had any work-for-stay opportunities. They said sure, they could always use a hand. Four other thru hikers did the same. They put me and Forest to work on relocating a giant stack of firewood from one shed to the other. Flo would stack the wood and the older thru hikers would give an Appalachian Trail Q and A to the guests staying at the hut.
Forest and I thought they got the short end of the stick.
We gave them an hours effort, then waited around for everyone to finish dinner. After the guests, the thru hikers were welcome to any leftovers. It was stuffed-shells night with fresh baked bread. I had four servings. What a day.
This morning we swept the floor and organized some bookshelves. We were fed scrambled eggs, cornbread and bacon. Now I could get used to this sort of thing!
I made it 3 miles this morning, before deciding to hitch back into town. I needed some new shoes. My feet were starting to hurt the last few days. The soles were coming apart, the tread missing and my god did they stink.
I hit up the outfitter and got a pair of trail runners. I resupplied my candy cache and bought 6 new pair of socks from the dollar store. Later, after two slices of pizza, I went to a matinee showing of Mission Impossible. The movie stunk, but it was nice to just sit down. It was 90 degrees today. It may drop down to the low forties at night. I'm about to head back to the trail, but probably won't hike. I'm just relaxing and enjoying the rest of the day.
I'm very content knowing that I'm exactly where I am supposed to be.
I have 8-9 days before my parents drive up to visit. 8-9 days to get to Maine. I told them I had to walk into Maine before they picked me up.
I'm excited to see them and that beautiful black labrador, Jumbie. I predict she may enjoy Maine more than any of us.
New Hampshire is officially the best state yet. It's what the Smokies was supposed to be. Waterfalls, granite faces, cliffs, vistas and so much more. It's tough, yet rewarding.
Two-Dogs had to get off trail with giardia. He said he'll be back on in a month.
Six Strings got Lyme Disease, but is probably 100 miles from Katahdin.
Mammoth got off trail to go tag Rhode Island and then returned to the trail and should be about finished. I imagine he's on his way, by foot, to Alaska, to finish his quest.
Rocky Mountain High is still just a day or two behind.
Special thanks to Avocado Blister for making the long drive, a great effort and good times.
I owe you one.
4 weeks left.
Still going strong.
Jason
Lincoln, NH - Mile 1815 - Aug 3rd, 2015