Journey Day 305 | AT Day 128

We enjoyed music on recorder, guitar and dulcimer.

8/3/86

Early rising from tree-sheltered tent site on Webster Cliffs. Pack, happily dry. Hike up over Mt. Webster’s summit, passing the camp of Chris and John, the weekenders I climbed the mountain with the night before. Hike past Mt. Jackson to the Mitzpah Springs Hut, where I sit and read, eat, then push on.

Mitzpah Springs Hut.

Pass many hikers during the day. End up hiking with Steve Ahern, an internal auditor from southern New Hampshire.  Ahern and I talk a lot, hike along a ridge with nice views from Mt. Clinton, its side ridges. We split at Mt. Eisenhower, which I climb despite the clouds. Then I hike back off and meet Steve again. We hike on past Mt. Franklin after a long break, talk with a forester-naturalist.

Soon we’re at the Lake of the Clouds Hut. I pass on a swim, wash up, check in, contract for work, update inside after thunderstorm warnings.

Jack shows up and we talk of our changing plans. He’s to go ahead, pushing on to the finish. A beach party beckons. I want to string it out as long as possible. I climb Mt. Monroe before dark and meet Bill Denton, of Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Dinner is an eating orgy. Jack and I stuff ourselves, regale hut hikers with our adventures. We enjoy music on recorder, guitar and dulcimer.

We crash, but too much snoring, not enough hiking, on a windy night lead to fitful sleep.