Day 140 Mitzpah Spring Hut to Osgood Tentsite (14.9 miles) 1865.7 miles total

The Hut had about 60 guests last night. Slept in bunk room with 7 others. Thankfully only one fairly mild snorer. My air mattress in tent is more comfortable than wooden bunk.

Had a great breakfast: oatmeal, coffee cake, eggs, bacon, and hot chocolate. Gorged once again.

Good thing I was well fed because today’s hike was a physical challenge.

Had to cross the Presidential Range above tree line for 12 miles. That means open to the elements and no tenting (fragile ecosystem and dangerous). No choice but to go 15 miles.

Crossed Mt Pierce (4312″) and Mt Franklin (5014′) and wind was howling. Had to be close to 40 miles sustained and cold. Put gloves on for just second time of entire trip.

Also skirted summits of Mt Eisenhower and Mt Madison in the 5 miles to Lake of Clouds Hut. Stopped in there for some hot chocolate and to warm up.

1.6 miles and 1150′ elevation to Mt Washington (6288′). That wouldn’t be bad on a calm, sunny day. Today we are in clouds and cold wind will get worse.

As you leave Hut there is a sign warning to stop if weather bad because of possibility of death.

It was an insane hike up. If wind was from side it would practically blow you off trail. Into it I just put my head down and leaned forward. With it was the craziest. Would go faster than I wanted over rocks. Couldn’t see top through clouds until I was right there.

50 mph sustained winds with gusts to 70 and wind chill low 30’s at top. Plus it’s kind of drizzly because you’re in cloud.

They did have a snack bar (slice of pizza and bowl of chili). They also had a hiker lounge in the basement with some tables, electrical outlets, and bathrooms.

Only 9 miles to go. Most above tree line and above 5000′.

Passed Madison Spring Hut at 4:30. Only 3.1 miles to go and one big climb over Mt Madison (5366′).

This is looking North fro Mt Madison. I’m going north so should be going north into that flat expanse but nooo. We gotta go south so we can stay in mountains. Like to talk to the folks that devised that. You know they were laughing!

Late in the day Mt Washington is still in clouds. If you zoom in on left third of pic you may see a road. You can take a cog train to top or drive. People buy “My car made it up Mt Washington bumper stickers”. I say try walking!

 

Hoping to make it to Gorham. NH in 2 days. Really need to do laundry and resupply. That will be a week since last!

Happy trails!