AT Day 128: Franconia Ridge & Mt Garfield

Daily Miles: 10.1, Total Miles: 1,834.3

I got a shuttle back to the Liberty Springs TH and started the climb to Franconia Ridge.

Limited visibility but some views of the Ridge, Little Haystack and Mt Lincoln. Mt Lafayette, 5,246′ elevation, was visible up ahead but by the time I got up there I was in the clouds and it was raining. The rain stopped as I dipped down to a boggy area.

Another climb up and over Mt Garfield and I was at the Garfield Ridge Campsite, managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). AMC also manages the huts in the White Mountains. Still pretty early but a big elevation day, 5k+ feet, most of it steep so decided to camp here. To minimize damage to the ground, AMC has constructed wood platforms for tenting. Straightforward for free-standing tents but more challenging for my tent with stakes, pole and guy lines. With the help of rocks and wedging stakes between the wood board slats, I made it work. Hope for a rain free, still night.

I had a nice chat with the campsite caretaker and purchased an AMC thru-hiker pass which give you half-off on the campsite fees plus a few other benefits. Only two other hikers here so quiet.