AT Day 125: Mt Moosilauke to Kinsman Notch

Daily Miles: 11.4, Total Miles: 1,807.8

As nice as it was camping next to Wachipauka Pond, the croaking frogs were so noisy I had to put earplugs in. I’m also happy to report that my sticks for tent stakes held up but I will be looking for replacements in Lincoln.

The challenge today was Mt Moosilauke, 4,800 ft elevation. A steep, very rocky trail was made even more difficult by steady rain near the summit. A complete whiteout for me, disappointing as supposedly great views. I ran into Cosmos just as I started down – he was slackpacking from a nearby hotel.

The 3,000 ft descent off the mountain was perhaps the steepest, rockiest downhill I have experienced. Much of it was along a waterfall, sometimes even part of the waterfall. I just kept telling myself to maintain 3-point contact, careful footing and hang onto trees wherever I could.

I finally got down to Beaver Brook and Kinsman Notch and decided to call a shuttle to nearby Lincoln NH. Got to the motel, stripped off my sopping wet clothes, took a long, hot shower and jumped into bed to warm up. Recovered enough to have a very tasty Mexican food dinner at the Gypsy Cafe.

I’m planning a slackpack tomorrow, meaning just carrying water, lunch, my first aid kit and my headlamp just in case it gets dark before I finish.