AT Day 126: Kinsman Mountains

Daily Miles: 16.4, Total Miles: 1,824.2

I got a shuttle back to Kinsman Notch for my 16-mile slackpack over South and North Kinman Mountains, both at about 4,300′ elevation. The benefit of this slackpack, basically a day-hike, is reduced pack weight – a lot less strain and easier movement. The challenge with some risk is that you have to finish the entire hike because you don’t have overnight gear. Because of the total mileage, close to 4,600′ vertical and steepness, and rock climbing in places, I figured probably 12 hours of hiking. That’s about how it ended up.

Well, it was a pretty demanding day even with a lighter pack, and again, the weather didn’t help. The rock climbs on the ascent weren’t technical but had to use my hands in places and plan my moves.

In a cloud with rain at both summits, so no views to be had.

The descent wasn’t as steep as yesterday on Mt Moosilauke but still required careful foot placement on the wet rocks and tree roots. As careful as I was, I let my guard down near the finish on a stream crossing, slipping off a rock and falling into the creek.

I got a shuttle back to the motel and took a good soak in a very full, very hot bathtub. Haven’t done that for a long time.