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Journal
| About Downunda | Trail
Facts | Hiking the Trail |
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8th August 2002 From:
Lake of the Clouds Hut I was on the summit of Mt. Washington at 7:15 A.M. The Visitor's Center was closed, the only sign of life being a red fox hanging around about 20 feet from me, clearly used to getting scraps from tourists. I stayed there about 30 minutes getting occasional glimpses of the view as the clouds cleared. I pushed on as I had a lot of ground to cover today. The trail was covered with rocks and boulders and it would be like that all day. I crossed the trail line used by the cog railway and was hiking above the tree line, so it was very exposed. The wind was freezing. Sometimes I would get relief in a sheltered spot but not for long. The first train of the day came up the cog railway just after I crossed the line, one yellow carriage pushed by a small steam engine and moving oh so slowly. The trail stayed above the tree line for about six miles, and as the clouds continued to clear, the views were spectacular, particularly from Mt. Adams. I could see way off into Maine, where I would be next week. I had a generous experience of trail magic today. One of the other thru-hikers who is traveling in a small group using car support invited me to spend the night in town with them; I gratefully accepted. When we got off the trail at Pinkham Notch, their support vehicle was there. We bundled into it and went to Gorham, where they got me a motel room, then took me to dinner, all at this angel's expense. For me this was a real treat, as I had had a very grueling day on the trail and my legs really ached. So, I was able to have a hot bath to revive me. The dinner was excellent, and to cap it off, one of their support team did my laundry while I had dinner. At 6:00 A.M. next morning, the support car was outside my room ready to take me back to the trail. Thanks to an angel, who shall remain anonymous. That's it folks. Goodnight all.
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