Day 34 - Yes, Mr. Presidents (4/8/2016)

I take back what I said about the Whites. The NOBOs were right. The 2,800 foot climb to Mt Madison over 2.5 miles nearly destroyed me. I was way behind on my time, so I decided to forego summiting the other presidentials, and just stuck to the AT path. It turns out that first climb (over sharp, irregular rocks) was as bad as it got. Most of the traverse to Mt Washington was much friendlier. That said, it was still a slow slog.

But I made it!

Summit of Mt Washington

There were beautiful views, and I managed another 1.5 miles to Lakes of the Clouds. Despite the fear of crowding, only one other hiker had asked for work-for-stay so that's what I did. Some sweeping and dishes earned me a meal of enchiladas, pumpkin soup, and cream cheese brownies,

Start: 1 mile past Pinkham Notch

End: Lakes of the Clouds hut

Distance: 13.5 (very difficult) miles