Lots of Elevations and the Ankle is Improving!

The shuttle picked up several hikers at Chet's Hostel on Monday (8-1) and took us to Franconia Notch.  It was a long day of hiking that lasted from 7:10 AM-7:45 PM.  Franconia Notch has an elevation of 1,450 feet.  I climbed Little Haystack Mountain (4,800 ft) where I had lunch on a rock.  I then climbed over Mt. Lincoln (5,089 ft) and finally over Mt. Lafayette (5,260).  I stealth camped (made my own campsite) at Garfield Pond (3,860 ft).  I went 9.2 miles on a dry day although rain was in the forecast.  I started hiking on Tuesday (8-2) at 7 AM when I rock scrambled (had to use my hands to get up the mountain) Mt. Garfield (4,500 ft).  The descent down to the Galehouse Hut (3,800 ft) where I had lunch was super steep and rugged.  I continued to rock scramble all day.  Rain continued on and off until evening.  During the afternoon I climbed over the South Twin Mountain (4,902 ft) and descended to Mt. Guyot (4,580 ft) soon after.  I stealth camped just inches off the trail.  Unfortunately I had to put my tent up in the rain--not fun!  I went 8.6 miles.  I started hiking at 7:30 AM on Wednesday (8-3).  Packing wet clothes and my wet tent was difficult as I was trying to keep the rest of my gear dry.  Again, I had to do lots of rock scrambling and then it suddenly turned relatively flat and rock free-it was great!  I made it to Saco River (1,277 ft) and I began to partially climb the Webster Cliffs.  I stealth camped again just inches from the trail.  I went 11.0 miles.  On Thursday (8-4) I started at 6:30 AM and finished going over the Webster Cliffs (3,350 ft) and then I tackled Mt. Webster (3,910 ft) followed by Mt. Jackson (4,052 ft).  In the afternoon I climbed Mt. Pierce (4,312 ft) and then Mt. Franklin (5,004 ft).  I finally reached Lake of the Clouds Hut (shelter) at 4 PM and I was able to get a work-for-stay arrangement.  Normally, someone staying at the hut pays $90, which includes dinner and breakfast.  I'll sleep in the hut on the floor on my air mattress and have dinner and breakfast.  In return, I'll wipe up the tables after dinner--easy!  There are only four "jobs" available at this hut.  I hiked 10.0 miles.

My injured ankle has slowly been improving each day, which has been a huge blessing.  The pain has subsided but it is still quite weak.  I pray it continues to heal and that I don't fall and hurt it again.