Starting location: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Ending location: Zealand Falls Hut
State: NH
Miles today: 9.7
Miles total: 1,826.4
The trail this morning was once again steep and rocky. The rugged nature of the Whites really slows down our pace, but it's okay because these mountains are just beautiful.
We stopped by Galehead Hut to see if there were any leftovers from breakfast. Sadly there were not so we pushed on. Our only steep climb of the day was up South Twin Mountain. I have discovered a great radio programs on NPR called "On Point" which made the climb more tolerable. When we reached the top we were rewarded with amazing views of Franconia Ridge. We have been fortunate enough to have amazing weather from the time we arrived in the Whites.
We made it to Zealand Falls Hut around dinner time and we were able to secure work for stay. The hardest part was waiting outside for what seemed like forever while all the guests enjoyed dinner. Oh did it smell good. Once the crew cleaned up we were able to feast on the leftovers---chicken parm, peas, salad, fresh bread, chile con carne and a wonderful spread of cookies and brownies. It was glorious and we had our fill! They allowed us to set up our sleeping bags on top of the dining tables once everyone had gone to sleep. For never having slept on a table before I think we both slept pretty well!
I almost forgot to tell you about our most exciting part of the day! While everyone was eating their dinner, we wandered down to a little pond near the hut. In the middle of the pond was a huge bull moose! Unfortunately we weren't able to get a true gauge on how big he was because he was almost fully submerged in the water. However, the rack on him was enormous! He just sat there with his head underwater eating the grass on the bottom of the pond. Every once and a while he would pop his head up and get some air. He knew we were there watching him, yet he just kept on with his business. I have to say it was quite thrilling to see him, only 50 feet away! Yay, we finally saw a moose-that means when we reach Katahdin our hike will truly be complete!
Jason taking a dip in a waterfall. Brrr....
Zealand Falls Hut
Yep that's a MOOSE!!
Look at the water dripping off his antlers!
Conan + Backwards
2 comments:
Yea - a moose and a big one indeed! Enjoy your pics and tales of the White Mountains.
LOVE the pictures of the moose!! He is huge! Can't wait to see all the rest of the pictures! Keep it up--almost there :)
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