trail fact: Early section hikers. Five others reported completing the entire Trail between 1939-1946, including a 1939 completion by George W. Outerbridge, who now has a shelter named after him just south of Lehigh Gap, Pennsylvania, on the first stretch of Trail he completed in 1932.

New Hampshire
Mt. Webster, 3910 feet
Mt. Washington, 6288 feet
Mt. Madison, 5363 feet

"Here's a quarter. Buy a clue."

Journal Entry 7.21.00
"6pm at Carter Notch Hut. Tough hiking the past few days - no energy to write in the journal. I didn't get out of Zealand until 9am after finishing up my work for stay. A long day then to Mizpah Spring Hut (14 miles). I was tempted to get off at the Crawford Notch Hostel but I kept going because the weather was good and I knew it would set me up for a good day on Washington. So I went up the Webster Cliff trail, and up and up and up. It was a hard but enjoyable climb. I camped at the Mizpah Hut tentsite with Forbin & Mable ("not an old couple, just a guy and a dog"). It was COLD that night but clear and beautiful. I got up early the next day and left at 7:30am for a most beautiful day over the ridge (15 miles). The weather was incredible - bright sun, blue skies, low wind - totally enjoyable. I had an awesome hike to the summit of Mt. Washington. I ate some food at the top with Goodwheels and Antelope. Of course in the tradition of the AT, Goodwheels, Ripple, Antelope, Woodchuck and I all mooned the tourists on the Cog Railway as it was coming down off of Washington! The hike from Washington to Madison was more difficult, and the climb down to Osgood was steep and tiring at the end of the day. My shoulders still hurt from using my trekking poles so much! I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to do the ridge."

"Today I hit Pinkham Notch for a shower and food and then I went up Wildcat Ridge - another up, up, up climb but luckily the rain held off and I had some nice views from the top. Tonight I'm staying at Carter Notch Hut. I caved in and payed the ATC fee because southbounders again have claimed the work-for-stay and I have no energy to fight the evil ATC bureaucracy. I am pretty annoyed with the sobos who took the work-for-stay though because they are section hikers and have only been hiking for like 2 weeks. Then, while we were cooking dinner they kept taking about how much they miss home and how they miss this food and that and how they forget what sleeping with a pillow is even like. All I'm thinking is - You've been on the trail for less than TWO WEEKS!!! I have been out here for FIVE MONTHS and you don't hear me crying about ANYTHING or acting like I forget what a bed is like! P-L-E-A-S-E save it, OK?! You will not impress this weathered thru-hiker with your drama stories so don't even try!!!"

previous | next