Trapper John, paging Trapper John. I need Smarts.

Hiked June 19/20, 2015

Trails: Appalachian Trail, Lambert Ridge Trail, Ranger Trail.

Funny thing, this stress.  It makes you sick and retards recovery.  It makes you tired which makes you depressed because you cannot do the things you want.  Sometimes, you give in, but sometimes you say, give me all the caffeine and sugar, and just go.  I am always glad when I do.  Heck, I should be used to it, I mean, I do it everyday.  Teaching takes every bit of energy I have and sometimes more.  Yet, I feel like I could give so much more.  Then, I have some coffee, and I do.  Healthy?  Probably not.  But when you love what you do, you give it all.  So why not take a day to regroup so you can have keep it up?

That was the plan for Friday.  Work on the personal business that is my psyche.  The mountains offer life lessons and healing if you are open.  The disconnectedness, the beauty, even the pain slowly recharge you and make you ready for that everyday battle.  Well, the grand plan was adjusted.  Couldn’t find a carspot, but was able to find a shuttle for $75.  NOW, before you say OMG, think about it.  A) gas price are getting ugly.  B) have you seen rural roads?  C) someone is volunteering their time to transport you.  It was all a blessing in disguise.  I just rested and reorganized.  Sometimes you just have to be.  When I thought I had settled on staying in and leaving at o’ugly am, I changed my mind again, well, because I can. I threw my stuff together and drove to Lyme, NH.  If nothing else, I would stay at a shelter and then decide whether to add to the .8 in new AT miles.  I forgot to add that Saturday was AT in a Day day when the plan was to have everyone hike part of the 2190 mile trail.  Would my original plan of 16 miles be .8 or 4.6?

Here we go

The Friday traffic had me worried about even the .8.  Then I remembered I did not have a carabiner (for the bear bag).  And then, I realized my bug bivy was in the kitchen.  I could survive.  Then my gas light came on sooner than I expected and in the middle of nowhere, gas station wise.  SIGH.  I figured I could pretty much coast to a gas station, which I did, and pressed on.  Found a familiar trailhead, threw final stuff in the pack, and left.  Well, left the princess pillow in the car that is.  SIGH.  

Yup, I did all by myself

I better get dinner on

When I made it to Trapper John, about 8:30, I wasted no time in getting dinner ready.  It was getting dark and I had to hang.  Rice noodles, curry, and some veggies.  Too much water, but now I know.  Some Chai, and off to hang.  I found a fallen tree on another tree, not the best, but it worked.  Took a few good throws, but I made it.  Bandanas are SOOO useful.  Wrap a rock in it and you have the perfect way to throw the line for your hang.  Tied my food bag, hoisted it up, and tied it to a nearby tree.  By headlamp no less.  I returned to the shelter, checked out the privy (hint the tree is better), and got myself ready for the night.  Nice group of people.  Mod, daughter and friend, 2 guys who hammocked, one from TX, and 2 HS grads from PA.  They played music that came out before they were born, maybe even before their parents met.  It was fun, then one of the thrus farted.  Of course, one of the kids recorded his farts and started playing them.  SIGH.  

The DOC has a sense of humor 

Everything is just ducky 

Shelter Sweet Shelter

The thrus stayed up late with a fire.  I finally fell asleep.  Then came the trips to the bathroom.  The kids, well, they are teenage boys, and well they did not go far.  I ran to the privy, found a nice tree without poison ivy, went and back in a warm sleeping bag.  I had lots of trouble sleeping.  Damn Chai has 50mg of caffeine.  I got up at 6, later than I wanted, but earlier than everyone but the kids.  Clif bar, tea, and I was on my way.  By the time I got back to the car, went to the wrong way, then got to the right trailhead, it was 8:15. Almost when up the wrong trail, but more on that later.  

LUPINES

The Lambert Ridge Trail (AT) starts off steep.  And it is rocky.  Oh well, I made it to the ridge in good time and I could have stopped my hike there.  I had a BBQ to go to after all, but I made good time, so I pressed on.  That was the longest 2 miles of my life.  OK, there have been longer, but you know.  Rocky, slabby, ridgy, but fun.  But the PUDs.  OMG the PUDs.  You really do need to go down to go up.  And the up was tough.  Northern Presi tough.  Wet slabs, steps, iron rungs.  This trail had it all.  Funny how the kids complained about Moose Mt being tough.  I was quite about what they were about to face.  I always give myself license to go back, but after going up that far and dealing with all the PUDs, it was half steam ahead.  I do have an issue with eating on the trail that I need to solve.  Two guys I met, passed me, after I passed them, and I figured, I would not see them or my new friend Eve again.  This was no mosey, it was a death march.  But, as usual, I made it. And the tower was closed.  SIGH.

Enjoy the pretties 

My heart is here

I met the guys from earlier and we chatted by the cabin.  Really, it was a disappointment.  Empty and just there.  But great site for emergency shelter, but that is about it.  Turns out the guys are from Florida and one is about to finish NH.  They were hiking to 25A, my original end point.  Eve is a nice black lab pup who loves to explore, but she can hike off leash quite well.  We shared stories, discussed this outhouse which had a shower curtain rod, but no curtain.  They left and soon I was joined by some NOBOs I met hiking up to the shelter, they camped by the road.  The girl commented on how well I matched.  She did too.  Nice group of kids.  Even though we only had a few words, they said it was nice to see me again.  Despite the stories and there are many out there, these kids are quite nice.  Told them that they might have trouble finding water for another mile or so and off I went.  I saw the kids from PA again, they were still alive and had two miles over me.  I wished them luck and down I went.  Decided to take the Ranger Trail.   SIGH.

Too tired to go up the ramp to look inside

Wooden steps

Then rock steps and iron rungs above that.
Yes, there is a herd path around it, but why miss the fun 

I had read that this trail had been neglected, but it was easier than the Lambert Ridge.  And it was, on both accounts.  This trail needs some love.  Lots of it.  I actually thought that it was closed and I just had not seen a notice.  I thought about going back, but slipped on.  Mossy slabs you know.  Add in full water bars, lack of blazes, and just lack of care, it was an adventure.  Luckily, I read several accounts about the trail and knew I was going in the right direction.  I lost the trail in a few places, but found landmarks and knew I was OK.  Eventually, things got better and revealed a truly wonderful wooded trail.  It was a good idea after all, few rocks, mostly dirt, just very nice.  There is also a nice garage for the ranger.  It would make a great shelter as it looks rather new.  I met some people on the way up and cautioned them that this was not the best way up to Smarts.  I really liked the bottom section of this trail.  I would love to see it cared for more.  I think it deserves it.  I know people complain about these types of trails as boring, but after the past hike and the abundance of sun, it was a godsend.

Good and bad decision in one.  Bring on the DEET and post hike scrubbing.

Telephone pole 

Garage

Made it back to the car and when I accounted for stops, lunch, and the words used down the Ranger Trail, I did pretty well,by my standards anyway.  Yeah, I was going to miss the BBQ, but I was glad I did this.  I just need to remember the sunscreen, sun was stronger than last week.  Off I went to the nearest gas station according to Google, in VT.  Luckily, I could coast a good portion of the way.  I made and my jaw dropped.  2.85, BUT the cleanest bathroom I have seen.  And awesome ice cream treats, plus a BBQ stand.  Off to 91 I went, I took 89 because it was fewer miles and near a gas station I go to often.  $2 in tolls, but whatever.  I went to Market Basket in Hooksett and somehow got roped into a #2 lobster, but after that hike, and at 5.99lb, why not.  I mean, it’s cooked already.  Then went to Irving.  That is a huge NO.  Dunkin Donuts and higher price than place up the street.  I mean, Irving, I expect some good Circle K coffee, not warm, overpriced sewage.  It was a long ride home.

I liked this trip.  Not what I planned, but I still accomplished something.  One of the NOBOs asked if I had fun.  And you know, I did, even on the Ranger Trail.  But now I am tired.  A good tired.  This summer has so opportunities and challenges.  If I keep hiking, I think I can handle it

Adams and Tears of Joy

June 14, 1015

Trails: Airline, Lowe's Path, Gulfside, Valley Way

Not a problem today. 

There have been lots of tears in the last year.  Lots of sadness, confusion, anger.  Not much has made me happy, very few smiles.  Yeah, I summited Katahdin, but remember I sprained my ankle on the way?  I’ve bagged a few peaks, done a long traverse, slept in shelters and huts.  However, nothing has brought me the intense, overpowering joy as my hike to Adams.  It was hard, it took a long time, there were way too many wolf spiders, and the black flies were just beyond evil.  As I got back to the trailhead, an inescapable wave of emotion washed over me.  Joy.  I just broke out in tears as I walked back to my car.  I can’t remember the last time I felt like that.  I am so ready to do it again...once the soreness ends.

This was not my first attempt at Adams.  After my failed Presidential traverse, I went up Airline , but took the cut off and just did Madison.  I tried again a few months later and remarked at how easy it was to hop up the summit cone, but, it was not to be.  When I did my AT section hike with the Interstate Trail Dames (we made that up), I considered going up Lowe’s and meeting my friends at the hut, but the Gulfside Trail pretty much killed me.  I had considered Adams so many times, had my pack ready, but the trips never happened.  It did on Sunday. I woke up late because I could not get sleep.  I really wanted to do Adams, so I got ready and left.  

My departure time was 10am.  I talked to a few rangers who had set up a table.  We talked LNT, some WFA.  I departed taking Airline.  It is a tough, steep, and in some parts, scrambly trail, but it is worth every drop of sweat.  There is a section I have called Mordor, but I did not recognize it in the bright sunshine.  Every now and again, you have to stop and look behind you, not just do you see how high you have climbed, but you see the beautiful land below.  I will admit, it took me forever to reach treeline, but somehow, I made a bit above book time.  I had a brief lunch break because, well, I was tired.  So glad I did because treeline was, in fact, much further away.  At treeline, I made an executive decision. I was just going to mosey and take my damn time.  And besides, it was too damn hot. First time I did not like my very light Ibex wool shirt. But I got over it quick.

Wait for it...Wait for it

There is NO TURNING BACK NOW

I huffed and puffed to a nice spot, sat down, and just, well, sat there.  Seriously, you can just get to the ridge and call it a day it is so beautiful.  I had a sandwich, caffeine gel, water.  I took pictures.  I finally sewed the elastic into my skirt.  Little issue that needed my attention.  Nothing a dollar needle and thread kit cannot fix.  Took some more pictures.  Looked at the map.  It had to be at least 45 minutes, but I need time for my food to digest, otherwise it is a hard, loud trip.  I should have taken an hour.  Going up to Gulfside was rough.  Tummy not digesting.  Pressure on diaphragm making it hard to catch my breath.  Gas building up.  And...BELCH.  And some that would make drunk frat boys jealous.  I once scared my friends.  They thought it was a bear, but it was just the turkey on pumpernickel with a pickle.  Guess I should bring gas tablets.  

Not today James

Did a little wardrobe fixing.  Yes, I had compression short on, no mooning.

The perfect lunch spot

Yeah, I knew it was getting late, but I had a lamp and spare batteries.  Got to my nemesis, Gulfside.  Don’t let people fool you.  Only about .4 of the trail is paved like a sidewalk.  I guess that is when Edmands died.  The rest from the first Jefferson loop to just past Lowe’s is bouldery HELL.  Tippy boulderly HELL.  And gaps in the slanted boulders HELL.  When I finally did the whole trail last summer, I actually melted down at Madison hut.  There were many many many many many words.  Luckily, I knew I would not have to deal with it for a while.  How long, I had no clue.  

Going up?

Yup, up there

As I headed up Airline to Adams, I remembered how easy it seemed them.  I am almost 2 years older.  I sprained my ankle on the Tablelands.  Easy was not the word this time.  DAMN, there are so many DAMN rocks.  And spiders crawling everywhere.  They didn’t bother me, but the black flies did.  OMG the black flies.  I could not catch my breath because they would just swarm.  Now, when I did it earlier, I did not get far up the summit cone.  I did this time.  Again, DAMN, with scrambling.  Another executive decision...I was going down Lowe’s, no question.  I had my phone playing music and I swear it played the most appropriate songs, even if it was just alphabetical.  Toward the summit, I hear the Smiths.  

When you say it's gonna happen "now"

well, when exactly do you mean?

see I've already waited too long

and all my hope is gone

Except, my hope was not gone.  I had waited too long, and it was going to happen NOW.  OK, it summited to a Dido song, but you get the idea.  I did it.  Johnny Boy no longer laughed at me.  All the Presidents are done.  Of course, I will return to their summits, but for this round, they are done.  I even have one in winter.  I wish the black flies would have let me be because I could have stayed there forever.  And the ladybug was too busy to do her job apparently.  Madison was cool, Monroe was awesome, Pierce is nice, Eisenhower is great, Jefferson is interesting, Clay is unique.  Washington is a summit to do.  Adams is different.  Maybe it is the toughness.  I mean 4500ft elevation gain is nothing to laugh at.  I have pictures, even a pano, but really, it cannot explain that peak.  It is like nothing I have experienced.  

The snowfield.  No snow angels for me.

What is a trip without a random guy photobombing?

Yeah, I don't like this one.  I am going to have to go up again and take a better picture. ;)

Slightly better, but still need another trip up

Stop tempting me James

I will say this, going down Lowe’s Path was the best decision I made all day.  Not easy, but not dodging crooked rocks with the spiders.  I make it back to Gulfside where I must face some demons.  These are not the demons a SOBO faces, but pretty tough.  It did get to that nice sidewalk.  Back to gnarly, then sidewalk, then stairs to the hut.  I took a brief break, peed, got water, lemonade, and some of those fantastic Folger's Crystals.  Don’t knock it, that stuff is freaking awesome after 8 hours of hiking.  No sugar or milk needed.  I was quite jealous of those staying at the hut.  I signed the book, talked to a few guests who were wondering why I was leaving.  Damn work.  I will be back.  I mean I only have Madison for August, same day too, I think, just a year apart.

Making peace with Gulfside

This rock so perfectly sums up how I feel about Gulfside

Valley Way is mellow compared to the other trails I did that day.  Could have made it down in two hours, but I was tired.  It slows you down.  At some points, I just wanted to get back to the car with AC and food.  I was not going to get anywhere in time for dinner.  I had chips.  I did have my first incident of the day...slipped and landed on my butt, in mud.  Wet mud.  I passed part of the trail and thought back to my experiences on it.  It was not my first headlamp trip.  Or my first fall, but this time, no header.  I could hear the road, but like the earlier portions of the trip, the closer I got, the longer it seemed to get there.  

This is not right.  Illegal campsite and way illegal fire up on Valley Way.  I hope they got caught.

When I reached the powerlines, after singing I Shot the Sheriff, it hit me.  Like a megaton of bricks.  I did it, I finally did it.  I bagged Adams.  Arms went up in joy.  They kind stayed there until I had to find the remote.  Then back up.  A fist pump here.  Hell YA there.  It had to be the best victory walk.  The people on Rt. 2 must have thought I was on drugs or something.  But I could not have cared less,  I bagged Adams.  It was the best feeling in the world.  I honestly felt like I finished my 48.  I have 5 to go, but I feel like they will be a letdown compared to this.  OK, maybe Isolation might bring a tear to my eye.  And my last will be awesome.  But nothing can top this.  NOTHING.  I just broke down in tears so many times on the way back to 93.  So many emotions.  I had wanted to take my mom’s car, but in retrospect it was probably better.  But I felt her with me.  One of my biggest hiking accomplishments 2 days before her birthday.  Damn, I am getting emotional again.   

I could write so much more.  Like the kids who asked me if I was crazy to hike by myself.  The section hikers at the hut who called Gulfside by what is should be called.  The kids who were shocked by my #18 bag.  When I told them I do 25 for overnights and weekends, they nearly fell over.  They were carrying #50.  My body is recovering, but the pain is like a badge of happiness.  The next few months will be hard and force me to question everything I thought I knew.  I will be pushed to my limits.  Maybe even over the edge.  There will be no rescue crew to help me.  But I have this. I will always have this.  They can take so many things from me, they already have, but they cannot have this.  It is mine to cherish.  And they can’t have it.