The summer-like weather was perfect for my first experience in the White Mountains. So many people I know who have hiked the AT told me how beautiful the Whites are and how challenging the AT will be there. The crown of the Whites is Mt. Washington (6,288’) which I expect to climb on July 28. Without hesitation, I walked an easy former road for a couple of miles before reasonably easy rock steps became a little more challenging and required some handholds to pull me up. Despite the ideal conditions I felt sluggish, perhaps from not enough sleep in Gorham. I was happy I planned a relatively short day, 8.1 miles, but it included over 3,600 feet of ascent. I had to be extra careful as I climbed toward Mt. Mariah, the 4,049’ Peak that was the high point of the day.
The views from Mt. Moriah included my first clear look at Mt. Washington, which appeals to tourists as much as AT hikers and climbers. Options to reach the summit include automobile, bus and a cog railway, and the AT! The road was visible from my vantage point near the summit of Mt. Moriah.
To reach my destination, Imp Campsite I descended about 900 feet in 2 miles and was very careful again. I reached camp at about 3:30 pm, which is quite early for a thru-hiker. But I needed a nap. The Imp camp host brought a couple of hikers to a space adjacent to my tent because there were more hikers than capacity for the campsite. Waken from my nap I got busy preparing my dinner and getting ready to go back to sleep after a tiring day. Just 8 miles but a lot of clumsy walking. Weather forecast for tomorrow is rain in the late morning, so I need to get an early start.
