Make it count: Day #135

Saturday, July 25th - Day #135 - AT Hike

Miles Hiked Today - 11.8
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 1865.8/2,193 (85.08%)

Nauman Tentsite (1854) to Valley Way Tentsite (1865.8) - tent at Valley Way Tentsite

Total ascent - 4,188’
Total descent - 3,204’

Total States Completed - 12/14

**No Rain - Clear day with some wind gusts.

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1 more day in the Presidential Range. I’m trying desperately to hang on out here - these mountains are relentless. I’m very thankful I made it through the day safely and for the nice weather today. The clear skies have made things so much more tolerable with the great views all day long. We were above tree line most of the day - you could see all the peaks in the Presidential Range.

Climbing Mt Washington is pretty iconic. It’s the highest peak of the 48 - 4,000’ in NH. Mt Washington also has the highest known recorded wind speed at 231 miles/hr. There’s a sign at the beginning of the ascent that reads: “Stop - the area ahead has the worst weather in America. Many have died there from exposure - even in the summer. Turn back now if the weather is bad”. That’s a pretty strong statement - “worst weather in America”. After seeing many of the trails and what you’re up against in the Whites - I can clearly see the danger.

Today I summitted 2 more 4,000 peaks - Pierce (4,310’) and Washington (6,288’) - that brings my total to 13 out of 48. The day was going smoothly through lunch. I met up with Slider/Granger and Sam before the ascent of Washington at Lake of the Clouds Hut. I grabbed a couple snacks - then took on the 1.5 mile ascent. It was only around 1,300’ from Lake of the Clouds Hut - so not really that bad. Sam and I sat down for some food at the peak - a chilly dog for me!

After leaving the peak of Washington - the day became a grinding, keep your mind in the game, brutal challenge. 5.7 miles in nearly 6 hours. Rocks after rocks after rocks. There was no way to go fast - you just couldn’t do it safely. We made it to Madison Springs Hut - had a burrito - then walked a 1/2 mile down a steep, technical descent to our campsite.

I had to keep talking to myself to stay calm. I was really frustrated by the time I got into camp. Slider and Granger were there when I got to the Tentsite. It made me feel a ton better to talk with them. They are going through the same struggles as me. I really like those guys. For a couple who runs in the circles they do - to be as down to earth as they are - it’s pretty impressive.

There’s lots of things that went on today - but I honestly just need sleep right now. The cliff notes version - I knocked down 11.8 miles in the Whites, I climbed the most famous mountain on the East Coast - and I’m still kicking.

Here’s to my inner strength - please guide me and help me through this challenging time.