Summary: Climb to Mizpah Hut from the Highland Lodge in AM. Hike to Mt Jackson in the afternoon. Stay at Mizpah Hut for the night.
Day 1:
- 6:30 AM: Started the day with family style breakfast. Last day of hot water and internet before off to woods.
- 8:00 AM: Met together with the group to pack lunch for the trip (Energy Bars, Nuts, Make-your sandwich and Fruits). Weight adding up on the back – measured my pack at 21lbs.
- 9:00 AM: Left in a shuttle for a 45 min drive to the Highlands lodge.
Segment 1: From: AMC Highlands Lodge to Mizpah Hut
- Length: 2.5 Mi; Ascent: 2K ft; Duration: 2:30 hr
- 10:00 AM: After a quick refresh at the Highlands started the hike at trail head which is just across the street.
- Walking in history
- This is mostly climb up as you start from the road level to the first Hut. Not too rocky as other stretches. Definitely wet even thought it was not raining. Significant portion of the trail is parallel to a stream.
- Trail is pretty well marked. Only couple of junctions on the way. Start on the “Crawford Path” till Cutoff. Took right on “Mizpah Cutoff” towards the hut. (Following the Crawford path would have led us to Eisenhower which we went on Day 2)
- 12:30 PM: Reached Mizpah Hut. Had some lunch from the bag. Got some rest and put our packs in the bunk.
Segment 2: Hike to Mt Jackson
- Length: 3 Mi roundtrip; Ascent: 700 ft; Duration: 2:45 hr
- 2:00 PM: Started hike towards Mt Jackson on “Webster Cliff Trail”. One member of group tore both the climbing shoes so she had to stay back. One of the guides went down to the lodge to get a loaners for her (says something about the awesome guides we had).
- Wet trail with lots of rocks. Crossed couple of swampy areas. Trail maintained well.
- Last stretch to reach the summit was tricky with cliff rocks. At times had to use all four to climb. It was all worthwhile.
- The view from top is awesome (thanks to good weather).
- 4:45 PM: reached back to the hut.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner family style. Really good food with consideration for my vegetarian diet. Fresh baked bread, Tomato Soup, Entree and Desert along with Tea. Kudos to the AMC volunteer crew – amazing how these college level kids prepare sumptuous nice meal for 60 people in such conditions.
- Loved the skit that crew did to drive the messages on impact etc.
- 9:30 PM: Lights out. Time to snore in the sleeping bag.
