Summary: From AMC Mizpah Hut to AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut while traversing Mt Pierce, Mt Eisenhower and Mt Franklin. Hike to Mt Washington in the afternoon. Stay at Lakes of the Clouds Hut in the evening.
Day 2:
- 6:30 AM: Beautiful morning. Started the day with family style breakfast -oatmeal with raisins and apricots, pancakes, tea (no bacon for me).
- 8:00 AM: Met together to start the day.
Segment 1: From: AMC Mizpah Hut to AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut.
- Length: 5.5 Mi; Ascent: 2K ft; Duration: 5:45 hr
- Stretch 1: To Mt Pierce. Straight elevation from Mizpah hut (3777′) to Pierce (4312′). Will say this was the toughest stretch for the way to Lakes of the Clouds.
- Stretch 2: To Eisenhower (4760′). Here we were mostly on the Alpine level. With being above tree level, the views were more expansive. It was beautiful weather with no clouds and so amazing hiking.
- Stretch 3: To Franklin (5001′). Continue on the Crawford Path. The trail actually goes just below the summit of Franklin. No way I was going to miss taking a picture on the summit 🙂
- Stretch 4: To Lakes of the Clouds Hut. Skirt around Mt Monroe.
Here is Mt Washington in far…it is calling…
- 2:00 PM: Reached Lakes Hut. Quick rest before going to Mt Washington.
With fair warning on weather started the next segment
Segment 2: Hike to Mt Washington and back.
- Length: 3 Mi round-trip; Ascent: 1300 ft; Duration: 2:50 hr
- 2:45 PM: Started hike. Rocky climb all the way. Followed “Crawford Path Trail”.
- Few facts: It is highest peak in NE USA. Has one of the most erratic weather in the world. Wind speed of 231 mph have been recorded (which is highest man made recorded speed. Apparently somewhere in Australia a machine recorded 253mph which is now world record).
- Sunny clear blue sky made this hike an exhilarating experience. Till you reach the summit …and….
- Summit is anti-climatic – tons of tourist of all flavors. From quiet, serene hikes last couple of days to suddenly onslaught of people..it was jarring. (Only good thing was that in the cafe there was hot cheese pizza…mmm).
- 5:30 PM: reached back.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner family style. Fresh baked bread, 32 bean Soup, Lasagna (so delicious), Desert along with Tea. Met the 10 folks in crew that mange the hut. Again super-impressed with the volunteers and their dedication.
- 8:00 PM: Wonder full sun-set. Everyone spell bound including the crew of hut.
- 9:30 PM: Lights out. Time to snore in the sleeping bag. It was a long day.