HEADING FOR THE "GREAT WHITES"!

8/31/13:  Cater's quote on FB...."In Glencliff, NH and heading for "The Whites" (hardest area of the AT.)  Doing my first slack pack today and looking forward to the hiker feed tomorrow.  Ya'll should come!"

Terrain By State: New Hampshire

The highlight of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire is the beautiful, rugged White Mountains, the dramatic scenery of which attracts more back-country visitors than any other part of the Trail. Travel here requires intelligent planning and ample time; plan no more than five to eight miles per day. Be prepared for steep ascents and descents that require the use of your hands and, occasionally, the seat of your pants.

Much of the Trail is above timberline, where the temperature may change very suddenly; snow is possible in any season. The same severe weather conditions that prevent trees from growing on the high ridges also require a higher level of preparedness for a safe, successful hiking trip. Snow falls on Mt. Washington during every month of the year. High winds and dense fog are common. Most shelters and campsites charge a fee.

The White Mountains section stretches 117 miles from Maine-New Hampshire state line to Glencliff, New Hampshire. Organized groups can reduce their chances of arriving at already-crowded sites by contacting the local trail clubs about group voluntary registration programs.

Between the White Mountains and the Vermont border, the Trail crosses broken terrain of alternating mountains and valleys. This 44-mile stretch is noted for its fall foliage and is a good alternative to the crowds and steep scrambles of the Whites.


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9/6/13:  Cater just text-ed a message as quoted:  "In the 'Whites' ...and they are soooo hard and cold!  I completely lost a toenail and cracked another.  For the first time in forever, I'm really sore - only going about a mile an hour!  But the views are breathtaking!!!!  ( My favorite place so far).  I will be going to the base of Mt. Washington tomorrow.  Miss everyone!  Hope all is well!!!"

9/8/13:   Cater is in a hut on Mt. Washington.  The last 5 miles were hiked in hail and sleet in 50-70 MPH winds and upper 30 degree temperatures.  They are waiting for good weather to summit tomorrow....hopefully.

9/9/13:  Post from FB today as quoted:  On top of mnt Washington. Second highest peek on trail. Highest wind speeds observed by a person were here. (the weather building is chained to the ground!) Just ate 20 dollars of soup, chili, pizza, hotdog, pastries and soda. There is snow and ice up here right now so we'll try to get off the mnt before the bad weather comes tonight. Maine is only a few days away.