Hikers Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH, Monday June 16, 2014 — Today was a special gift. I can only hope it is the first of many.

If only every day could be like today. A group of hikers slack packed this morning. I signed up for the later group just so I could slurp more coffee ;-).

We started at Kinsman Notch around 9:30 am looking straight up at a chunk of trail that followed a waterfall to its source.

Let’s cut to the chase with the good news. The trail was well designed and maintained with rebar hand rails where needed and plenty of steps to eliminate the threat from slick rock.

Though not a place for someone with vertigo or a rank rookie, this is the safest stretch of trail I’ve seen in awhile. I still would NOT want come down it in the rain under any circumstances.

The experience was exhilarating. The summit reminded me a bit of Pikes Peak, especially the crowds. Since the south side is a walk up, that’s to be expected.

Tomorrow we launch northward from Kinsman Notch hoping for twelve miles. We’re told our planning number should decrease from two miles an hour to one.

Now for the wrong turn. We missed the AT. It seems someone stole the sign. We ended up on the Hurricane Trail which added six empty miles to the day’s outing.

I’m not feeling bad. Nectar, a successful SOBO last year and Spider Man missed it too. I’m told it’s almost a right of passage around here. 🙁

Mt. Washington in the center.