Virtual AT: New Hampshire...The Whites to Greenleaf Hut

"Beans back...after a brief break...and ready to start the (virtual) White Mountains..."

When last we left our adventure we were at Eliza Brooks
Shelter.

The White Blaze App says it is 41 degrees currently, but it will be much colder and windy up on the mountains. Probably snow. 

We'll bundle up.

Let's go...

Our first mountains will be North and South Kinsman

As we begin and pick our way carefully through the area known as The Cannon Balls.

ChrisGoesOutdoors Hiking the Kinsman Mountains in Summer

https://youtu.be/z2JP1b-2DQE

And as we reach the peak of the Kinsmans we run into the first heavy frozen frost clinging to the trees.

 It is thick and the temperature has to be in the mid-thirties here...at first I thought we had found snow!

(...I am sure we will as we climb higher...)

Onward to the Franconian Notch to Kinsman Pond Shelter

And the Kinsman Pond Shelter...with a light snow all around.

Nearby is Lonesome Lake Hut.

Huts are particular to New Hampshire and are scattered throughout the trail from this point on.  They are owned by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)...charge a fee (usually between 90 and 110 USD) and sleep 36-90 people. Some require reservations. Basically huge enclosed heated lodges with dining and sleeping areas. The fee includes dinner/breakfast and snacks!
They open in June and close in early October.

We may find one tonight to stay in.

Lonesome Lake Hut

But we have some miles to get through first.

Redbeard at Lonesome Lake Hut during the Summer

https://youtu.be/1C2caImivd0

Up Little Haystack Mountain

Winter Hike of Mount Haystack

https://youtu.be/Ox0O8UbkOz4

To Mount Lincoln

(...some of the wind gusts are almost 65 mph up here!!!)

And up to Mount Lafayette

Where the wind and weather has taken a seriously nasty turn...suddenly the closest available shelter seems like the way to go...

Fortunately, the map shows Greenleaf Hut about another mile ahead.

It couldn't come soon enough!

Finally...wet...frozen...and hungry...there it appears...like a mirage in the desert. Or maybe an oasis in the snow and cold.

And I am so grateful for the AMC.  

Time to get this cold wet gear off...find a warm place to sit...enjoy someone else cooking a hot meal...and a good warm night's sleep.

And the view is much nicer when you are inside and warm.

The Greenleaf Hut and Surrounding Area.


Tomorrow, we will start again.

Until Then...

Love, 

"Beans"