Tuesday 6 August 2009 – Gorham, New Hampshire

Am more or less done with the Whites now – they were very tough indeed. All of the downhills made my knees (and everybody elses) really ache. However we were fortunate enough to have a beautiful day on Mt Washington and some incredible views (apart from the crowded summit complete with car park and snack bar). My feelings towards the hut system softened a little as I moved through them – some of the staff were really friendly and we had some good times. I was even asked to give a presentation to a group of boy scouts on my thru-hiking experience as my work for stay at one hut. My favourite question in the Q&A afterwards was a little boy who asked ‘what do you get more of: up-hills or down-hills?’ Ermm….
Am staying tonight in a motel with Wags, Gangsta, Plunger and Mr Right – it’s been fun travelling with them for the past few days. Still have some very tough terrain to come across the border in southern Maine, but I’m slowly getting there.

Sunday 2 August 2009 – Galehead Hut

The hiking the last couple of days has been very tough – the Whites have some huge up and downs (as well as some incredible scenery) and the terrain is very rocky and muddy. The peculiar thing about the Whites is that the shelters where I usually sleep and that are free to stay in on the remainder of the trail, here charge $8 a night for the privilege. There is however, the option of working for stay at one of the 8 huts maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club. These huts accommodate between 30 and 50 people and charge around $80-$100 per night to stay. The work for stay arrangement entitles thru-hikers to eat the leftovers at dinner and breakfast and sleep on the floor in return for the completion of some chores. The problem is that this creates a very distinct sense that thru-hikers are second-class citizens – I’m currently sitting writing this tucked away in a corner as all of the other guests are tucking into a hearty dinner. It’s something akin to Chinese water torture.
I’ve had to reduce my mileage from those that I was doing through Massachusetts and Vermont but am still managing to do around 15 miles a day. Still got a lot of climbing to go in the Whites including the Presidential range and Mt Washington – the second highest peak on the trail.

Friday 31 July 2009 – Beaver Brook Shelter

Have been back on the trail now for three days after seeing Lisa and am well back into the A.T. life. The break was fantastic though – it was wonderful to see Lisa and we had a great time exploring Burlington and northern Vermont as well as gorging ourselves at the Ben & Jerry’s factory. It was very hard to say goodbye, but I am glad that the next time that I see her, I won’t have to disappear into the woods again.The days on the trail since getting back on have been a little more interesting than usual. There has been an awful lot of rain, which has meant that rivers that would usually be easily fordable have been a little more challenging – on more than one occasion I’ve had water up to my thighs. Today I climbed Mount Moosilauke the first of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, supposedly the toughest part of the trail. The next few days should be very interesting…

Wednesday 22 July 2009 - Thistle Hill Shelter

I caught up with David and Rolling Stone a couple of days ago having not seen them since before my break in Washington D.C. I hiked with them for a few days which included a stay at the 'Inn at the Long Trail' for a few beers. Since we are in the heart of ski country in Vermont, we visited one of the ski resorts to ride the alpine slide which they have open in the summertime. It was like a bobsleigh track that you ride on a wheeled sled. It was fun, but I couldn't help worrying about falling out and injuring myself.
I have just 15 miles to go now until Hanover where I will meet Lisa on Friday. It will be fantastic to see her and will also be good to rest for a few days as my body has taken some punishment recently. In the 39 days since getting back on the trail after D.C. I've hiked more than 700 miles.

Wednesday 15 July 2009 - Congdon Shelter

Moved out of Massachusetts today and into Vermont, one of the last three states on the trail. Resupplied at a grocery store and bought way too much food, but in honour of entering Vermont I bought a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream which I ate sitting on the pavement outside the store. Getting closer to Hanover, New Hampshire and my break with Lisa - really, really looking forward to it - it's nice to have a target to aim for other than Katahdin.