6am reached the summit of Mt Pierce (4,312). Very nice sunrise. Over to Mt Franklin(5,001) to the Lakes in the Clouds Hut. This hut was built in 1915. It is the largest and most popular hut. The lakes were glistening w/the morning sun. Very peaceful morning.
10:30 reached the Summit of Mt Washington (6,288). Simply incredible. Big puffy clouds, blue skies, you could see for miles. Windy and about 55. Then in a matter of minutes it would change and be totally socked in and you couldn't see 50feet in front of you, then beautiful skies again. The wind kept the skies forever changing today.
Mt Wash is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and north of the Carolinas. PTD did go over several other 6,000 + mountains in the southern states, Cligman's Dome (6,643), Mt Love (6,446) and Roan Mt (6,275)
PTD was very happy and took lots of pics. He hung out for a bit, had snacks and took in the breath taking views. He did know he needed to get moving as they were predicting bad weather coming in mid afternoon and he had a ways to travel to get below treeline.
He came to the Thunderstorm jct (how appropriate for later in the day) and on to the Madison Spring Hut and then up and over Mt Madison(5,366) where he met up w/Ring Leader,Money and Lighting. He had been reading their journals on the trail. They have only been a few hrs to a day ahead of him. They are know as the traveling circus and are doing a film. By now the skies were dark and pressure was building. Sprinkle here and there. The storm was only minutes away. He reached treeline. Mother nature let loose. fierce winds, thunder, lighting, major downpour that just wouldn't let up. Trail was very slick and muddy over roots and rocks. They all seemed to take turns taking a tumble down as they were almost running down the side of the mountain to get to the Joe Dodge Lodge over in Pinkham Notch. PTD fell twice. Temps dropped. They were all cold, very wet, some muddy (from falling) and wanted shelter. They all arrived to the shelter safely and by then the storm was letting up just a bit. Almost 6pm.
1st thing was to book the room. 2nd was dry clothes and then to get to the AYCE(all you can eat dinner) while it was still on. After that PTD went and took a very long hot shower.
Good night sleep after another tough day in the whites.
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