Off the Mountain

Ward called around 6:15 PM yesterday (Saturday).  He was in Gorham, NH with several other hikers (he is traveling with a larger group now).  The weather let up on Saturday and they were able to hike over Mt. Washington and then to lower elevations where they found a ride into Gorham.  They plan to hitch back to the trail today and then finish the hike back into Gorham.  We were relieved to hear from him.

The weather conditions were the worst he could imagine.  At some point he and some others tried to hike in the high winds, but they only made about 300 yards before turning back.  The tips of his fingers are still numb from the cold.  They were fortunate to be able to stay at the hut, which is actually more like a house.  It was still cold, and he had to wear a down coat all day while waiting around.  The hut typically charges people to stay, but they were given free accommodations and meals in exchange for work, as there was no way they could leave the safety of the shelter.  They cleaned the hut, folded sheets and washed dishes.  "Work for Stay" is common on the trail.

The "Whites" have been his least favorite experience so far.  They are incredibly rocky and steep, such that movement is more about climbing than hiking (he stopped using his trekking poles).  His knees are bothering him a lot - both knees, not just the one which was injured several years ago requiring surgery.

I offered to pay for his hotel room and a good meal for the night, for which he was very thankful.  They are planning on Chinese food.  (I can imagine them sitting around all day on Friday, dreaming about what they would eat when reaching a town).  Matt is a day behind him at this point.  We hope to hear from him again on Sunday night when he returns to Gorham.

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