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Monday–September 27, 2021
Trail Day–220
Trail Mile–-7.9/2246.5
Remaining Miles–370.7
Location–Kinsman Notch (389.4) Southbound to High Street, Glencliff Trail Parking (397.3), then back to Hikers Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, John Packrat and Alyson Robblee, Proprietors, Acadicus, Caretaker
The forecast is for rain this afternoon, but decision is to climb Mount Moosilauke today, in hopes the rain holds off long enough for us to get up and over and at least partway down. Odie shuttles us the hour drive around the mountain and we’re at Kinsman Notch ready to start the climb at eight-fifteen. Hiking along, watching and helping me today are Cat Tracks & Hot Minute.
The climb starts right away, up beside the cascading falls that are Beaver Brook. The trail goes straight up beside them for better part of half-a-mile. Stone steps, wood steps, and rebar hand holds make an otherwise impassable climb possible–but extremely risky. Slow, deliberate going, not only beside the falls, but for the entire ascent of over 2,000 feet to the summit of Moosilauke, a seemingly endless climb. But persisting, and a little after noon, we reach the cloud-covered summit of Mount Moosilauke. Little time is spent on top, just enough to get a few photo ops by the summit sign–as the cold, harsh wind pushes through, bringing rain intermixed with sleet.
The summit of Moosilauke is above tree line for better part of half-a-mile. Pushing on, we’re much relieved to be back in the trees, protected from the frigid, driving wind.
The descent off Moosilauke is precipitous, risky, unbelievably dangerous. Down, down, and more seemingly endless down. Descent of 3,000 feet in three miles. There’s much hand-over-hand bailoff–four hours of it, but I’m down and once again safe from harm. Dear God, I’ve managed to get over Moosilauke without incident. An incredible blessing–thank you, Lord…
And God is able to bless you abundantly,
so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need,
you will abound in every good work.
(2 Corinthians 9:8)
