Miles: 10.7
Hello, White Mountains. Hello tourists, ski gondolas, viewpoint platforms, visitor centers and me as a freakshow. At the end of a hard hike over the Wildcats (it really wasn't that bad - I was just lazy), we got to the last peak featuring an excellent view of Mt. Washington. If I removed the group of tourists coming up from the ski gondola (cheaters!) and the tacky platform built to see above the trees, it would've been beautiful.
Unfortunately, there we were, standing in a ring of tourists, answering all sorts of questions, ranging from, "How do you cook?" to "How long is the AC?" (I think he meant the 'AT'.) Other than feeling like a freakshow, it was fun to educate people about backpacking. Plus, we got a ham wrap from an especially kind family. Aaahhh... yogi-ing at it's finest.
The freakshow packed up and we descended down to Pinkham Notch, killing my feet and knees all in teh same mile. We finally got to the bottom, crossed a highway (those voom-voom things go fast!) and made a beeline to the visitors center. They're supposed to serve an AYCE lunch, but by the time we got there, the buffet had closed and 2 SOBOs we met last night, Joe and Kevin, we clutching their stomachs. Maybe it was a good thing that we missed it. Instead, we filled up on nachos, sandwiches and ice cream. I'm thinking this whole Amusement Park feel to the hiking around here isn't ALL bad.
After filling up (I don't think I should have eaten all those chili cheese nachos), we set out on the next 5 miles to this tentsite. Joe and Kevin are here as well, so we talked with them for a bit. Other than the annoying weekenders still talking (it's after dark, people!), it's a great FREE spot.
- Freakshow Bobo