2006 Hut-to-Hut in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

Saturday, June 24 

We all met at Durena's house at 5:00 a.m., drove to the airport in two vehicles and flew to Manchester, New Hampshire by way of Detroit. Picked up the rented minivan and drove to Pinkham Notch (about 125 miles, took about 3.5 hours). We stopped at a Subway for lunch and made a quick stop at a local grocery store for some apples, diet coke, doritos (guess who?), and a surprise birthday cake for Durena. We checked into AMC’s Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch (elavation 2032 ft), obtained info at the Visitor Center, and checked out gear in the small store. Dinner was served family style and included freshly baked bread, salad, vegetables, chicken and dessert. We rolled back over to the lodge to finish organizing our packs for the week and we surprised Durena with the cake and a Life is Good shirt!

Happy Birthday Durena!

First morning - ready to head out - look how clean we are!

Sunday, June 25
We got up about 6:30, dressed and walked over to the breakfast buffet at the visitors center. After we got the car packed, we caught the 8:45 AMC shuttle to the trailhead. It was a long ride (2+ hours), with several stops but we eventually arrived at the Old Bridle path trailhead (in Franconia Notch, elevation 1600 ft) and started walking up.

It was a relatively short trail to the hut, only 2.7 miles, we we gained 2450 feet and it took us about 3 hours. The weather was perfect, clear and not too hot, and we caught an occasional breeze. The views from the overlooks was amazing - mountain peaks as far as you could see!. We rounded a bend, and all of a sudden, there was the hut! It was a welcome sight. We went in and claimed our bunks. Mine was on the 3rd level and there is a cool shelf when I have all my stuff unpacked. I have to make some adjustments to my pack in the am - it was tall and skinny plus the top part was packed too full and it kept hitting me in the back of the head :)

Dinner was again served family style: soup, homemade bread, salad, stuffed shells, corn and 'congo bars' for dessert (choc chip and walnut). After dinner, people hung out in the dining room - reading, playing cards, games, talking, etc. Lights out at 9:30!

Reading on the porch of Greanleaf Hut

Monday, June 26
Well, the hike today is 'advertised' as 7.7 miles, gaining an elevation of 2950 ft and taking around 6 hours. After a great breakfast served by the hut "Croo", we headed outside into pouring down rain when we left Greenleaf and the wind was really howling. When we were exposed on the face of Mt. Washington, the rain felt and sounded like sleet. It was a shame, because when it's clear, the niews are said to be spectacular, but all we could see was the got and clouds rolling by. There were two really long, steep climbs and the rest of the day was up and down continuously. We did some major climbing up and over huge rocks and ledges. I fell several times, mostly on the downs. The falls on the moss were funny, the falls on the rocks, not so much. We all took much longer than the posted time. Durena stayed even longer to make sure I made it in.  It took us 10 hours and dinner was being served when we arrived - everyone applauded when we came in! Dinner and overnight here, Galehead Hut (elevation 3800 ft).

Rained most of the second day - hike took 10-11 hours - big steps up and down ALL DAY!!

Tuesday, June 27
After breakfast we headed out into rain again and began our 7 mile hike to Zealand Falls Hut (elevation 2700 ft.) via the A.T. (also called the Twinway Trail). Elevation gain is 1750 ft, there was a very steep climb to the summit of South Twin and then it was mostly downhill.It took us about 8 hours. The weather cleared up, the sun came out and we were treated to some very pretty views! The Zealand Hut is right next to Zealand Falls and after we dropped our packs, got boots off and clothes changed, we walked over a few rocks to the falls and stuck our feet in. Spent a pleasant afternoon lounging at the falls. Dinner tonight was vegetable lasagne, soup, salad, fresh bread and peanut butter bars.
 

Typical bunk room at the huts

On the porch of Galehead Hut the next morning - still damp, windy, cold!!

Zealand Falls

Wednesday, June 28
Galehead Hut to Mizpah Hut, 8.1 miles

We split into two groups today. Jan's feet were bothering her yesterday and this morning she decided she'd had enough. Durena and I walked down a different trail with Jan and the Naturalist, who then drove us 3 miles to the Highland Lodge (train depot) where Jan caught a shuttle back to Pinkham Lodge. She is going to get to the van and then go and visit her son in Vermont. We were sad to see her go, but once your feet get torn up, hiking is no fun :(

Durena and I walked up the trail toward Mizpah Hut (elevation 3800ft) and made it under the estimated time for the first distance since we started! We got in about 2:00 and bought bowls of chicken/rice soup. It had rained the entire hike and we were freezing, so it was especially good :)  Pat and Heidi arrived just after 3:00 and after they changed and dried off, we all sat at a table and swapped stories.  Pat got the coffee supplies out and she and I each made a cup of the 'good stuff'. It was the first time we got in early enough to sit and relax before dinner :)

The rest of the group making the same hike started trickling in and soon we were all discussing the day. Later we noticed a boy wearing an IU sweatshirt and found out he will be a junior there next year. His name was Joe McGibbon and he was studying non-profit and religious studies. We retired to our bunks and Pat demonstrated the flashing light feature of her new headlamp :)

View from porch of Zealand Falls Huts

Group split into two groups - two different routes - met back up later at Mizpah Hut

Thursday, June 29
Mizpah Hut to Lake of the Clouds Hut, 4.8 miles (1650 ft elevation gain)

View hiking to Lake of the Clouds Hut

We really enjoyed the 'bird skit' this morning at breakfast at Mizpah :) We had a beautiful hike today along the A.T. in the Presidentials to Lake of the Clouds Hut (elevation 5050 ft, largest and highest hut).We got in early enough to snag 4 low bunks and set about managing our gear. Pat, Durena and Heidi left after about 1/2 an hour to hike to the summit of Mt. Washington. I got cleaned up, took a short nap, sat out in the sun, found a sunny spot for my boots, read my book and just hung out. After a couple of hours I sat in the dining room and talked to Linda. She, Pat and Michael had started the hike up to Mt.Washington when they met Caroline, who was headed down and told them there was a storm on the way. While we were talking, it got cloudy and dark and soon it started raining. Durena, Pat and Heidi came in about 10 minutes after that and they were soaked! After they got changed and came and sat down, we watched and waited for Don, Olivia, Alexandra (and John) to appear. It was another half hour before they appeared, they had to take shelter from the hail on the descent!

Summit of Mt. Washington

There was a big group of us doing the same itinerary on the Hut-to-Hut walk. We took a group picture before dinner and they let us reserve a table and a half so we could sit together. During the day we play leap frog as we pass each other on the trail.

Group we traveled along with - leapfrogging along the way - hung out in the evenings and "talked trail"
 John and his dad and uncle

Linda, Pat and Michael

Chris and Sarah (own bookstore)

Don, Olivia and Alexandra

Caroline

Us! Pat, Durena, Heidi, me :)

Friday, June 30
Lake of the Clouds to Madison, 7.5 miles
After another great breakfast, we set off on our hike to Madison Hut. We made good time for the first half of the day - the weather was crisp and sunny - but as the day went on the clouds moved in and soon the landscape was alien. We were above treeline so all we could see was the mist swirling about, the silhouette of the person in front of you and the outlines of the rock cairns. We still had to go up and over Mt. Adams and as we started our ascent the wind really picked up and the rain came harder and then we heard a rumble of thunder! We took a brief break hunkered behind a big rock but we were still getting pummeled and looked for better shelter. We found a huge boulder with an overhang and headed toward it. We got our fleeces out and put them on under our raincoats. We stayed put for about a half an hour.

This view after we passed a sign that said we were entering an area that had the "worst weather in the world" Signposts looked like crosses - I said my prayers!

Had to take shelter from a sudden storm and stay put for a while (lots of thunder and lightning)

Saturday, July 1
Madison Hut to Pinkham Notch, 7.7 miles

We had a pleasant walk this morning on our last hiking day. We spent the day descending about 3500 feet. It tooks us about 5 hours and we spent the night back at the Joe Dodge Lodge!

View leaving Madison Hut

Sunday, July 2
Drove to Manchester and flew back to Indy.

http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/index.cfm
 

2005 Shenandoah National Park

Appalachian Trail Schedule—aka Luxury on the A.T.
July 12-21, 2005

We took two vehicles, basing ourselves in two of the park campgrounds, and used the vehicles to get ourselves to trailheads for dayhiking different sections of the A.T. The speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 mph. Although we might have to move both cars every day, the plan is manageable because the distance from our campground to the farthest trailhead is about 23 miles and it is usually less.

The plan now covers 70 to 74 trail miles.

Lady Hikers at rest stop stretching our legs!

Day 1
Drive 615 miles to Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park. (10 hours, 42 minutes, per AAA). Overnight at Big Meadows Campground.

Tent site at Big Meadows Campground

Day 2
Dayhikes in the central portion of the park. Overnight at Big Meadows Campground.

Lunch on the front porch of Camp Hoover

Day 3

Drive one vehicle north to Pinnacles Picnic Area or Skyland. Hike back to Big Meadows. Distance is 12.3 miles or 8.1 miles. Overnight at Big Meadows Campground.

Dark Hollows Falls

Day 4
All hikers ride in 1 vehicle south to the Pocosin Cabin parking area and hike 10.7 miles back to Big Meadows. Overnight at Big Meadows Campground.

Beautiful hiking!

Day 5
Drive south to the parking area at Smith Roach Gap—Skyline Drive mile 68.6.Hike north to Pocosin Cabin lot and return to Big Meadows. Overnight at Big Meadows Campground.

Good place to soak those achin' feet

Day 6
Break camp and move south about 35 miles to Loft Mountain Campground. We can either pick up our vehicle from Smith Roach Gap en route (saving us some road time tomorrow) or just leave it in the Gap. Dayhike in this area of the park. Overnight at Loft Mountain Campground.

Fishers gang at Fishers Gap Overlook!

Day 7
Drive one vehicle north to Smith Roach Gap parking lot. Hike 12.8 miles south to Loft Mountain Campground. Overnight at Loft Mountain Campground.

Deer in the Meadow

Day 8
Drive vehicle south to the parking area at Parkway mile 92.4. Hike north to Loft Mountain Campground where we spend the night.

Skyline Drive from Stonyman Overlook

Day 9
Break camp, drive both vehicles south leaving one at mile 92.4 and drive the other to Rockfish Gap. Walk 13.2 miles north from Rockfish Gap to mile 92.4. All return in the car to Rockfish Gap for overnight in a hotel.

2004 Great Southwest Adventure

2004 Southwest Great Adventure

June 17-30, 2004
14 days, 13 nights

Hoover Dam * Havasu Falls * Grand Canyon
Bryce National Park * Zion National Park * Vegas

Video Highlights (15 minute run time)

https://youtu.be/KHze9OX8uPk

Thursday June 17 
Well, the gang is back together again, with a couple of additions this year. Our group is Pat, Pam, Durena, Deb, Kathy and me :). We decided on this trip two years ago! We met at Durena's at 5 am. Adam Forkner drove us all to the airport for a 7am flight to Vegas. We flew on Southwest and had a hilarious stewerdess who wisecracked the whole flight :)

We got our bags, rented the van and drove off. We stopped at Panera for lunch and then across the street to a Super Walmart for a cooler and diet coke (plus sunglasses for me, lost them already!). We continued on to Hoover Dam where we parked and explored. In the gift shop I found a hat that I was going to get for Danny that say "My Dam Hat" but then I decided I probably wouldn't want him wearing it :)






We continued on to our digs for the night, a Motel 6 in Kingman, Arizona (2.5 hours, 105 miles). The rooms were all new and it was super clean. We spent an hour at the pool and later ate at a diner called Mr. D's (burgers and salads, very good!). On the way back we stopped for bagels and spent the rest of the evening getting our packs organized for the morning. Got wake up calls for 5 am!
 
Friday, June 18
Leave Kingman early with a full tank of gas to drive the remaining 125 miles (estimated driving time is over 4 hours, local says about 2 hours) to Hualapai Hilltop (elevation 5200 ft), the starting point for the 8 mile walk to Supai (elevation 3200 ft). Overnight is reserved at the Havasu Lodge, Supai, AZ. There is a small grocery store and a café in the village (Note: take some snacks and plenty of water).

hike on the way down to Supai

rock formations protecting village

Havasu Lodge

village post office (mail by mule)

Saturday, June 19
Visit the waterfalls of Havasu Creek. About 1.5 miles downstream from Supai is 75-foot high Navajo Falls. Then comes spectacular 100-foot high Havasu Falls. These are the “calendar photo” falls. They plunge into a turquoise-colored pool rimmed by travertine deposits. One mile below Havasu is Mooney Falls, dropping 196 feet into a colorful pool. Return to Lodge when we’re ready. Have dinner on snacks from the store or in the café. Overnight is reserved at Havasu Lodge.

Navajo Falls

Durena, Valerie, Kathy at Navajo Falls

Havasu Falls

Climb down to Mooney was harrowing!

Mooney Falls

at the bottom of Mooney Falls

Sunday, June 20
Begin early, preferably at daybreak, so we can get the 8 mile uphill walk to Hualapai Hilltop behind us before it gets too hot. Target leaving the parking lot no later than 2 pm so we can accomplish the 3-5 hour drive (depending on the route). We must check in at the transportation desk in the Bright Angel Lodge before 7:30 pm. Overnight in 2 reserved rim cabins at the Bright Angel Lodge. Grand Canyon Village has a well-stocked grocery and ATM.

hike back up to Hilltop

going the right way!

made it!

Monday, June 21
Get up early, coffee in the Bar (opens at 5:30 am) and catch the 6 am shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Even if we walk slowly, take lots of breaks and photo ops, we’ll still probably arrive at Phantom before noon. Have lunch (which we carry down) in the canteen with ice water, lemonade or even beer! Loaf around until dinner. Overnight is reserved at Phantom Ranch, dinner included. (Note: order bag of ice tonight for water bottles tomorrow)

on our way down (South Kaibab Trail)

lookout on the way down (South Kaibab Trail)

overwhelming beauty!

refreshment at the bottom of the canyon!

outside girls bunkhouse at Phantom Ranch

Tuesday, June 22
After a 5 am breakfast, begin the walk up the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim (six hours, maybe longer). Breakfast and sack lunch included. Overnight is reserved at Bright Angel Lodge. This allows each of us to ascend the well-traveled path at our own pace and to walk right into our rooms just steps from the end of the Bright Angel Trail. We’ll have the rest of the day and evening to enjoy the views from the rim, walk part of the rim trail, take the west rim shuttle, browse the shops, or whatever else we missed on Sunday. (Note, contact the BLM regarding the condition of The Wave. If it’s passable, cancel the 4 wheel drive).

back up the Bright Angel Trail

out of the sun in the rest hut

Rim Cabin at Bright Angel Lodge

View from Rim Cabin

Sunrise over the canyon

Wednesday, June 23
Leave early for the 3.5 hour drive to Page, Arizona, stopping en route at a few overlooks from East Rim Drive and then at Cameron Trading Post for a Navajo Taco. Pick up the rental vehicle upon arrival in Page (office closes at 6) and then report in for the 1:30 pm float trip on the Colorado (Lee’s Ferry). Page has grocery stores, ATM’s and a Laundromat. Overnight is reserved at the Motel 6 in Page, Arizona.

rollin' on the river (the mighty Colorado!)

what fun!

Twins!

Thursday, June 24
Get another early start to hike to “The Wave” in Coyote Buttes North section of the Paria Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area. We need to start early because this is a very hot, shade less, waterless 3.5 mile walk each way and we don’t want to be out here too late in the day. The books describe this walk as difficult and not for beginners, probably because it is mostly a route rather than a trail so you must be able to navigate. It is not a rigorous hike. The challenging part is a climb up, over and then along a slick rock ridge. The walk is often in soft sand (slow) or on relatively level slick rock making for easy walking. We will stay together every step of the way on this walk. Since it is off trail in a wilderness area where access is strictly controlled, there is much
more risk than on the longer walks that are on heavily traveled trails.. Back to Page, return the rental vehicle and spend the night at the reserved Motel 6. Perhaps use the Laundromat, buy snacks and sodas for the next several days. This evening, walk out to the Horseshoe Bend overlook which we will have experienced from below on our raft trip.

The Wave (Coyote Buttes)

looking down at Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend

birthday girl!

dinner in Page, Arizona

Friday, June 25
Make an early visit to Lower Antelope Canyon. This place becomes a furnace later in the day. If the group is interested, visit Upper Antelope Canyon. When finished in Page, drive the 4+ hours to Bryce Canyon National Park. Overnight reserved at Bryce Canyon Lodge.

Antelope Canyon

making our way through the slot canyon

on to Bryce Canyon and the lodge!

Saturday, June 26
Day at leisure in Bryce. Hike along the rim or into the canyon, or ride horses into the canyon or along the rim. Take the shuttle to access the viewpoints too far away for walking. Watch the sunset from the rim. Overnight reserved at Bryce Canyon Lodge.

watching the sunrise

hiking

spectacular scenery (hoodoos)

ridin' the storm out

great visit to Bryce Canyon National Park

Sunday, June 27
Drive approximately 85 miles (2.5 hours) to Zion National Park. Go into nearby Springdale, Utah, and arrange for rental of footgear and hiking sticks for tomorrow’s hike. Pick up supplies if necessary, although availability might be limited because the main grocery store in this Mormon village is closed on Sunday. Return to check in at Zion Canyon Lodge and perhaps hike to the Emerald Pools. If it isn’t too late or too hot, a walk up to Angel’s Landing might be fun. Overnight reserved at Zion Lodge.

Zion National Park

Monday, June 28
After an early breakfast (the lodge has a buffet which begins at 7 am), check out of the lodge and board the shuttle to the River Trail to begin hiking the Narrows of the Virgin River. It will be cool in the early morning and the water is cold so we need to carry jackets. Walk up river as far as we want. It will take less time to return as we’ll be walking with the current instead of against it. Shuttle back to the lodge and our car, return the rented gear in Springdale and drive about 4 hours to Las Vegas. Overnight is reserved at The Luxor, Las Vegas.

Hiking the River Narrows

river boots

Tuesday, June 29
Day at leisure in Las Vegas. Visit the behemoth hotels on the strip, eat at the infamous buffets, take in some hotel attractions, see the shopping areas at Caesars, the Venetian, etc.., and perhaps take in a show in the evening. Overnight reserved at the Luxor.

The Luxor

comedy show

Wednesday, June 30
Day in Vegas, 5:20 pm flight to Indy, arrive around 11 pm.