Before the whites – NH Part 1

06/23/26

About 16 miles today.

The trail was beautiful, with lots of variety.

We thought it might be a dry day, until we walked through a couple of open fields…wet grass/weeds = soaked feet and legs.

Mike and I chatted about anything, and the miles passed. Soon enough we crossed the bridge over the White River and entered New Hampshire!

Then he came to Dartmouth.

We picked up Mike’s vehicle. Next, we located our hotel (thanks, Ms. Acorn!). Then came what I like least about city stays… the housework! Laundry was washed, food replenished, and we visited EMS for small items.

Then dinner at a Nepalese restaurant, yum! Return to the hotel to pack and sleep.

06/24/26

9:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; 16.7 miles

After breakfast burritos, Mike dropped me off at Hanover Center to catch the Red Line (AT). It was wonderful to have a hiking buddy for the last week, especially my brother.

On my way out of town, I ran into Buttercup and Take5; a couple making flip flops too. They are “older” hikers, like me, but not THAT old.

I went up and left Hannover. The weather was wonderful; Not too hot and a breeze.

Of course, there were some ups and downs. I climbed the south and north peaks of Moose Mountain. There were a couple of nice views later that day. The trail then went up, for about two miles, and was pretty steep to add to the fun. I met Bob The Builder while we were both out of breath.

Fortunately, the last mile was downhill. I arrived at the Trapper John shelter and called it a day.

06/25/26

7:25 am – 6:00 pm; 19.2 miles

Another good day of hiking. The temperature reached a high of 70 degrees, but not until late afternoon.

I took a photo of a cool concrete landmark. At the time, it was showing 412 miles to Katahdin, which means at the end of the day, I have 400 miles or less left!

There was quite a bit of walking along the ridge today. There were many places with quartz veins in the exposed, very cool bedrock.

Smarts Mountain made me breathe hard. It also included a fire tower at the top, which I climbed up to take some good photos. The Eastman Ledges were good too.

Then came Mount Cube. The climb wasn’t as hard as I had anticipated, but after that, I started to run out of gas. It didn’t help that the trail was often a mud pit… I thought I had left Vermud behind, but apparently not!

I struggled up the last climb to the campsites at Ore Hill, later than I would like. The mosquitoes were very welcoming, so at least that’s what there was.

Day 57, in the books. A short day in Glencliff tomorrow and planning for the Whites!

06/26/26

8:00 – 11:30; 7.4 miles

It rained heavily last night as expected, and will rain for most of the day. However, when I turned around around 5:30am, I didn’t hear any raindrop noises in my tent…score!

After finally getting up at 6am, I packed up and booked the road. It was easy except for all the mud, but don’t worry.

I found Hiker’s Welcome Hostel, where I was staying. There I met some friends from the trail, to enjoy good company and strategize about the targets. Tomorrow I will pack my bags from north to south and stay another night here, before moving further north.

Keep walking! Acorn

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