Long Trail Shakedown and AT Section Hike
I know it’s been a while since I’ve had an update, I promise my training continues!
Anyone who has hiked the AT or people intimately familiar with The White Mountains will recognize and perhaps even cringe at the mention of «Twinway.» For a long time I was under the impression that the Twinway was one of the most difficult sections of the Appalachian Trail. I think this section owes much of its reputation to the arduous terrain that preceded it across Franconia Ridge and Garfield Ridge. I found this to be one of my favorite sections of the Appalachian Trail here in New Hampshire.
Day one 05-18-26
Today was an early start. With the trip lasting more than two hours and the time to prepare two vehicles for my route. I left home shortly after 2:30 and headed north towards Crawford Notch. This route had been on my mind for months, mostly stemming from where I last left off on this section of the AT. I decided the easiest way to connect to the AT was to hike the Gale River Trail, bag Galehead, and then connect to the AT/Twinway. I would then follow the AT to The Twins, pack up the Bonds, and spend the night at the Guyot shelter/tent for a total of 10.78 miles. On the second day I would climb Guyot, Mount Zeeland, Zeeland Cliffs and Zeeland Falls. I would have lunch at the Hut and then take a long hike to Crawford Notch for a total of 13.23 miles.
I met a friend at the AT/NH 302 interchange in Crawford Notch, where we left a vehicle. We continued to Gale River Rd where our 24.01 mile hike would begin. We were on the road at 06:40 and moving fast. The first three miles flew by. The weather was warm, cloudy and humid, but windy enough to remain comfortable. After mile 3, things started to get more strenuous, long sections of climbs and wet, muddy trails.
Before kilometer 4 it started to rain, at first light, we continued without rain gear. The intensity of the rain gradually increased, we huddled under some thick fir trees and put on raincoats and backpack covers. The rain continued until near Galehead Hut. We took shelter on the covered porch of the closed and boarded-up AMC cabin. Most cabins in NH are seasonal. However, we have three that stay open all year round: Carter Notch Hut, Lonesome Lake Hut and last but not least, Zealand Hut.
We continue
After a long break to dry rain gear and refuel, we headed to the AT. As we walked, the weather improved. It was still warm and windy. The sun began to win the battle to give way to mostly clear skies. We made our way to South Twin. We decided not to bag North Twin as a matter of time and leave enough time for the Summit of Mount Bond.
The section between South Twin and Guyot Shelter was wonderfully rugged. The trail earned us every amazing view. Sweaty and sun-kissed, we decided to camp before bagging Mount Bond. I was grateful to be able to do the last 3 miles at the end of the day. After setting up camp and a good rest and refueling.
Mt Bond did NOT disappoint. With fresh energy and light packs we made the secondary mission in no time. I am spoiled by the views living in NH. The view from Mount Bond that day will always have a special place in my soul.
Overnight in the Guyot shelter/tent
After the walk back from Mount Bond, we were both hungry. Dinner was on our minds. While I was filtering the water before cooking it, I saw a pine marten! It was quick and I couldn’t take a photo, but some memories are like that. At dinner I ate a huge amount of food appropriate for a hiker. An authentic 4-course meal made from hiker trash, complete with vitamin I.
After dinner I explored the site and the shelter, as well as some of the surrounding area. Our tent faced east with an unobstructed view at 4200′. Temperatures dropped to a comfortable 50 degrees, and winds were forecast to increase to 5o more miles per hour. Fortunately, the forecasted intense wind held at higher elevations and we enjoyed a nice breeze all night with gusts up to 35 miles per hour. Between the temperatures, the wind, and the mileage, I found it easy to sleep. What a great birthday.
“Here and now, where everything begins.”
Until next time
Minuteman
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