Mt. Washington

We slept in the alpine zone last night. It was cold, but tolerable. I still don't recommend it, though. It took a while to dry everything out this morning so we could pack up camp. As soon as we could, we resumed our climb toward the summit of Mt. Washington. I guess this is what they mean by "having your head in the clouds."

We only had a little over a mile to go. Rocks were strewn all over the ridgeline, but compared to what we've been through, this didn't seem so bad. We were almost entirely enveloped in clouds when we got to the top.

And then the sky cleared. 6,288 feet. I think Forest captured the triumph we both felt.

The Mt. Washington State Park Sherman Adams Visitor Center is located at the summit of Mt. Washington. The building also houses a cafeteria, restrooms, gift shops, and the Mount Washington Observatory and museum. After hitting the ATM, we stopped in the cafeteria for pizza. According to the Observatory, the forecast for tonight and tomorrow was deteriorating, with rain, thunderstorms and winds increasing to 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Based on that, I made the difficult decision to spend the night in one of the AMC huts (around Mile Marker 332). At that particular hut, the Backpacker Space (also known as "The Dungeon") is available for thru-hikers at the regular rate of $10 per night. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We received a pillow and blankets, which were a necessity even to those of us with sleeping bags because the bunkhouses are not heated and have no electricity. We also were allowed to eat any leftovers from the dinner and breakfast services they provide to the high-paying customers. Oh, and we had cold running water (anyone for a brisk sponge bath?) and a 9:30 p.m. curfew. At least they understood that Forest was not classified as a pet (they have a no pet policy) and didn't question his right to be there with me.

Speaking of Forest, we have officially been together 1 year now! On August 20, 2017, I met him for the first time at Canines for Service and began my team training with him, and on August 24, he came home with me. I think he's as happy to be by my side as I am to have him there.