F/D Hut to Hut

Gris · Jul 27, 2004

16 YO daughter & I did Tom from HC Mon p.m. 7/19 then AT from Willey Station Tues. a.m. 7/20 to Gale River Trail & out Thurs a.m. 7/22. Plan had been to go all the way to Fran Ridge and down but grunge/muck factor caused us to cut it short for her. Contrary to original forecast after Sun night/Mon a.m. rain, weather became great for Tues-Thurs. Thru-hikers invaded Shapleigh House Mon. eve. Few boomers Tues. a.m. then clear rest of way. Ethan Pond Trail from E. Pond to S. Pond junction very mucky and crews out putting in new logs. Lunch (w SB thru-hiker "Loot") at Thoreau Falls was spectacular. Big AMC group/crowd going opposite way at Z. Hut. ZCliff & BCliff spectacular in the clear Wed. Our first time on S. twin, a very nice summit. Daughter a little de-hydrated after Zealand-BCliff-STwin, had to carry both my 40+lb pack as well as her 35 lb-r and 15 lbs camera gear up thru the muck to S. Twin. Thankfully she recovered in time to tote hers down to Galehead Hut. Flies were merciless at G. Hut! Only other bugs to speak of were skeeters in woods near T. Falls. Gale River Trail in fine shape. What a beautiful clear stream. Lucked out catching ride on AMC shuttle just as we popped out Gale River trail 10:15 Thurs a.m. Bishop's ice cream rules!