A male spruce grouse stood next to the trail North of Wildcat Ridge

On Wildcat Ridge

All you can eat lunch buffet at the Pinkham Notch visitor's center. I felt sick.

We celebrated with the summer crew of the Pinkham Notch visitors center/lodge at the North side of the Presidential Mountains.

After cleaning up and eating well at Pinkham Notch, we set off up into the Presidential Mountains.

It was foggy, cold, and rocky. Most people drive to the top of Mt. Washington

Or, they might take the train. It pushes instead of pulls.
Traditionally, hikers moon the train, but like it said, it was cold out.

We made it to the top of Mt. Washington at 6288 ft. The world record wind speed was recorded her at 231 mph. We were told that there are only 7 days out of the year with clear skys at the summit.

Past Mt Washington and on our way to Lake of the Clouds hut, the small white dot in the middle of the photo is the lake.

Behind us are the some of the presidential peaks, each named
for a different president.

Looking down into crawford Notch and at the Willey House where we ate the best homemade "tin roof" ice cream ever.

Franconia ridge in the background, we'll be there in an hour or so.

Heading up franconia ridge

The haunted train of Lincoln, NH - We slept here the night
of the 10th.

Inside the abandoned train the cushons were a nice change of pace for something a little softer to sleep on. Sleeping in the train saved us some money and time. Plus we got these cool photos.

Lillies in Kinsman Pond about 3,700 ft above sea level.

We waited out the rain at Kinsman Pond shleter then headed off again. This is the view from North Kinsman Mountain.

A rainbow was seen before we made our ascent up Mt Mossilauke, a very steep climb, but fun. I had slipped and knocked my leg up pretty bad about an hour earlier. Thought I broke it, but after a few miles the pain went away.

Two rainbows at the same time today. The second is a little dim. We had never seen that before.

A salamander from the pond next to our campsite. Moments later two guys in a canoe paddled up to us and gave us a bunch of beers. I guess they thought we needed to relax.

Moose ran off into the woods, then minutes later we heard him yelping and squeling. Marcus and I took off into the pines and frens after him with knives drawn only to find that he had been quilled by a porcipine. His paw was filled beyond belief, and there were quills in his mouth and cheek as well. We spent at least 1 1/2 hours pulling them out and trying not to get bit. Moose was in a lot of pain, but he held it together. We did the best we could until morning when Marcus found plenty more quills to pull. After it was over, we headed off to Hanover New Hampshire to find a Vet. Moose had hiked 500 miles without a single problem. Nor did I ever have to help him climb or swim. This stray mut from Lafayett
Kentucky had come a long way. He was a backpacking pro, and all heart. Best dog I've ever seen.

This little vole was running around while Marcus finished pulling Moose's quills.

The Vet had released Moose, but he'll need to stay off hs foot for a while.

The day after I picked up Moose from the Vet he received plenty of attention from girls in the frat house we were staying in. He always was a chick magnet.

Frat house Ping Pong

College students can drink with the best of them. The frat house in Hanover/Dartmouth College allows hikers to stay there for free. All you have to do is sign in.