THEY'RE IN THE GREAT WHITES!

Well, they're in the long-awaited White National Forest!

While Minnesota Smith and others gave them discouragement regarding the difficulty of the Whites....so far, it appears our hikers seem to have it under control.

They climbed Smarts Mountain a few days ago. It had, according to Jack, an "absolutely outstanding view." From the Smarts Mountain firetower, they could see the White Mountain range all the way to Mount Washington, miles away! Smarts Mountain was a difficult climb, but the stunning view from the top was well worth it. They also climbed Mount Cube, another big mountain.

Last night they stopped at the Hiker's Welcome Hostel. People at the hostel shuttled them into Warren, NH so they could restock for the next four days. Jack told me there's a saying in the Whites that "when you step out the hiker's welcome hostel, you step into the Whites...." and that, according to Jack, "is absolutely true. "

Earlier this morning they hiked 3,500 feet of Mount Moosilauke. (sorry, no moose in view)
Today is the first time in their entire hike so far, almost 1,800 miles, that they crossed up into the alpine biome. Jack explained that the alpine biome describes a type of vegetation. There is not much wildlife at the peak. Trees won't grow in this region, and the soil is different. They said it was easier to walk through this type of biome. However the climbs are quite vertical in nature. The north side of Moosilauke was incredibly steep. Alongside the downward climb is a waterfalls, making for a slightly wet descent.

They have met a large number of southbound thru-hikers. Jeremiah Johnson, a hiker they met in the southern tier of the AT, is also there. Finally, Jack and Chris heard from their "old" thruhiker buddies Camel and Fungi! Jack and Chris were relieved they were contacted.

Next week they'll be through the Whites and in Maine, still, thankfully, days ahead of schedule.
The 100-mile wilderness in Maine will also be a challenge because it requires planning ahead for 100 miles, without access to supplies. If Jack and Chris are able to keep up their current pace, they should be finished that portion in about 5 days. Signing off. They are having the best summer vacation of their life.