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As
expected, the hike up the Webster Cliff Trail to the summit of Mt Pierce
only took a few minutes. We stopped at the summit cairn for some pictures,
and I was glad to see that Muffin's feet were not bothering her, even
after hiking over rocky terrain all day. The last time I was on Mt Pierce
was on a cold, icy, and very windy February day in 1999. It was sure a lot
different in the summer.
It
was all downhill from here, literally. I was planning on heading back via
Mizpah Spring Hut. The Webster Cliff Trail descends steeply to the hut
over a very rocky path. Partway down, I grabbed onto a tree for support
and cut my hand on a sharp point. I didn't really want to stop and drag
out my first aid kit, so I just wrapped my hand in a scarf and waited
until we reached the hut to clean and bandage it.
By
the time we got to the hut, I was ready to sit down and rest for a while.
As usual, I had to tie Muffin up outside. This isn't easy at Mizpah
because there isn't a porch or benches, so I just rolled a rock over the
end of her leash and left her near the door. The girl croo member from
whom I bought a t-shirt was excited to go out and pet Muffin because she
missed her own dog back home. Muffin is usually popular when we meet other
hikers on the trail because she's friendly and small enough not to be
intimidating to most people.
The
trip down the Mizpah Cutoff and Crawford Path went fairly quickly,
although my feet were definitely tired by the time we reached
the notch. At the Highland Center, I used the payphone to call
for a shuttle. When I come down some distance from my car, I use
either the
Shuttle
Connection in Lincoln, or Art Jolin's White Mountain Shuttle
in Gorham (603-466-2127). By the time I return to the road, the
AMC Shuttle has usually made its last run for the day. Anyway,
the shuttle soon arrived and returned us to the Ammonoosuc Ravine
Trailhead. We headed home, tired but happy with the day's hike. |
Muffin
on Mt Pierce. After all our hiking over rocky terrain, I was glad to
see that Muffin's feet were not bothering her. |
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Mizpah
Spring Hut. In my opinion, Mizpah is one of the better-designed
huts. It has both 8-person and 4-person bunkrooms, and is spacious,
airy, and well-lit. |
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