We survived the Whites

Ten days later we emerge from the White Mountains, the toughest part of the Appalachian Trail, with very difficult terrain and weather. We have covered just over 100 miles, much of it above the treeline, in hypothermic conditions. We have learned what 'wind chill' means. And with winds over 50 miles per hour, the temperature with wind chill taken into account drops below freezing. One day was so bad that we stayed at the hut for a rest day hoping that the cold front would pass. It sure took its time!

The hut system in the mountains provides huts every 4-5 hours walk, with dinner and breakfast. These bunks are booked out months in advance. We took our chance. They offer thru-hikers 'work for stay' which means you get to sleep on the floor of the dining room after everyone has gone to bed, and eat cold leftovers, and do some chores - but it costs nothing. The paying guests pay $100 a person per night. We did work for stay in 2 huts and were paying guests in 2 huts. Conditions were so bad, that Digby had to 'rescue' a woman wearing light cotton trousers and a plastic poncho which had been shredded in the wind. She couldnt standn up when the gusts came through.

Reminded me of Tasmania and the south west wilderness a lot.