Mt. Madison (44/48

Dates - June 7 & 8, 2014

Peaks - Mt. Madison (44/48 and 56/100 NEHH)

Trails - Kelton Trail, Watson Path, Valley Way, Howker Ridge Trail

Companions - Ted and Sonsie

Gear - perfect weather - no need for any gear

Bugs - pesky at times

Crossings - no troubles

Lost/Found - nothing

With a perfect forecast and only a day to hike, we decided to knock out Madison, doing a loop to keep it interesting both ways. The whole way up was steep, no doubt about it. Solid leg workout. A serious slowdown (recent?) on Watson Path with leaves still on. Had to kind of crawl through it. Eventually, bore left to Valley Way so we'd see the hut and be able to refill on water. Grabbed some coffee and lemonade while I was at it. Not too many people there, actually. Not like I've seen at Mitzvah Spring and Lake of Clouds.

Took our time getting up and fell behind book time, making it to the peak in about 4. Then headed on back down. Had poles to help the legs but they were still wiped out by the end. Stopped along the brook at the bottom for a dunk near Stairs Falls. No ankle twists, thankfully, despite the low top shoes.

4 to go. Maybe 2 more full weekends?