Day 6: Conway, NH -> Mt. Washington - 25 miles + hiking “Full Value”

Full. Value. Day. It started with some awesome breakfast sandwiches from our host, Chris. We were on the road by about 8:00. We stopped in North Contway at a coffeee shop to regroup, plan, and I wrote some postcards. That stop took a while, but we continued on to the base of Mt. Washington and the lodge. In a short time, after the beginning of some climbing with the bikes, we arrived. Initially, our plan was to hike up Mt. Washington on the Huntington Ravine Trail, supposedly the most “extreme” trail in the White Mountains and camp in a lean=to near the base. But the lodge informed us that we had to spend the night their if we wanted to keep our bikes there. So we did. I was initially ambivalent on the $75 / night fee, as compared to free camping, but my opinion quickly changed.
Upon arrival we packed for the trail, ate and started hiking. It was fairly hot, steep, and rugged, but magnificent. The views were great, and it was really nice to be in the woods. After the last section of the trail which involved some mild but exposed easy climbing, we descended, tired and ready for dinner. We returned to the lodge at 8:00 PM, having left at 2. Making 6 hours of hiking and a 25 mile ride this morning. My legs were / are wrecked. Hopefully sleep tonight will help that. Mark and I made dinner, ate some ice cream, and went to the bunks. After my shower this evening, m opinion changed. It’s been REALLY nice to stay here, no matter the cost. I will have to budget a bit more strictly the next few days, especially after my Portland foodie fiasco (well worth it). Tomorrow it’s another long ride to St. Johnsbury, VT, 57 miles. We will be crossing into another state, but with the long distances and presumably mountainous roads, it could take a while. The plan is for a early morning. The lodge serves breakfast. Then hitting the road and taking advantage of some nice New England towns which are supposedly on route for relaxin mid ride. Until then, good night, and please enjoy some stunning pictures from today, those are right below!