Day 134 - Oleson's Pond to Lonesome Lake Hut

Good night’s sleep, followed by a relaxing morning. The up and down stretch to Eliza Brook Shelter (for lunch) was a little tough. Glad we hadn’t done it all in one day. 

Then we tackled South Kinsman Mountain. Quite a climb up steep rocks. I don’t mind scrambling, though, if it’s uphill. My first view above treeline. It was nice, but I don’t really understand what all the fuss is about. Then North Kinsman Peak, followed by a steep descent to Lonesome Lake. Glad it wasn’t raining. 

Lonesome Lake

 Surprised by the number of day hikers out, even though it was a Saturday. We asked for and got our first work-for-stay. Place is run by a “croo,” a group of college kids. We helped set the table and clean up after dinner – about 50 people were staying here. 

The hut has running water but no showers or flush toilets. Simple but nice. Dinner for us was leftovers – chicken and rice, corn, salad, and homemade bread. We ate a lot. 

The croo was drinking spiked punch, playing the guitar, and singing. I think they get a kick out of their “coolness.” It was OK, but made me feel really old. They were up late partying, which meant we were up late, too. Had to sleep on the dining room tables. 

Two women were lost in the woods, and we listened to the updates on the radio all night. Eventually, they made their way to the bottom, eluding the manhunt. Terrible sleep. Tough getting up at 6. Helped with breakfast, then we got to eat. It was OK. 

The whole thing was a good experience, and I’m glad we did it – but I wouldn’t rush to do it again. Left a little after 9. Big day of climbing ahead of us.