Greenleaf/Galehead/Zealand/Highland Hut-to-Hut

[rockin rex]

Mark I knew you folks were going to have an amazing time when you told me what you had planned. The waterfalls, as your pictures show, must have been incredible. You are correct in stating that this is one of the most amazing ridge lines to hike on. Franconia Ridge, on a blue bird day, can not be beat. What is amazing is if someone is so inclined you could do a 30 mile loop day hike from the Wilderness parking and take in the ridge in one day. I would much rather do it the way you did and enjoy being up there. Why rush across such a beautiful section of wilderness. I was glad to see you made it over to Moats and had a great lunch. Again nice to see you had such a great trip!!!!!!

[mtruman]

I'd like to hear more about the AMC trip your daughter did? And make sure you post a TR from Acadia too! We went there for the first time after 2 weeks in the whites this summer. Fun climbing from sea level to 800'. Thanks again for sharing, Mark!

The trip my daughter did was the 7 day Teen Wilderness Adventure backpack trip in the 100 Mile Wilderness. They started just above Monson at the Jo-Mary Road trailhead and spent 5 days going from AT shelter to shelter (but tenting). It was just 8 kids and 2 leaders so it was a great size group. Went through Gulf Hagas, over Whitecap mountain and through about 30 overall amazing miles. The good part for us was that the trip left from Pinkham and they drove them to and from Little Lyford camp where they spent the first and last nights which kept the drive easy for us and gave us the opportunity for our 6 days of hiking. I was going to link to the AMC page with the details but it looks like they only have the upcoming trips still on the web site.

As to Acadia - I agree. I can't decide whether we like the Whites or Acadia more. Very different experiences and both fantastic. There is nothing like walking the endless open ridges in Acadia and being able to look down over the mountains and see them flow into the ocean. Pretty magical. As a bonus we're camping in a waterfront campsite (same one we stayed in last August) on Somes Sound where we can just drop the kayaks in 40 yards from the tent. I will surely be posting pictures in a couple of weeks...

[Brad]

Mark and Natalie, you two have way too much fun! Keep us posted.

[KD Talbot]

Great Tr and pics! Judy, Emma and I have certainly felt what you describe. The jaw-dropping, "Awww, look at that!" feeling when you walk out onto a ledge and you realize again why you're doing it. Awesome!

KDT

[Tim&Val]

Awesome report and gorgeous pictures, Mark!! You make many of us envious with a trip like that!!

Valerie