July 8th

Although the Presidentials get most of the hype, the trail along Wildcat Ridge was really rugged. The climb out of the notch was really steep (plus it was really humid and hot day—I woke up at 5:30am sweating already!). Stopped in to visit Carter Notch Hut—the hut croo (college-aged kids who staff the huts each season) were really friendly and gave me some free baked goods. They also showed me their Ice Cave. About 2 minutes from the hut is a big cleft in the rock, which holds ice for most of the summer. It was probably used a fridge at the hut before they got power. It was very refreshing to stand inside the “air conditioned” cave for a little while. I was impressed with Mt. Moriah—very nice views from its rocky top. Ran into Moonpie and Doozy—I hadn't seen them since the Delaware Water Gap! I also saw Roaring Lion and Rocker.