Nineteen Mile Brook trail to Carter Notch Hut

19 Mile Brook

This was very possibly my last hike of the year. And ironically my first hike in the Whites all year!

No peak (certainly not in that day's wind!), just a nice gradual trail 2k feet up, to a hut where we were able to rest & refresh inside, and make use of privies instead of the woods. That's my kind of hike!  

Although, I suspect the trail would be very unpleasant in any other season, as there was SO much wet and muck. Thankfully most was reasonably frozen, and what wasn't could be avoided without TOO much trouble. I probably wouldn't want to hike here outside of winter conditions though. And obviously not at all without spikes.

And then the trail became a brook. Thankfully frozen... mostly.

BTW, no, the trail isn't 19 miles long - obviously I am not capable of hiking nearly that far! - it's simply named after the brook. (I don't know if the brook is that long.) We did total well over 8 miles though, so it wasn't a super short hike either. But while I do feel it some, I survived with minimal damage thanks to the gradual incline, plus my "pack mule" carrying the bulk of stuff was helpful as well.   

I am grateful it went well overall, and we were able to enjoy a rare hike together.

Pretty little pond we hiked around en route to the hut.

 

The hut. (And pack mule. )

 

Nice final "calm" before the storm... now starts the extra crazy holiday schedule with literally no down time until new year's.

 

Happy holidays, everyone!   

 

#57: 12/12 Nineteen Mile Brook trail to Carter Notch Hut, 8.8 mi, 5:15/5:29 hrs, 2096 ft.