Franconia Ridge Traverse

Serendipity and a couple of texts brought 6 of us fairly effortlessly to a parking lot north of the trailhead, from which we walked about 1.5 miles along a paved bike path to the trailhead where two of our party were waiting, but I couldn't reach them to let them know we were coming so they started on ahead where they stayed all day. Beautiful fall colors and multiple cascades were the focus of the first 1.7 miles, then the real climb began and we leapfrogged various groups along the way to the top where there were more people than live in my hometown (about 30). There were a lot more! We snacked on Little Haystack and donned additional layers, windbreaker, and cap and gloves. There was no real sense of height as we set out across the 5000' ridge, though the dense fog was eerily pleasant. No comparison to the stunning grandeur of the mt in clear weather, but still beautiful in its own right. Overall the ridge was mild w/moderate wind, though we did manage to lunch in a spot a bit sheltered from the wind. The fog intensified as we climbed Franconia. No view of the hut below. On the top of Franconia I began to hear rumors (ok, just note...this is being said facetiously) that our group was involved in a harsh attack using a partially consumed apple thrown w/full force against the back of a stranger's head from 2 feet away. I deny any knowledge of such a thing, as do all of the group, or at least that is my recommendation. Nor is it true that we laughed as the story was retold on the descent. Concussions and apples are just not funny, well, I guess it depends on who's doing the telling, but still...moving on....I was always impressed w/the superb attitude of this group and people were talking as we left the top that we should return, totally impromptu, to redo this hike on a clearer day. The hut was not seen until we were probably under 100 yards away. At that sighting a guy in front of me exclaimed w/complete surprise "is that a house?" And when I said "it's the hut," he turned and in complete sincerity asked "do they sell beer?" And I realized I had failed as a leader. I should have urged our group to each carry 1 beer which we could easily sell for $20 or more if auctioned. Indeed, the hut had $3/piece cookies for sale...capitalism shining bright at 4000'. The rest of the descent was uneventful but I don't doubt that there was a continuous stream of hikers from top to bottom and impressively to me, everyone was friendly, courteous, unobtrusive, just happy, as we were, to appreciate the trail, mt, and friends. In fact, twice I just joined into the conversation of the person in front of me and once joined in the 20 questions game of the person behind. And they didnt seem to mind, well, unless they feared I was part of the gang throwing apples, which I wasn't. We continued along the bike path to our vehicles, everyone tired but expressing happiness w/the day and talking of what hike is next. A remarkably companionable group of guys offering a positive attitude, good and varied conversation, warmth and humor. I'm thankful to you all.

About 9 miles, we will take the Falling Waters Trail ascending to the ridge at Little Haystack, across the open ridge to Mt Lafayette, descend to Greenleaf Hut and down the Bridle Path Trail to the trailhead. Bring sturdy footwear, light fleece top, windbreaker or rain shell, lunch, snacks, 2 liters of water, and an appetite for the beautiful. Rain cancels but Sun Oct 7 is alternate date.