Day 52- Lakes of the Clouds Hut to Crawford Notch. 11.2 miles

For the first 5 miles today I got to hike along the ridge line in the Presidential Range. The weather was perfect and warm- another rare day in the Whites. I just strolled along and every time I looked up I was completely amazed. It's really amazing to be able to see for miles and miles and also be able to see where I've come from and where I'm going. Bomber and I talked the whole way about all sorts of random things and he had me laughing pretty much the whole day. We stopped in at Mizpah Hut around 11 a.m. and washed some dishes for leftover lasagne in return. It was full of veggies and absolutely delicious! I have been enjoying eating all of the fresh fruits and vegetables at the huts- I'm sure my body is very happy with me. The end of the hike today was really rough on me, though. We had a steep 2,500 ft. descent and my knees are still really messed up. I'm pretty sure I have tendinitis in them, as they haven't really healed since the 100 mile wilderness, but I'm almost done with the crazy mountains for a while and that'll give them a better chance to heal. Once we got to the bottom there was a sign for trail magic :) Two past thru-hikers had set up a nice area in a parking lot and gave me an apple, a mountain dew, a good chair to sit in, and lovely conversation. I told them that I was itching for a shower and they directed me to a coin operated one at The Highland Center and Lodge. When I got there I was informed that it closed at 5. I must've made a really sad face because the guy behind the front desk handed me a towel and told me to just go upstairs and use the guest showers. There was even soap and shampoo in the showers! It felt so good after the rough descent. I left the lodge feeling refreshed and Bomber and I went to find a stealth site near the trail. We ended up camping near a river and we made a nice dinner of Mac-&-cheese with tuna. For dessert we had gummies :) I'm exhausted tonight and am so happy to be clean and full. Also, I am finished with the Presidential Range!