Started at the Notch. Had a slow morning because there wasn't much hiking needed to get to the campground where I planned to meet my old coworker, Kyle. Enjoyed a gigantic breakfast Woodstock Inn Brewery.
Pack weighs 15.7kg (34.6lb) with water and food for next 4 days. I think the base weight is up a little due to my gradual accumulation of socks and rain gear. But the food is quite heavy too. I'm trying to use up everything I have rather than optimize for weight, so the first day or two will just be heavy.
I got dropped off for the hike around 11 by my partner. It was hard to say goodbye.
A short 3.7 miles from the Franconia Notch parking up to the campsite. Due to the way the AMC operates, there is a small fee to stay. I don't mind supporting the trail maintainers.
Of course after sitting through 3 days of beautiful sunny weather in town, my first day back out is wet and foggy. The forecast improves after the weekend so we just have to deal with it. Luckily arriving so early meant I could get the tent up before the intermittent rain started for the remainder of the day. Spent the afternoon finishing a book.
Kyle had some logistical issues around parking but eventually made it to the trail head and hiked in. He arrived at midnight, having navigated the steep and rocky trail in the dark, while it was raining. Pretty amazing.
I hung out while he set up his tent and then we promptly went to sleep.