Galehead

Hello All,
Sorry for long stretch between entries. We have been on the trail!

A few weekends ago, we visited Eliza at Galehead, where she is the hutmaster for the fall season. Galehead is the most isolated of the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) huts with the longest hike in from the road; five miles with an elevation gain of 2,200 feet.

Arriving at the hut after a strenuous hike and being greeted by Eliza and a cup of hot soup is worth every step of the way. We had a nice evening, lights out at 9:30pm to conserve energy. Most of the 48 guests go to bed while others sit up at tables and read, chat and play Scrabble with head lamps on. At 6:30 am we were awakened by Will on guitar and Eliza singing in harmony. It is a tradition in the huts to awaken guests with music in the morning. Another reason to make the climb.

The next day, Eliza joined us for a hike up to South Twin Mt. (elevation 5,100 feet) from which we had a 360 degree view of the Pemigewasett Wilderness. Can you see Galehead Hut down below?

I love seeing a structure that has no road or power lines leading to it. There it sits in the middle of the wilderness. A wind generator on the roof and solar panels (see bottom photo) provide most of the power needed to run the hut. Propane tanks are dropped off by helicopter in the spring which are used to fuel the stove.

We hiked down the next day. Stopped at Maia Papaya in Bethlehem, NH for delicious sandwiches and Mango smoothies and headed home.