Back at the bunk room we packed our gear, bid the two ladies farewell, and struck out for the summit. In no time we had to stop and pile on hats, gloves, fleece coats and wind coats. It was a sunny day, but the wind was raw.

This section of Crawford Path has uneven footing and rock hopping, but it’s easy, and what a trail it is, with its views. Looking back down the slope to the hut and then up to Monroe, it’s so pretty you almost forget to keep hiking.

When we reached the summit of Washington we bought bowls of hot chili. They were hot alright, and not just in temperature. While Joe finished his, I went out side and filled our water bottles at the outside fountain. That was a trick since the wind blew so hard it kept blowing the stream of water sideways and I had to follow it with the water bottle.

The last part of the climb to the summit had been in a cloud. I checked with the Ranger at the summit station to see what was happening with the weather. If it was deteriorating we would backtrack to the hut and the Ammy, which is the fastest way below tree line on the west side of the mountain. The ranger said the weather was okay, and it was sunny down below, so we would take the Jewell as planned.

Back into our coats and hats, we went to the Mt. Washington summit sign for our summit pictures. Another hiker used my camera and took a shot of the both of us. Then we dropped back down over the talus strewn summit cone til we hit the Gulfside Trail, and headed in the direction of the Great Gulf. Crossed the Cog RR tracks and soon had incredible views into the Gulf and Spaulding Lake. We heard the train whistle, and then what looked like a ghost train came sliding out of the cloud bank. The ‘other worldly’ effect was more beautiful than if we’d been in sun shine.

After we left the clouds behind, the trail climbed part way up the slope of Mt. Clay, and then came to the junction with the Jewell trail. We were into uneven footing, over loose rocks that took constant attention, and this went on forever. Yes, I’m quite sure it was forever. We were in sunshine, and there were certainly views, but we couldn’t enjoy them, as we had to watch each foot step.

Once below tree line the trail improved greatly. We were way behind our time schedule because of all the rock hopping, but now we were able to move quickly. This trail did seem to be never ending, though. All at once Joe said to look ahead. He had spotted the two ladies from the hut. We’d been wondering how they made out, and expected that since they’d bypassed the summit, they were long ago back to their car. Nope, there they were ahead of us. We sped up and gave a gentle hoot to let them know we were coming up behind them. Ha, it was reunion time! They told us what the Westside trail was like, and we told them of the summit. After a short visit Joe and I took off ahead of them. I was making tracks for the car. Had really had enough of this trail and wanted out of the woods.

Shortly before reaching the parking lot we were stopped by a tourist wondering where the trail went and what it was like. While we talked, the two ladies caught up to us. Back at the cars we talked with them about the Jewell trail. They had become discouraged at the long time it was taking to get off the mountain, and said we came along just in time to give them a much needed emotional boost. Meeting up with them did the same for us. They didn’t like the Jewell any better than we did, and one of them said it needs to be renamed, as it isn’t any jewel! My feelings exactly.

We parted company with the ladies and headed home, stopping at a good view point to look up at where we’d climbed. Even with doing the Jewell trail, this was the most fun hike I’ve had.

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