White Mountain Mail Drops

[Kerosene]

I have a section hike from Glencliff to Gorham planned for September 16-24, 2006. I'd be interested in recommendations for easily accessible mail drops and/or food cache locations. The lighter I can keep my pack, the better.

Prior threads note that the Mt. Washington post office isn't really a viable option; that boxes can be mailed to Lafayette Campground in Franconia Notch; re-supply in North Woodstock for this section; and boxes are accepted by the AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch (although it's not clear how far this is from the trail crossing).

The Lakes of the Clounds and Madison Springs Huts will be closed beginning that week. While I wouldn't mind eating at some of the other Huts, I would rather not have to make a reservation so I can keep my itinerary flexible, yet I presume that the Huts will fill up during the week (they're already full on weekends). True?

We might be able to hang a food bag at a road crossing if that's a workable option, although then you run the risk of two- and four-legged animals.

[John S]

I wouldn’t presume that the huts would be full midweek at that time - it’s a short lull period. Everyone is back in school and it’s too early for fall color. Many local motels offer off-season rates for the two to three week period after Labor Day. Unless it’s really important to you, reservations probably aren't necessary. Once at a hut, the caretakers can check availability down the line.

If the state campground at Lafayette accepts packages you may be able to stash something at Crawford Notch State Park, which is about half-way from Glencliff to Gorham. The park offices are at the Willey House site about a mile north on Rt. 302 and there is a small building at the park’s Dry River Campground a mile and a half south. Both are accessible by a side trail if you don’t want to hitch or road walk. As a bonus, the campground has coin-op showers and laundry. It’s worth a call to the park if that supply point works for you.

The Highland Center is about 3 – 4 miles north on Rt. 302, likely an easy hitch but a really lousy roadwalk.

I wouldn’t want to hang food for several days but hiding something like a Bear Vault near Rt. 302 should be fine.

[The Old Fhart]

Having worked on the summit for the observatory I'd say the Mt. Washington P.O. would be my absolutely last choice for a drop. The only real use of that P.O. is to send postcards to your friends saying: "wish you were here."

[emerald]

Much of this information is available from ALDHA's Online Companion or at AMC's website. Those sites would be the best places to look first. Others having questions should follow up by phone with AMC or return here for additional help.

I have sent Kerosene a PM with more specific information.

ALDHA's Online Companion
http://www.aldha.org/comp_pdf.htm (http://www.aldha.org/comp_pdf.htm)

Appalachian Mountain Club
General information as well as availablity of lodging and online reservations
http://www.outdoors.org (http://www.outdoors.org)