Finally, FINALLY, we reached Old Jackson Road Trail which was pretty flat, running through a forest. We came across a number of people, most of whom were doing day hikes from Joe Doge Lodge, our final stop. As much as I was sad this was coming to an end, I wanted food. And after three days of being careful of rocks, it was wonderful to lengthen my steps and just stride. I fairly flew along, leaving my hiking mates behind. Though, I did stop pretty close to the end so we could finish close together.
As we approached the lodge, we realized that our two friends who’d left at Mount Washington had been looking out for us. It was a great reunion; they had gone shopping and there was chilled drinks waiting for us in our rooms as well as lovely toiletries. We all scrubbed and then relaxed while regaling each other with stories. And of course, we (i.e. me) stuffed our faces at dinner. The next morning, we took the shuttle back to the starting point, Highland Centre Lodge, to pick up the cars and head back home.