There’s an oft-quoted hiker adage that describes the difficulties confronting you when you reach the White Mountains during a northbound thru-hike attempt. It says you have completed 80 percent of the miles, but you have only spent 20 percent of the energy you’ll need to complete your thru-hike.
The statistic is an unprovable invention, but it was invented to make a point.
I’m skeptical the disparity of distance versus effort is that extreme. Nevertheless, now that I'm in the Whites it’s becoming obvious that things are different. The trail is definitely more difficult.
Ralph, Stick and I agreed we have to make adjustments in our hiking to get through this section safely.