As we headed for the hut, we crossed the Bigelow Lawn, a plateau between Mt. Monroe and Mt. Washington, and I stopped frequently to take in the view and take some photos. We were at an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet, and clouds and mist surrounded us. There wasn't much vegetation, and if you're not paying attention it's not hard to lose the trail among the lichen covered rocks. Cairns, pagoda-like rock piles, dot the trail at this elevation and help guide hikers along the path, acting like high-altitude lighthouses.