Hiked Mount Washington in New Hampshire!
Hey there!What an awesome weekend! I met a friend of mine in Gorham, NH and we hiked up to Mt Washington! It was an excellent time!
We were going to do the whole Northern Presidential Traverse, but events unfolded such that we were only able to go as far as the summit of Mt Washington. It was such a great time, though. We departed from the Appalachia Parking Lot, and then up to Mt Madison, Mt Adams, Mt Jefferson, Mt Clay and then onto Mt Washington.
We were somewhat stranded on the top of Mt Washington, as I wasn't expecting to pay about $100US (each!) to get down the mtn and back to one of our cars. We were very, very fortunate however, and a wonderful family gave us a lift - not only down the mtn - but all the way back to the parking lot! Thank you awesome family from Maine!
We were very greatful, and in high spirits - although, I know my friend was feeling the pain, a bit.
The next day, I was still into hiking and offered, many times, to hang out with my friend instead of going hiking again. But, what a cool guy - he very was gracious and even drove me to the trailhead, while my car rested at the end (waiting for me to return!) He is a mountaineer too, and totally understands the drive to climb and climb when the chance is there!
On this day, it was raining, and once I broke through the treeline, the wind was ferocious! Hurricane Ernesto was blowing by and I was having to fight off the strong winds! I focussed on each step, so that I did not get blown over and twist an ankle on one of the rocks. It was so different from the day before - the wind was loud as a train! I got to the summit of Mt Washington (again) and this time, there was not a soul around! I had the summit to myself, except, it was pretty challenging to balance on the top in that crazy wind!
I headed into the summit lodge, had a hot chocolate, and headed down to Pinkham's Knotch Lodge (via Lion's Head and Tuckerman's Ravine). It was slow going on the first part, only because my boots were pretty slick on the wet rock, and I didn't want to sprain anything. Once I got to the flat part, I ran to my car. I went off trail sometimes, down these side trails that led to some beautiful waterfall scenery - well worth the deviation!
I got to the hotel at the time I predicted. And all was good!
If you ever get a chance to hike up Mt Washington, I highly reccomend it! What a fun time!
Meg
posted by Meg McGrath - Adventurer @ 4:34 PM
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