Mt. Washington pictorial highlights

In case Picasa is being a Google, here are some highlights of the journey up Mt. Washington.

Avenging Tom

Finally summited Mt. Tom.  Started around 7am, back to car a bit before 1 with breaks, attempts to get my camera to work, and letting my feet just enjoy the water crossings.  And OH they did.  My quest for Mt. Tom started a while ago.  I was in the Winter Hiking Program and also a new graduate of the Leadership Program.  So Alex, who is great to work with, suggested I co-lead...YAY.  I was supposed to do it before but woke up dying, sort of like I am now.  So I did EVERYTHING right.  I worked out in mashed potato snow in the Blue Hills, even made a trip to Wachusett.  Made adjustments to the REGI info, followed said info, and got there ½hr early.  Yeah, my body wanted nothing to do with the 10 degrees. Nothing I tell you.  Plus hey, I’m slow.  I probably had a panic attack.  So got to A-Z and well I was done.  Another participant came down and we talked about how hard it was to hike with the cold and in snowshoes.  In retrospect, it is not all that bad once you get used to it, but it takes lots of time.

Fast forward to July 5.  I woke up at 4:30 bound and determined to hike.  There was no coffee maker in my room, so I used my Microrocket to make tea water.  I am getting used to my little gas stove, but it still scares me.  Diddled for a while and finally decided it was time to avenge myself on Tom.  Just a word of caution.  The sun on 302E is pretty damn strong at 6:30.  Got to trailhead, gave a woman directions, because, again, I seem to know what I am doing.  Started out and BAM, black fly in my eye.  On goes the Goth veil, and it stayed on for the majority of the hike.  The bottom half of the Avalon trail is not that bad at all.  The water crossings were easy and refreshing.  BUT OMG MUD. Sucking mud.  The kind where you can and will lose your shoe in it if not tied tight enough.  But I made it.  Took a nice picture of the A-Z junction and off I went.  Word of caution about the A-Z trail. Seriously PUDS, steep ones.  Yes, there is nice water waiting for your feet, but pointless nonetheless.  

Made it to the Mt. Tom Spur and rested, reapplied the DEET.  And made that short .6 climb, that starts off nice and easy and then comes the rocks to climb over.  Not that bad, but remember, I was up at 4:30.  So I get to the top.  The views are to die for.  And wouldn’t you know it, camera battery died.  Phone died earlier.  On a gorgeous blue bird day too.  Went to other side to see even better views.  Oh well, gonna have to do it again.  Maybe as a traverse.  On the way back, sat in the Zealand River.  And yes, I danced down the Avalon Trail.  I had my music, I was done, I just let loose.

Got back to motel and napped.  Then the knees began to scream bloody murder.  Did I mention I was supposed to do a Bonds trip the next day?  Yeah, no.  I was thinking I could just go to Zealand...NO.  So with that and the fact that I did not have the cord to charge camera battery, and I didn’t have a place to stay, I decided to just go home.  Oh well, I am sure the cats missed me.

Seek the Peak for MWOBS

Well, I hiked to Mt. Washington.  6288ft above sea level.  About 3950 elevation gain.  10 miles round trip, but we took a side trip for about 11 total.  It seemed normal enough in the beginning.  And a dry trail for once.  YAY. No water crossings, just bridges and a bit of mud.  I went with a friend, Roxanne, from Random and Blue Hills hiking clubs.  I got a room with two beds, and I needed a partner in crime.  They said not to hike on Saturday, so we did a great girls day out along the Kanc, a bit of shopping in NoCo too.  It was really fun to have someone else to share the fun with.  I don’t do that often.  We were supposed to meet someone else at the trailhead, but got turned around by two, yes two trailheads close to one another.  But something happened and she couldn't make it. Took a side trip to the railway station anyway.  It was a nice break and IMHO the trail is nice and gradual from the Ammo parking area.  Plus last chance for a bathroom in hours.  Away we went back UP to the Jewell.  We passed a nice older gentlemen on the way to the railway and again up the Jewell.  I hope I am still hiking at his age.  We did not see him again, I hope he made it.  We met Donna on the way up the Jewell.  She was another Seek the Peaker. The three of us stayed together to the summit and back.  

It was great to have and meet nice hiking partners.  I normally hike alone because I am slower than the norm and have seemed to get slower.  I know people do not recommend it, but for some of us, it is the only option.  I am not going to magically become a book time hiker.  Fact of the matter is that I will never be good enough in that category.  But you know what, I don’t need to be.  I work hard to keep myself in hiking shape (by hiking) and the past year has been an exercise in fighting viruses, etc.  I swear I got everything, including some Norovirus wannabe that had me eating rice for a month.  Plus I think I had a panic attack or two.  But instead of sitting on the couch and wondering what could have been, I am doing it.  I see so many people give up on things because they are hard or they don’t feel good enough.  Not hiking for me.  I am going to keep doing it.  Yeah, it’s hard, very hard sometimes, but nothing worthy is had without hard work.  And the reward is fantastic.  Now back to adventure.

Once we got to alpine, all bets were off.  It got rocky, very rocky.  And bouldery, very bouldery.  I really question what people think when they say that a trail is easy.  They say Jewell is easy.  Let me tell you, it is not.  You need to maneuver rocks and small boulders, some which are tippy.   It was not fun.  Whatever glacier or volcano dropped this stuff was not in a good mood.  It seemed like it took forever for me to just to get to the Gulfside Trail.  And guess what?  More rocks.  More damn rocks. This trail was better than the Jewell though.  And the signs, oh the signs, sign signs everywhere signs.  So many trails in 1.4 miles.

They say of you lose the trail, which we did, to follow the Cog railroad, which we did.  We saw a few trains go by.  There was waving, thumb upping.  I kinda felt like a celebrity.  Saw a few thru hikers go by when we realized, oops, the Gulfside is over there.  We carefully wondered over and took some cool pictures and continued on our way.  We waited for a train to pass so we could cross the tracks.

  

 

The hike continued and reached the Trinity Connector.  .2 miles to the summit.  .2 miles of tippy slabs of rock.  I swear that was the longest .2 miles of my life.  My friends continued on and I kept saying “I’m not dead yet.”  It was more mentally exhausting than physically exhausting.  I felt like it was harder to catch my breath.  They has been up to Washington before, but this was my first time. I plugged away.  Once I made it past the rock/boulder fields on Jewell, I knew I was going to make it.  I pushed, and pushed, and huffed, and puffed, and got myself to the summit.  YAY.

So #12 is in the books.  I stood in line, corrupted some young kids to do a shirtless pic, and took my picture with the sign.  We didn’t take a group shot because the line was LONG.  We did get a great picture by the Crawford Path sign.  Then I saw Jay who I hiked down Moosilauke with.  He was there for 2 4s (8, 12), and my two highest.  Will I see him again on 16?  Who knows.  We went inside, I had a pepperoni pizza and a very beany chili.  It tasted good then, but it kinda repeated on my on the way down.  We took a tour of the weather station, saw the living quarters, and attempted to find Marty.  Alas, it was time to go.  The clouds lifted nicely and revealed some awesome gorgeous scenery.  It would have been a nice trip in the fog, but this was nice to see the view.  And the clouds made it kind of awesome.  I resisted the urge to take the Cog down.  Long trip...oh well.

Remember the tippy rocks I told you about.  Well, I had to deal with them again.  It is not fun going up, but even less fun going down.  It is funny how you forget what you went through.  It is like the brain is saying “it’s not so bad, we will be back in no time.”  Like the people who said Jewel was easy, the brain lies.   And let me say, those happy little trees were laughing at me.  And one ate my new glove.  I plugged my way down the Jewell, murmuring some unmentionables.  My friends asked if wanted to be up front, I said no, but when we got to dirt path again, I would be flying...and I did.  I was looking for that bizarre sign that said N.T. trail, what the heck is that?  But it also says Cog RR .3 miles.   Which means the adventure is almost over.  

I hiked Washington.  It took a while, but I did it.  Actually only 4hr, or less, down.  Donna offered to drive us to the other trailhead.  The bathrooms were still open...YAY.  Got back to the car, went to Elvio’s, got great coffee at the Mobil station, and headed back.  I dropped off Roxanne at the Park and Ride and proceeded home.  I hurt a bit, but 2 beers and 3 Aleve did the job.  I even did Wachusett the next day, no pain.  However, I have spent the last two days under the influence of Benadryl.  I got some bites on Washington, but I was eaten alive on Wachusett.  I had a sore throat and was itchy for two days.  Screw that natural bug repelling stuff.  

More pictures

CANNONBALL...or not

The good thing about being a teacher (only really) is that we have the summers off.  I can sleep in to whatever.   Well, since I have decided to pursue my 48, sleeping in has meant waking up when the sun isn't.  It was different Tuesday.  I was tired.  And my stomach still hurts.  It hurt all the way to Campton.  So after being up for about 4 hours, I decided to suck it up and bag Cannon.  It was only 2 miles right?  It can't be too hard, right?  I mean I attempted it before and aside from the granite BBs, it can't be too bad, right?    Yeah, right.  It was an exercise in perseverance, stamina, and figuring out how to use that compass.

 

My plan was simple.  2 up, 2 down, 5 hrs max.   Let me just say, I wanted to start at 2, but I am sure I was not on the trail until 2:30.  I huffed and puffed a bit but it got better.  I made it to the point where I turned around last time and thought that everything was fine after that.  I was so very wrong.  I thought I was almost there.  I was so very wrong.  The sun was shining, I thought I would see some great views.  Yup, wrong.  It would end up being my most defining moment.  At least for now.

Anyway, I got up to the lookout point, thought I was close to the summit.  FOG.  Then wind.  I thought I was I was lost.  I broke out the compass, compared it to the map.  Yup, not there yet.  Then came the mud.  The sucking mud.  Then some fog moved and I saw that I was no where near the summit.  I thought for a minute and would not give up.  More rocks, lots of places where I could twist an ankle, but I kept on going.  The I saw a cairn, and I thought it was over.  Climbed up a bit more and saw a few viewpoints, then the roped off area, completely shrouded in fog.  Yeah, I crossed the ropes, but you know, whatever.  Couldn't find the tower.  So I had some food, looked at the time and realized, I needed off the mountain and NOW.  I was tired.  I had no idea what would come out of the clouds.  I knew it would take some time.  I slipped and had to remind myself to slow down and get off the trail safely.  It was hard.  I was scared a bit.  I was alone, so I could talk to myself and curse all I wanted.  And you better believe that I did.  I even slid down the wet slabs.  I just wanted off the mountain.  Slow, steady, and carefully, I made it down the mountain.  In my mind it was over.  I danced off the trail.  I danced in the parking lot.  It was ugly, but I did it.

WELL, let's not dance so fast.  Yeah, I saw a cairn, but that is not the true summit.  The area around the tower is.  FAIL.  So I have to do it again.  Very sad.  I have two chances this summer so no big deal, but DAMN, that was not a fun hike.  Not at all.  I was scared, I thought I was lost.  I couldn't see.  I was all alone.  I had to go way outside my comfort level.  I had to trust myself.  I had to go down a trail I had no intention of ever hiking again.   I almost lost my camera, phone, and sanity.  Dropped my MP3 player in a puddle, but it survived as did my seat of my pants which I slid on.  I felt like I was being a baby.  Then I told my story on the 4K Facebook page and found out that trail was no walk in the park.  I heard all sorts of tales of woe and pain.  I felt a bit better to have made it out with a few bumps, bruises, and scrapes.  I will keep it as #11, but I still have to do it again for it to count.   Oh well.

If it's the last Sunday, it must be Hale.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres...13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.

I don't always go Biblical, but when I do, it is to lift you up, not tell you why you are going to Hell.

And full disclosure  after 10 years of Catholic school and 1.5 years at St. Anselm, I had to look that up.  

I am sure there is some hiker prayer somewhere, but today, this made the most sense.  I was tested as a leader, and I chose the path of lifting someone up.  I admit that I am a hiking snob, but I am not one who thinks that there is one right type of hiker.  I think everyone can hike, some just have different abilities than others.  Not everyone can or wants to do the NH48.  Not everyone will climb Washington.  Not everyone is out for views.  Not everyone looks like a "hiker."  Some are young, some as old enough to be my great grandparents.  Some take longer to get to the top, others save their knees on the way down. And there are those who fly up faster than eagles. To each their own.

Some more disclosure:  I am obese, not just overweight, but second column obese.  According to society, I am a drain on the healthcare system and an embarrassment to society.  I don't eat well, scarf down McDonalds, etc.  I am lazy, don't care about myself, etc, etc.  My answer to that, BULLSHIT.  In the last few years, my doctors have not mentioned my weight.  Probably because they know I am out close to every weekend hiking.  I am slow, I get winded, but I make it up the mountain.  Slow and steady wins the race.  I may not be able to hike with many groups, but the joy of hiking is you make so many friends.   So many people, just enough for whatever the trail tosses at you.  And sometimes, there is the joy of being alone with your thoughts.  It’s all good.

So to today's hike.  My 4th time on Hale.  There was blue sky.  Did it go as planned?  No.  Did I have fun?  Yes.  Did the mountain humble me?  Of course.  Did I get free cheese and great s'more advice?  OH yeah.  Did we get down before the storms?  Yes.  Did I stand in the river for 5 minutes?  YUP.  Any other questions?  I do think my toe stress is due to my new boots.  They need to get over it.  

Now on to more important questions such as what goes on my playlist.  There are some easy winners, such as RUSH and almost every James Taylor song.  A few Beastie Boys.  But it gets trickier.  OK, the Police may be easy, but the Eagles and Grateful Dead are hard.  Some of the most beautiful songs make me cry because they are just so beautiful.  The penultimate example:  Ripple.  Such a great song, but I cry when I hear it.  There is just something about that song.  My cheap speakers work well, so whatever goes on that list will sound awesome.  

Eisenhower.

First some Philosophy:

A tree fell in the woods, I heard it.

If you curse up a blue streak in the woods, and no one is around to hear it, do you still go to Hell?

OK, I was supposed to do Washington Saturday, but since I am still recovering from gastroenteritis (think that scene from Aliens) and a head cold with a migraine or two mixed in, it was not the best idea.  I hiked a bit in the Blue Hills yesterday because the forecast scared me.  Today was not better, but I left the house at 4:30 to bag #9.  By the time I got gas, checked weather at the Highland Center and dilly dallied, I was on the trail at 8.  Within ½ hr, I was ready to turn back.  I haven’t hiked in 2 weeks and they were a lousy two week.  My pack felt heavy, so I kept drinking water.  I was already hydrated.  I needed a release, thinking that would make me feel better.  And it did for about 10 minutes, then I was DRAGGING. I started singing that song from Revenge of the Nerds when they fixing up the house.  I hurt, I was tired, I was worried about the weather.  About a mile in and I was ready to quit.  I needed inspiration.  Then it hit me.  I have 13 songs on my phone (that is the memory limit).  So I took it out, tried to find and volume, and off I went.  Guess what?  I worked, very well.  I even hiked a bit faster, a bit.  And somehow my little cheap Samsung phone knew exactly which I needed at the perfect time.  Granted I heard some songs at least 3 times, but whatever works, use it.  My 13 songs:

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye version

Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson

Dynamite - Jamiroquai

Good Vibrations - Marky Mark

I’m Free- Kenny Loggins

Live Like We’re Dying - Kris Allen

My Life - Robin Thicke

Nothin’ on You - B.o.B

Rock Your Body - Justin Timberlake

Somewhere Only We Know - Keane

The Choice is Yours - Black Sheep

The Dynamo of Volition - Jason Mraz

Winning - Santana

If I had the room I would add The Secret ‘O Life by James Taylor.  That is my all time favorite song.  I guess I could upgrade or buy speakers.  I have a week.  Update: bought speakers...thinking Monroe Sat.

As I hiked along, I mouthed the words, sang a bit when I could. Heck, I was alone for most of the trip up.  Yeah, I was still slow.  Yeah, I took lots of breaks, but it worked.  Very well in fact.  The music took my mind off the effort to get up.

Now if I was with a group, that is different.  Once the conversations start, next thing you know, you are there.  I shy away from groups.  I am really just starting to hike seriously and can’t devote much time during the school year.  And I am slow.  Well, that depends on who you talk to.  I am either molasses or a Kenyan runner.  But the people I hike with give me something I can’t give myself, encouragement.  Oh, I have my goal and that works well, but sometimes a bit of acknowledgement goes a long way.  Just hearing, “good job, you’re doing great” can change my mood.  Some might find it demeaning, but I am not in the best hiking shape and it is hard for me.  Kind words are always welcome.  Even the people at the summit were very encouraging.  Probably because I used the Lord’s name in vain a few times, loudly. And for the record, I consider hiking going to church.  It is a wonder I was not struck down by that lightning.  

So I made it to #9.  YAY.  But the fun began after.  Warning: childfree/mandated reporter rant coming up.  About halfway down the loop, I heard a kid whining.  Really?  In the Presis?  With this forecast?  By alas, it was true.  There was a group with a young child, 3, 4 in a month.  Radar goes nuts.  I asked them where he had hiked, where they were going, etc.  I don’t know if they stayed at Mizpah, but they were headed to Lake of the Clouds and then Washington for the Cog Railway because he liked trains.   One of the guys even told me of the hail potential.  They were trying to give me Clif bars because they brought too many.  If I had service, I would have called the Forest Service, than whatever Social Service agency handles children.  I’m sorry, but Crawford Path with the forecast what it was is no place for a young child.  I know, all kids are different, but to expect to get him to Washington is a bit much in my book.  What happens when he gets tired and doesn't want to walk anymore.  This was about at noon.  When I was about 1 miles from my car, about 2 I guess, I could hear thunder.  But what could I do in the case?  Lake of the Clouds was likely the best place for them to go at that point.  I really hope they ended up safe for all hell broke loose.  They better have an extra 10K somewhere if they needed rescuing.  I am putting this above parents who want pictures of their kids with moose in the background.  

So on the way down, I met a fantastic group of women from Wilderness Heals.  We had a great conversation and I am doing it next year.  It is a whole lot to fund raise, but it is for such a good cause.  I need to start now, though.  

I am sure there were great views.  But who cares, I got #9.  39 more to go.  I actually did get a few bites, they showed up when I got home.  More DEET.  When you think of the fact that I have been living on a BRAT diet, couldn't exercise, and had 3 hours of sleep, I think I did great.  3:25 to the summit.  OH and those baby food yogurt pouches...YUMMY.  Love the kale, spinach, apple Greek yogurt.  And you can freeze them too.  I miss real food.

Dust bunnies

Excuse the dust.  I haven’t been here in a while.  But today was one of those days that requires  a blog.  I think there will be many.  At least 39 more.  I have decided to complete the NH48.  It involves climbing, mountains, over 4K ft.  It is hard, punishing even, but I am hard-headed, err determined.  So a new journey begins.  Who needs a Ph.D. when I can climb mountains and be happier?  And save $$, well a bit of $$.  I have plenty of time for that, when I retire.