Mt. Garfield, November 7, 2009

Garfield Ridge Trail, 10 miles roundtrip....plus an unexpected 3+ miles....

It looks like Alex and I will continue to ascend the 4Ks on a regular basis, since we both get antsy if too many weeks go by without a good, solid dose of the Whites.

Except for the very end, this was an enjoyable, routine hike....so I'll let the pictures and short videos tell most of the story.































Alex noticed these groups of fungi during the descent and thought they looked like open mouths. She tried to mimic them, but couldn't stop herself from laughing when I tried to take a photo.









We had enjoyed ourselves on this beautiful, fine day, and were about a mile from the car when we noticed that Alex's custom-made hiking stick was missing. Horrorstruck, we realized Alex had left it at our last rest stop, 1.7 miles up the trail.

Neither of us wanted to risk losing it. If we came back the next day, it might not be there. So we turned around and set back up the mountain, me laying into Alex more than was necessary (bad mom) and Alex crying because she didn't want to go back up, but she didn't want to lose it either. Every once in a while she would sit down to rest and wail loudly about not wanting to lose the stick, but also not wanting to hike back up. We were both tired, and again, I snapped at her impatiently, which didn't help matters. I kept pressing us onward, knowing that it was better to deal with this now than to go through weeks and months of sadness over losing the hiking stick. I figured if Alex ran out of steam, we'd sit and rest until she was okay to move on. I had three sets of headlamps, water, and lots of layers/chemical warmers/etc. We'd be alright -- once we both chilled out, anyway.

We were almost all the way back up -- and Alex was really getting tired -- when arm from VFTT came down the trail with the stick on the back of his pack. I thanked him profusely and explained the situation. He was very nice and waited with us while Alex took a good rest and had some water and chocolate. The three of us hiked out together, Alex's spirits much recovered with the hiking stick in her hand and her legs going downhill instead of up. I apologized to Alex for my impatience -- and also for not making sure she had it with her all the time, since she is still a young kid and shouldn't be expected to remember everything on her own. She apologized to me for forgetting about it. Then life went back to normal -- her speed picked up, she chattered happily, and all was again well with the world.

A Fiftieth and a First -- Cannon Mountain, Oct. 17, 2009

Lonesome Lake, Cascade Brook, Around-Lonesome-Lake and Kinsman Ridge Trails, 7.2 miles roundtrip.

Alex and I awoke Saturday morning unsure of which mountain to hike. We decided on Cannon, thinking perhaps Sage and Hugh would ride the tram up and meet us for lunch at the summit building. We scrawled a note for the two sleepyheads, propped it up between two bananas on the kitchen counter, and headed north.

We could see the snow glistening off the peaks of Lincoln and Lafayette as we approached Franconia Notch. Alex gasped with delight and asked if we could do those two mountains instead of Cannon. It was tempting...so tempting! I knew today's wind speeds would be minimal, and the sun was so bright! However, just as I started to pull into the Old Bridle Path parking area, Hugh sent a text message informing me that he and Sage were looking forward to our lunchtime rendezvous. Cannon it was.



It was a fine, crisp, clear autumn day as we started up Lonesome Lake Trail.



We moved quickly, Alex setting an adult pace and happily chattering every step of the way.

Snow appeared about a mile up the path. It was a welcome sight. Alex frequently commented on how beautiful everything looked.



Before we knew it, we were at the Cascade Brook Trail.



The walk from here to Lonesome Lake's western shore is flat, straightforward, and quick. We arrived at the water's edge in ten minutes.



In addition to the beautiful views, we found a mother and son hanging out, throwing various rocks and wood chips onto the thin layer of ice now covering the water. The boy, we discovered, was almost 9 years old. His name was Raymond, and he was on vacation with his mother, Juliet. Alex spent a few minutes tossing things onto the slightly frozen lake with Raymond, while Juliet and I made our introductions. She had been considering taking Raymond up Cannon, so, since the four of us were hitting it off so well, we decided to ascend together.

Around-Lonesome-Lake Trail was flat and scenic, just as it was a few weeks ago when I walked it with Sage.



A few tenths of a mile later, we turned left and resumed hiking on Lonesome Lake Trail. The grade was easy...for about three seconds. Then, the pitch steepened significantly.



As we climbed, the season seemed to change from autumn to winter.



Our ascent was made easy by wonderful conversation. Alex and Raymond happily chatted with each other, trading jokes and sharing laughs. Those two were a good match, and I had a fine time speaking with Juliet.

Alex and Raymond celebrated our arrival at Kinsman Ridge Trail by eating icicles.



It truly was a Winter Wonderland.



Walking along the ridge, just before we reached the summit, I asked Raymond if he had ever hiked up an entire mountain before. He answered in the negative. Alex and I enthusiastically congratulated him and explained that he was about to reach the peak of his first 4K.

Soon afterward, we arrived.

Congratulations, Raymond -- your first 4K!




And for Alex, congrats on number 50!



Ceremonial kid pictures taken care of, we relaxed, looked around, and -- my oh my. Clear skies, views galore, and no wind whatsoever.












Juliet and Raymond were properly amazed with the views, and rightfully proud of themselves for making it all the way up. We hung out for an hour or so, then went inside the summit building to wait for Hugh and Sage.

While we waited, Juliet made an interesting discovery. Alex had offered her the green M&Ms from her trail mix, saying, "I don't like this color." I've heard this kind of statement from Alex before, but I never really thought she could taste the difference between, say, brown M&Ms and blue ones.

Well, I was wrong! Juliet asked Alex to close her eyes, then she fed her one M&M after another. Alex guessed every single color correctly -- brown, blue, red, orange, yellow and green. When asked how she could tell which color she was tasting, Alex explained that each food dye combination interacts specifically with the chocolate, giving each color M&M a distinct taste.

Soon after Alex ate her weight in candy, Hugh and Sage arrived. The six of us relaxed and conversed for a while, then Juliet, Raymond, Alex and I began the hike down.



Alex and I wore our microspikes, not wanting to take a nasty tumble down the slick, steep path. Neither Raymond nor Juliet had traction, but they both moved slowly and carefully. Everyone made it down without incident.

Once back at Lonesome Lake, Raymond and Alex resumed throwing things into the water.



Soon it was time to say goodbye to our new friends. We once again congratulated Raymond (and Juliet!), exchanged contact information, and then went on our way.

The season changed back into autumn as we neared the trailhead.



What a lovely time we had! It was so nice running into Juliet and her son, Raymond. We had so much fun hiking with them.

Alex and I won't be able to hike again until November. So until then, happy trails, everyone!

Hale: Two Kids on a Cairn -- Oct. 10, 2009

Hale Brook Trail, Lend-A-Hand Trail, Zealand Trail, Zealand Road. About 8.3 miles.

One of the many nice things about having finished the NH48 is that our options are now completely open. There's no psychological pressure to ascend a "new" mountain. We can do whatever we feel like doing.

Alex now wants to hike with other kids as much as possible, so we were thrilled when we discovered we'd be able to join Mirabela (a VFTT member) and his six year old daughter, Isidora, this weekend. Isidora is a strong, cheerful, six year old who routinely hikes and backpacks with her father in Vermont. This weekend they were in our neck of the woods, looking to bag Isidora's fifth 4K.

Since the forecast called for wind chills of 5 below and wind speeds of over 60mph, Mirabela and I thought a sheltered hike was in order. We chose Mt. Hale, and hoped the novelty of a massive summit cairn would offer some consolation for lack of view.

The girls took to each other quickly, and hiked the beginning of the ascent holding hands.



During our rest breaks, they enjoyed sharing snacks.



Once we made it to the top, both kiddos immediately ascended the cairn.



After we were fed and rested, the four of us decided to visit Zealand Falls Hut via Lend-A-Hand Trail.



'Twas a lovely path, much more scenic than Hale Brook Trail.











Once at the hut, we refreshed ourselves with hot tea and cookies before continuing on our way.

Both girls ran the two and a half flat miles of Zealand Trail, then mugged for the camera.



Next came the one mile roadwalk back to the Hale Brook trailhead...



...where both hams struck another pose.



This was a very enjoyable day. It was nice to hang out with another kid who so obviously enjoys hiking. Isidora and her father make a great team. We hope to hike with them again soon, and we look forward to reading more of their trip reports.

update

Alex has been accompanying her younger sister, Sage, on a few smaller hikes during the past couple of months. Those trip reports can be found on the "Sage Hikes" blog, which can be accessed by a link to the right.

A few more 4Ks are in the works before the snow seriously arrives...then Alex wants to continue working her way through the winter 4K list.

Mt. Washington, Flags on the 48, Sept. 12, 2009

Our first hike together after completing the NH48!

Flags on the 48 is an annual event which marks the anniversary of 9-11. Each Saturday closest to 9-11, a flag is flown over each of the NH48 from noon until 2pm. I was able to sign up for Washington.

Alex initially said she wanted to ride up the Auto Road with her father and Sage, which was fine by me...I figured she might want to take a break from hiking after our big finish a couple of weeks ago. However, as she watched me get ready the night before, she became more and more anxious. Just as I was finishing my usual preparations, she burst out, "I changed my mind! I want to go!" I asked if she was sure, and reminded her that it would be a steep climb. She insisted that she was sure, but added that she'd probably take the Auto Road down. I gave my consent, and she went to bed happy and excited.

Our boots were on the trail at 6am. MadRiver and Susan were planning on starting out later and catching up. Tobit would meet us at the top, along with Hugh and Sage, after coming up the Auto Road.

My picture quality isn't that great, guess lack of morning coffee meant I couldn't quite focus...



Tuckerman Ravine Trail starts off easily enough. The trail is rocky but not too steep, and it leads past beautiful Crystal Cascades (which Alex very much enjoyed).





Soon after the Cascades, the trail took a turn for the Very Rocky and Sloggish. The grade was moderately steep for the next mile and a half or so. Finally, we found flat land again, close to the Hermit Lake campsite/shelter area.



Past the shelters we went, up a steep set of rock stairs that went on for a few tenths of a mile. We turned at one point and took a picture of the site below.



We moved forward on the trail a bit...



...before taking another look back.




We came to a nice rock which seemed to scream, "Lean on me!" So we did.



After we had fed and watered ourselves, we moved onward...



and upward...



....and right on into the Twilight Zone.

I have no idea how we got off track...I had pages from a guidebook in my hand, plus the map and compass...we were keeping a first aid cache on our right and hiking up boulders, turning right as the guidebook described. However, we suspected we were not on the trail...there were neither cairns nor blazes, and the path we were following was a rock slide. We were about halfway up and had decided that this was absolutely NOT the way, when we heard voices coming from below. Looking down, we could see MadRiver and Susan beneath us, approaching the climb. After a bit, they disappeared to our left and did not reappear...so we had a decision to make. After checking map and compass, I saw that if we continued we would top out close to the Lion's Head Route. We could then take that toward the summit. Or, we could go all the way down and reascend on Tuckerman's. We both felt that, given our time constraints and energy level, it would actually be easier to keep going up than to climb down and reascend.

We kept to our left, close to the scrub and away from the looser rocks in the middle, and climbed the rest of the slide. It wasn't anything either one of us hadn't done before, and Alex thought it was fun, but I was happy when we were up and over it.

Interesting...at the top was a small cairn, and an old path leading away from the slide. It was definitely an old trail, it was clearly defined underneath the branches of old scrub that were growing over it. I re-checked the map and compass, then Alex and I followed this path for less than a tenth of a mile before running into the intersection of the Alpine Garden Trail and the Lion's Head Trail.

In retrospect, I regret not taking pictures of that part of our journey. During that half hour or so, however, my only concern was getting up and over the slide, and then putting ourselves back onto a mapped trail. I didn't even think about taking pictures until we were at the intersection of Lion's Head and Tuckerman. Once back on Tuckerman and climbing that last 0.3 miles to the summit, I remembered the camera.



Alex was phenomenal. She showed no signs of fatigue until heading up the summit cone, then she wanted to rest every five minutes. She's a tough kid...this was the greatest elevation gain she's ever experienced in one day...plus she climbed that rock slide like a seasoned pro.

Both of us were very happy to finally get to the summit!



The whole crew was there and waiting for us -- Hugh, Sage, Tobit, MadRiver, Susan, and a great fellow named Glen.

We took the PVC poles from my bag, attached them with connectors, attached the pole to the summit sign using bungee cord, then put the flag up (climbing cord tied into the grommets). The girls made sure the flag never touched the ground while we were tying it in. I was proud of them for taking everything so seriously.



Here's the finished product, with random hikers.



Now it was time to relax! We spent the next two hours hanging out, chatting with everyone, eating whoopie pies, and taking it easy.

Ed 'n Lauky appeared, which made the kids' day. Lauky gave everyone kisses and made instant best buds with both my girls.

2:00pm rolled around fast, and it was time to take the flag down. Unfortunately, the only static of the day came when a group of French hikers...or French Canadian hikers...were incredibly rude about not giving us space. We took the pole down in less than a minute, but they were pushing and shoving, wanting to get their summit shots NOW.

The girls had practiced folding the flag in the proper manner, and I moved them to a flat spot so they could perform the informal ceremony.

After all was put away, Susan, MadRiver and I said our goodbyes to Hugh, Sage, Alex (who was riding down), and Tobit. Then we descended Tucks.

It was nice, seeing the part of the trail that I had missed on the way up! There were lovely flowers everywhere.



When we got back to the bottom of the headwall, I tried to figure out where Alex and I had gone wrong. I saw where the path diverged...there was a yellow blaze hidden underneath a branch...that must have been why we didn't go the right way..???

MadRiver, Susan and I finished our hike enjoying each other's company and sharing some great conversation. Afterward, we stopped by Bob and Geri's to say hi to many other "Flags" folk.

It was a great day, and we were honored to be a part of this event.

Mt. Moosilauke (#48), August 30, 2009

Gorge Brook Trail, 7.6 miles roundtrip.

Please note: Most pictures were taken by Bob Hayes. Those would be the nice, clear photos. Mine are the blurry ones.
***************************

On August 30, 2009, Alex and I reached the peak of Mt. Moosilauke, thus bringing to an end our fifteen month peakbagging quest. We have now ascended and descended, on foot, each of the 48 mountains of the AMC's White Mountains Four Thousand Footer list.

We hiked during each month of the year, experiencing the unique beauties and challenges of every season. Along the way, we learned how to use snowshoes and Microspikes, and how to layer, delayer, and layer again. We recognized the value of balaclavas and chemical hand warmers. We found that we really, really don't like to posthole. We discovered that winter hiking can be a lot easier than summer hiking, and we realized that slugs are people too.

Most importantly, we've formed what I hope are lifelong friendships with certain wonderful hikers. We've also discovered that chocolate is the Eleventh Essential. Hmmm...maybe that's more important. Guess it's a tie.

Enough with the preliminaries....now on to the trip report.

The plan was for boots-on-trail at 8:30. Lots of folks showed up to hike with us, including MadRiver and Susan, happyhiker, BobnGeri, bikehikeskifish and his family, lawnsale, Tim&Val, BarkingCat, Salty, Joe and his family, Paradox, Mad Townie and his daughter, and DaveBear.

There was a flurry of camera action just before we headed out...






...then we were on our way up Gorge Brook Trail.





Sage started off on her own two feet, tackling the rocks with aplomb and often hiking ahead of the crowd with MadRiver. She made it just under a mile and a half before asking to be carried. I put her inside my almost-empty winter pack and carried her as I would a sleeping bag. MadRiver and happyhiker graciously carried most of my gear so I could handle Sage.





Alex hiked with Amanda and Matthew, hikebikeskifish's two friendly and outgoing kids. Alex loves the company of other kid hikers.

After the halfway point (marked by the "Last Water" sign), Tim of TimandVal graciously offered to trade packs with me. I happily acquiesced.





We kept on truckin', the crowd chatting pleasantly and everyone enjoying the beautiful, sunny weather.

After a steady blur of hiking, talking, and shoelace-tying, we reached the first of the stone steps.



The kids continued upward while the adults followed closely behind. At one point we were able to turn and see Ravine Lodge below.



Dave Metsky and a few of his friends now joined our group. We made our introductions, then complimented him on the excellent craftsmanship of the trail, much of which he had fashioned himself.

The kids were getting tired (Sage even fell asleep in the backpack, though she vehemently denied it afterward), but luckily we were very close to the top. Everyone seemed to revive once we reached scrub. Sage woke up and was removed from the pack, then quite a few small stones were joyously rearranged as everyone took another break.

When the kids felt rested, we journeyed onward.



A short dip back down into the trees (where more rocks were picked up and moved around)...



...then we broke above treeline for good. Alex picked up her pace and moved quickly and confidently toward the summit. We could see and hear people above us, cheering her on.



Hugh was waiting close to the summit.



He had started out well before us in case he needed extra time to ascend. He was all smiles as Alex and Sage approached. We paused for a few moments while they embraced, then we moved onward.

Alex approached the final steps under a hail of cheers. Geri, Mad Townie, and bikehikeskifish formed a bridge with their hiking poles.



Then, finally, we were at the high point. Folks at the top burst into applause and there was a lot of picture taking all around. Here we are, joined by bikehikeskifish's two kids.



Bob and MadRiver presented us with our official AMC NH48 patches.



Bob then presented Alex with a shirt that lists all the NH48 peaks on the back. I put it on over her turtleneck while Sage and Hugh watched.







Now it was time to relax and enjoy the moment.




























We hung out for an hour and a half, then the crowd split up and descended various routes. Alex and Sage wanted to stick with Amanda and Matthew, so our two families went back down Gorge Brook together. Hugh, BobnGeri, and happyhiker accompanied us.

Going down is always easier than going up -- the kids ran and laughed, even played tag along the trail. Sage was carried for a while -- this time, bikehikeskifish did the honors -- but once we reached the "Last Water" sign, Sage decided to walk the rest of the way on her own.

Alex went ahead with Amanda and hiked down with her most of the way. When we reached the end of the trail, I called her to me. I wanted to officially finish with her, side-by-side. Selfish of me, perhaps, because she was happy going ahead with her new found friends. However, I wanted to catch just one last quiet moment with my daughter. A final few solitary minutes, for nostalgia's sake.

It was bittersweet, knowing that she is growing older and needing me less and less. At the beginning of our quest, she was a five and a half year old girl who still very much wanted her mama nearby. Now, she's over six and a half and taking bigger and bigger steps away from me. Natural and appropriate, of course. Yet sad, at least for me.

Here, we officially finish our 4Ks. Just the two of us, together.





Then, it was off to the fabulous after-party thrown by MadRiver and Susan, where DiamondRidge and Gwynna presented us with a great poster of all our summit pictures.



Many, many thanks to all who have helped us on our quest. Especially MadRiver, who accompanied us on our three toughest hikes (Willey, Isolation, and Owl's Head). You've been a great friend to us, MR.

Thanks also to Susan, for hosting the after-party along with MadRiver, for being such a cool person in general, and for playing all those name games with Alex while hiking up Valley Way.

Thanks to DiamondRidge and Gwynna, for being good friends and for bringing MooseMaiden and her little sister over to hang out with Alex and Sage.

Thanks to BobnGeri, who have been sources of support and good conversation for months.

Thanks to happyhiker, who's hiked with us a number of times and is always great company.

Thanks to LRiz, who's been a source of inspiration to Alex.

Thanks to DaveBear for joining us on Owl's Head.

A giant thanks to Sage, who has been supportive of Alex's adventures and who has been very understanding of Mama's time away. I owe her some camping trips, pronto.

And of course, another giant thanks to Hugh, who has taken care of Sage while Alex and I have been away. He's graciously entrusted our daughter to me during this entire process, always supporting Alex's endeavors and our outings, and leaving it completely up to me to take care of every detail. Thanks for understanding our need to do this, Hugh.

So I guess this is the end of this blog -- unless I change it to a general hiking blog for Alex, since I have a feeling this is not the end of her adventures in the mountains...

Final 4K Hike on Sunday, Aug 30, 2009

Plans for our grand finale do not include being struck by lightning or being blown off Moosilauke by 55 mph winds.

Therefore, we have changed the date of our finish from Saturday, Aug. 29 to Sunday, August 30.