Fellow hikers sometimes ask me why I’m working on the White Mountain 4,000 Footer Grid. Why do I choose to (perhaps obstinately) remain focused on New Hampshire peaks, when there are other lists to chase and beautiful ranges to explore? To be quite honest, I have a difficult time justifying this focus myself. The Maine mountains in particular hold tremendous appeal, but not to the extent that I’m willing to undergo a half-day drive to visit them.
As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, there’s something about the Whites that just resonates with me. Even in the pouring rain, or whilst breaking through foot upon foot of fresh snow, I feel inexplicably drawn to these peaks. Some say that I’ll tire of them eventually, and perhaps I will. Yet at this point in my life, I honestly cannot imagine ever losing interest in a place I hold so dearly.
This past weekend only served to reinforce that notion. Bluebird skies, endless views, and fantastic snow conditions made for what may very well have been two of the best days we’ve had this winter. On Saturday I traversed Zealand and the Bonds. At 23.2 miles in distance, it marked the longest continuous hike that I’ve done since my injury back in August 2009. Waking on Sunday, I was feeling terribly sluggish. Nevertheless, I still managed to muster up the energy to take a quick hike up Jackson the day after… and am I glad that I did…
There are a handful of mountains – one of which happens to be Jackson – that I am not particularly fond of. Hiking them in each month (to go against my previous chain of thought) becomes something of a chore. However, the beauty of the Grid is that you’re given the opportunity to experience New Hampshire’s highest peaks in a huge variety of conditions – good and bad. And in some instances, this can serve to foster appreciation for peaks and trails that you may once have held in disdain.
Breaking above treeline on Sunday, I finally realized why so many people love that little mountain on the eastern side of Crawford Notch. The summit cone was a blanket of white, each of the tiny krummholz encased by snow. The sky was so deeply blue at times that it appeared almost unreal, altered beyond the boundaries of nature. It was a day to be savored, and no longer will I hold that mountain in such low regard!
A few pictures from the weekend:



More Pictures Behind the Cut »