At Four Thousand Feet

Last year on Presidents Day Weekend I (rather fittingly) hiked to the top of Mount Washington. This year it wasn’t meant to be. Three days of achingly grey and windy weather kept me well below treeline. There were few views to be had, and I have few stories to tell. Heck, I couldn’t even come up with an interesting title for this post.

A few pictures:

Perhaps Not Worth Your Time »

Distance: 30.9 miles
Elevation Gain: ~8,000 and change
Trails Used: Zealand Road, Hale Brook, Lend a Hand, Twinway, Bondcliff, West Bond Spur, North Twin Spur, Frost, Gale River, Haystack Road

This past Saturday I completed my longest winter hike to date: a 30 mile traverse (of sorts) across the northern boundary of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Throughout the course of the journey, our party of three stood atop the summits of 8 4,000 foot peaks:

• Hale
• Zealand
• West Bond
• Bond
• Bondcliff
• South Twin
• North Twin
• Galehead

To be perfectly honest, I’m struggling to put the experience accurately into words. This was hands-down the most challenging hike that I’ve ever undertaken. While heading towards South Twin, I suddenly hit a low point which nearly stopped me in my tracks – an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that both confused and distressed me. I had to reach deep inside myself to find the strength to keep going.

Why did this happen? Did I fuel myself improperly, or have I just not been training hard enough? Perhaps I was just having a bad day?

These are some questions I’ll have to think about as I continue to work towards improving myself as a hiker.

On a brighter note, I very much encourage you to read this more optimistic rendition of our 30 mile adventure, compiled by my good friend Tim Seaver.

A few pictures from the day:

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