At Four Thousand Feet

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:

More Behind the Cut »

Date: July 25th, 2009
Distance: 33.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 9,750 feet
Trails Used: Wilderness, Osseo, Franconia Ridge, Garfield Ridge, Frost, Twinway, Bondcliff, West Bond Spur

In certain instances, pictures tell the story far better than words…

…and a few more pictures here.

June was a dreary, awful, rainy month here in New Hampshire – but fortunately I did not let the weather get the better of my hiking plans. Since moving to my own place about six weeks ago, I’ve become increasingly focused on improving my endurance. Much to my delight, the long hours on the treadmill and outside on the trails finally seem to be paying off. As muddy and wet as this summer has been, I’ve actually been able to pull off several loops/traverses that I’ve had on my mind for quite a while now:

Counterclockwise Pemi Loop and West Bond

Date: June 13th, 2009
Distance: 32.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 9,500 feet
Trails Used: Wilderness, Bondcliff, West Bond Spur, Twinway, Garfield Ridge, Franconia Ridge, Osseo

Kilkenny Ridge Traverse

Date: July 3rd, 2009
Distance: ~25 miles
Elevation Gain: Unknown
Trails Used: Starr King, Kilkenny Ridge

Presidential Traverse

Date: July 5th, 2009
Distance: 21.7 miles
Elevation Gain: ~8,800 feet
Trails Used: Valley Way, Osgood, Star Lake, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Crawford Path, Monroe Loop, Eisenhower Loop, Webster Cliff, Webster-Jackson

Wildcats Ridge, Carter Range, Moriah and Shelburne Moriah Traverse

Date: July 12th, 2009
Distance: ~23 miles
Elevation Gain: (Need to calculate)
Trails Used: Wildcat Ridge, Carter-Moriah, Kenduskeag, Rattle River

I hope to attempt another Pemi Loop this weekend (clockwise, and including Galehead this time around). I’m also in the midst of planning a 24 Hour Hut Traverse for late August.

Now, if only the rain would go away…