Climbing the NE111

We had a returning guest, Monica, book a trip with us for yesterday (9/10). Her goal was to hike Mt Jefferson (5712′) in the Northern Presidentials. You see, during a prior trip to the area, she was able to bag Madison and Adams, but Jefferson had alluded her at the time. We would see to it that this time would be different.

Monica’s a capable and experienced hiker and has trekked extensively in the Adirondaks and Catskills of New York, just note the patches on her pack (inset). So it begs the question, why hire a guide? Someone, in fact, asked this very question. The answer is a simple one. From us she wanted our organization, our expertise, and our companionship. And this is something we find more and more people doing. Guiding experienced hikers. Some hoping to learn, improve their craft, or up their game, so to speak. Some want to explore their limits. Others are merely seeking a knowledgeable and experienced companion. We are there. After all, guiding hikers to our higher summits is a proud tradition in the Whites spanning hundreds of years — as soon as folks figured out the mountains weren’t “daunting terrible” but we’re instead “sublime.” We are happy to do our part in keeping this tradition alive.

Working on her New England 111 list (that is the 111 tallest peaks in New England and New York), Monica is naturally grabbing the 48 4000-foot summits in New Hampshire. Next up, Carrigain. Like many of our other guests, we expect she will visit with us a lot. It’s our pleasure. Today was our pleasure. The clouds and sun duked it out all morning making for some interesting skies, albeit limiting our extended views. The clouds also kept things cool. Cool enough to want a hot drink at the summit, yet warm enough when out of the light breezes to want to linger for a bit and drink our drink. Pretty sure that’s referred to as perfect. As these photos may reveal.

What an excellent day in the mountains.