There are so many interesting tidbits regarding this hike. For one thing it was one participant’s tenth birthday (happy birthday). Moreover this oft-returning peakbagging family also got numbers 6, 7, and 8 of their quest to climb the 4000-footers of New Hampshire. On lead for this two day event involving a stay at the AMC’s Lakes of the Clouds hut was Redline Guide Pat Ferland.
The plan specifics went as follows:
- The team met at Edmand’s Path which ascends Mt Eisenhower (4763′).
- After leaving a car, they drove to the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.
- They climbed the “Ammo” noting that there was a lot of running water on the trail, but the crossings were fun and engaging.
- They kept leapfrogging with other groups as everyone was taking their time. It was hot!
- They made it to the AMC’s Lakes of the Clouds hut — that being their destination for the night.
- They arrived at around 1PM so they dropped their sleeping gear after a short break then headed to the summit of Mount Washington (6288′).
- The team made good time covering the 1.4 mikes in about an hour and a half. Not bad!
- On the summit they stood in a long line for the obligatory summit photo. See photos below.
- After some chili and hotdogs at the top, they boogied back down to the hut not wanting to be late for dinner.
- When through with dinner they spent some time trying to skip stones in the lake.
- Back at the hut the birthday played chess with a Nobo (north-bound thru-hiker) with the trail name “Sweep.”
- In the morning they played a couple rounds of banana grams after which they packed up and headed to Mt Monroe (5369′).
- The day featured blue skies, baking sun, small breezes, and a lot of pesky black flies.
- The team continued on over Little Monroe, Franklin, and then Mt Eisenhower as noted.
- Once they summited Eisenhower, they reversed direction aiming for Edmand’s Path and the final miles.
- Pat figured this wasn’t a bad way to spend a 10th birthday — hiking in the White Mountains. We agree!
