Not every experience is meant to challenge us. Sometimes the maximum appreciation is derived from simply slowing down — stopping to smell the flowers as they say. The summary below, written by Redline Guide Debra McCown, captures such a trip taking place in Zealand Notch. One where sweat was replaced with serenity.
Enjoying the Experience
On Wednesday I met a returning guest at Zealand Falls Hut for a hike to explore the area, a day after she’d visited Zeacliff with a local hiking group. We talked briefly about the possibility of bagging another peak, such as nearby Mt. Tom, but she decided that she’d rather do a less strenuous hike and see the sights.
We decided on Zealand Notch, a scenic view along the Appalachian Trail a little over a mile from the hut, where Zeacliff is also visible. We then went to Thoreau Falls, which is still a beautiful place even without much water flowing (northern New Hampshire is currently experiencing a drought). There, we ran into a thru-hiker that she’d met at the hut the day before.
After we hiked back to the parking lot through the sunny forest, noting three bear poops and the first fall leaves on the trail, she said for her it’s not really about checking peaks off a list; it’s about the experience. She just loves being outside. —Debra
